Including utilities such as water, electricity and internet can sometimes cause friction amongst communal housing

Porto Erasmus Rooms

Including bills in rent or not, is what we will discuss here.
Most tenants will ask to have bills included in their rent payments. It makes it easier to budget, no doubt. If each individual paid bills in the house, that could become a big problem in the household because this would put each person pitting against the other if and when bills were divided.
In this article, I will try to go into detail about the pros and cons of each side of the coin.

What bills are we talking about?
Bills usually consist of water and electricity, which usually include heating and hot water, as well as the internet. To most landlords, the internet is a fixed cost, so no matter how much data you use, the price is the same. But other bills such as water and electricity can prove to be a big headache for most landlords, which is based on the usage of each individual. And this usage, depending on the person, can be responsible, normal usage, or excessive usage, such as taking extra long showers, using the washing machine every day for one or two garments, and leaving the heater on endlessly in the winter without care for the landlord or for the parents that are paying the bills.

This fall in 2023 a letter to each tenant will be sent regarding energy usage:

Dear Guest,

As we approach one of the meanest winters of this century concerning energy bills, I wanted to reach out to each one of you.

Upon home visits, I have seen firsthand, how some of you use the washing machine with just a few garments inside on 3-hour cycles... I have also seen from the street how some of you leave lights on and are not even at home. I have also seen how you use heaters, leaving the doors sometimes open and going to the kitchen for a meal… The rest, I can only guess…

This winter will be a test, a test to see whether it is economically feasible, the home you are at, stays on the market for short-term rentals with bills included. Some may think “why should I care, I am going home in 3 months, and I´m paying with bills included, right”? Well to answer that, there are your friends and classmates that may come to Porto and not find a room, and/or the price will be so high, it will be unrealistic. I remind you again, this is not a hotel nor Airbnb situation or you would be paying AT LEAST 4-5 times more...

It is my goal here to shed some light on the energy crisis and give you some tips:

- Washing Machine: Use cold or warm water, shorter cycles, and with a full load.
- Take shorter showers.
- Brushing your teeth or shaving: Turn off the water in between.
- Dress appropriately: wear sweaters and sweats at home and only use the heater when needed. Your skin will thank you.
- Ask for extra blankets and I will get you.
- If you see a light on, turn it off.
- Never leave your heater unattended.

And finally, if there is a spike in energy costs, over the previous averages, be prepared to pay extra.
If you have any ideas to improve energy efficiency in your room or home, let me know.
In the end, as landlord, I prefer to include the bills for various reasons. Firstly, if bills were not included, it would put the housemates at each other. They will ultimately argue with each other, for instance, one who always has the heater on while the other doesn’t even like using the heater at all. Or there is the one that traveled for 3 weeks last month and still has to share the bills with everyone else. That person will feel that the system is unfair. Then there will be those that ultimately argue with the landlord over maybe a 5 euro surcharge because maybe it was miscalculated on his part or the meter count was misread. It basically comes down to there being friction in the air. Thus it is preferable that everyone has their bills included in the rent, so long is there is reasonable usage, which can be compared to previous years.

Ways to Improve Co-Living in 2026



Building Better Co-Living Communities for the Future


As housing costs continue to rise and remote work becomes more common, co-living has emerged as an attractive solution for students, young professionals, digital nomads, and even retirees. In 2026, successful co-living spaces must go beyond simply providing shared accommodation. They should create environments that promote comfort, community, sustainability, and personal well-being. This article explores key ways to improve co-living in 2026.


1. Integrate Smart Technology


Technology can significantly enhance the co-living experience. Smart home systems can improve convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Examples include:

  • Keyless entry systems for residents.
  • Smart thermostats that optimise energy consumption.
  • Mobile apps for booking shared facilities.
  • AI-powered maintenance reporting and tracking.
  • Automated lighting and climate control in common areas.

These innovations help residents manage their daily lives more efficiently while reducing operational costs.


2. Foster Strong Community Engagement


One of the main advantages of co-living is the sense of community. However, community does not develop automatically.

Operators can encourage engagement by:

  • Organising regular social events.
  • Creating hobby and interest groups.
  • Hosting networking opportunities for professionals.
  • Celebrating cultural and seasonal events.
  • Establishing community guidelines collaboratively.

Building meaningful relationships among residents can reduce loneliness and improve overall satisfaction.


3. Design Flexible Living Spaces


Modern residents have diverse lifestyles and needs. Flexible design can make co-living more appealing.

Key design features include:

  • Modular furniture.
  • Convertible work and leisure spaces.
  • Private soundproof pods for focused work.
  • Adaptable room layouts.
  • Multi-purpose communal areas.

This flexibility allows residents to personalise their experience without requiring significant renovations.


4. Prioritise Mental Health and Well-Being


Mental health has become a major concern worldwide. Co-living spaces can play an important role in supporting resident well-being.

Suggestions include:

  • Quiet relaxation zones.
  • Meditation and wellness rooms.
  • Access to mental health resources.
  • Community support programmes.
  • Natural lighting and biophilic design elements.

A healthy environment contributes to happier and more productive residents.


5. Embrace Sustainability


Environmental responsibility is expected rather than optional in 2026.

Sustainable improvements may include:

  • Solar energy systems.
  • Water-saving technologies.
  • Recycling and composting programmes.
  • Shared electric vehicles and bicycles.
  • Sustainable building materials.

These initiatives reduce environmental impact while appealing to environmentally conscious residents.


6. Improve Conflict Resolution Systems


Sharing living spaces can sometimes lead to disagreements. Effective conflict management is essential.

Best practices include:

  • Transparent house rules.
  • Clear communication channels.
  • Digital issue-reporting systems.
  • Resident mediation programmes.
  • Regular feedback surveys.

Addressing concerns early helps maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere.


7. Support Hybrid Work and Learning


With hybrid work and online education becoming increasingly common, co-living spaces should provide strong support for productivity.

Important features include:

  • High-speed internet.
  • Dedicated coworking spaces.
  • Video conferencing rooms.
  • Ergonomic furniture.
  • Reliable backup power systems.

Residents benefit from having professional-quality facilities close to home.


8. Increase Inclusivity and Accessibility


Future co-living communities should be welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Accessibility improvements include:

  • Barrier-free entrances.
  • Accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Multilingual communication tools.
  • Diversity-focused community programmes.
  • Affordable pricing options for various income groups.

Inclusive communities tend to be stronger, more innovative, and more resilient.


9. Enhance Privacy Without Sacrificing Community


A common challenge in co-living is balancing social interaction with personal space.

Solutions include:

  • Better acoustic insulation.
  • Private work areas.
  • Personal storage solutions.
  • Flexible room configurations.
  • Resident-controlled privacy settings for community platforms.

When residents have adequate privacy, they are more likely to participate positively in communal activities.


10. Use Data Responsibly to Improve Services


Building operators can use data analytics to improve resident experiences while respecting privacy.

Examples include:

  • Monitoring common-area usage.
  • Tracking maintenance trends.
  • Measuring resident satisfaction.
  • Optimising energy consumption.
  • Planning community events based on participation data.

Strong privacy policies and transparent data practices are essential to maintaining trust.


Conclusion


Co-living in 2026 has the potential to become more than a housing solution. By embracing smart technology, sustainability, flexible design, inclusivity, and community-focused initiatives, co-living spaces can offer a higher quality of life for residents. The most successful co-living communities will combine convenience, affordability, and meaningful human connection, creating living environments that meet the demands of an evolving world.