Renting with Roommates in Taiwan: Tips for Expats
Sharing an apartment with roommates is one of the most cost-effective and socially rewarding ways to live in Taiwan as an expat. This guide covers everything from finding compatible roommates to navigating shared living arrangements.
Benefits of Having Roommates
- Cost savings: Split rent and utilities 50-70%
- Built-in social network: Instant friends in a new country
- Larger spaces: Afford better locations and amenities
- Shared responsibilities: Cleaning, maintenance, utilities setup
- Local knowledge: Learn from roommates who know Taiwan
- Language practice: If you room with Taiwanese locals
Where to Find Roommates
Online Platforms
- Facebook Groups: "Find Roommates in Taipei," "Taipei Apartments," expat groups
- Co-living platforms: Many offer shared rooms or help match roommates
- Reddit: r/taiwan and r/taipei have housing threads
- University boards: If you're studying or near a university
- Workplace connections: Coworkers often know people looking
In-Person Options
- Hostel networking: Stay in hostels first and meet potential roommates
- Language exchange meetups: Meet people interested in international living
- Expat events: Networking events often have housing discussions
Questions to Ask Potential Roommates
Before committing, discuss:
- Work schedule: Are they home during the day? Night shift workers?
- Cleanliness standards: How often do they clean? Shared chore rotation?
- Guests policy: Can partners stay over? How often?
- Noise levels: Do they play music? Work from home on calls?
- Lifestyle habits: Early bird or night owl? Drinker or non-drinker?
- Duration: How long do they plan to stay?
- Pets: Do they have or want pets?
- Common area use: Who uses living room when?
Legal Considerations
All Roommates on Contract
Ideally, all roommates should be named on the rental contract. However, in Taiwan, it's common for one person to be the primary tenant.
When You're the Primary Tenant
- Get landlord approval for subleasing
- Create a written roommate agreement
- Document deposit and rent payments
- Keep receipts for all money exchanged
When You're the Secondary Tenant
- Get written agreement with primary tenant
- Meet the landlord if possible
- Take photos of your room condition
- Know your notice period requirements
Setting Up Utilities and Costs
How to Split Expenses
Common splitting methods:
- Even split: Simplest but may not be fair if room sizes differ
- By room size: Larger room pays 60%, smaller pays 40%
- Private bathroom premium: Master bedroom pays extra 10-20%
- Common areas: Usually split evenly
What to Split
- Rent
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
- Internet
- Shared supplies (toilet paper, cleaning products)
- Sometimes food (if you cook together)
Creating a Roommate Agreement
Even among friends, write down:
- Monthly costs and payment dates
- Cleaning schedule and responsibilities
- Quiet hours
- Guest policies
- Shared item usage (kitchen equipment, etc.)
- Notice period for moving out
- How to handle conflicts
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if potential roommates:
- Refuse to sign any agreement
- Are vague about their employment or income
- Want cash only with no receipts
- Have multiple people warning you about them
- Pressure you to move in immediately
- Can't provide references from past roommates
Making It Work: Best Practices
- Communicate openly: Address issues early before they become problems
- Respect boundaries: Know when roommates need privacy
- Share responsibilities: Don't let chores fall on one person
- Plan shared activities: Cook together, explore Taiwan together
- Give notice early: If you plan to move out, tell roommates ASAP
- Be flexible: Not everything will go perfectly
Cultural Considerations for Taiwan
- Taiwanese tend to be quiet and considerate neighbors
- Taking off shoes indoors is standard
- Sorting recycling is taken seriously
- Many Taiwanese roommates will share food and cook together
- Respect for personal space is highly valued