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Communicating with your cotenant is a must-know when it comes to co-op living. You don’t want to leave things to chance or misunderstanding, do you?
Communication is paramount to having a successful experience with cotenancies. Read on to learn some tips and tricks you can use the next time you want to talk to your cotenant.
Establishing Ground Rules
The key to cohabitating with co-owning property is understanding each other well on “rules of thumb”. Establish ground rules upfront. Communicate openly and regularly with each other to ensure a harmonious living situation.
Have a “household discussion” to discuss expectations and establish house rules. This should include shared responsibilities and the type of visitors each roommate may have.
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Establishing boundaries up front and ensuring your rights as a renter/tenant are respected can save you many headaches.
Creating Mutual Respect
Creating mutual respect between you and your cotenant is essential for a successful living situation. Be open to discussing any issues openly and honestly. Be polite and respectful towards your cotenant, even if you disagree with them.
Listen carefully to avoid misunderstandings. Take the time to understand the viewpoint of others and be willing to compromise.
Respect each other’s personal space and belongings. Ensure you aren’t infringing on anything that belongs solely to your cotenant.
Show empathy towards your cotenant and be willing to compromise, no matter how difficult. This will promote mutual respect between you and your cotenant.
Confronting Conflict in a Constructive Way
Avoid using accusatory language, and do not raise your voice. Focus on what the problem is and how it can be solved. Discuss solutions to problems like when the co-owner refuses to pay taxes and coming to an agreement that works for both of you.
Avoid making assumptions or attaching blame to anyone or anything. Remember to take responsibility for your words and actions. If the conflict gets out of hand, take a break and return to the conversation later.
Be objective and strive for win-win ownership agreements. Avoid any hasty decisions and acknowledge that sometimes compromise between two people is the best solution. With the right communication skills, analyzing the root cause of a conflict
Taking Responsibility for Miscommunication
If something is said that is misconstrued, it’s essential to clarify and discover how to move forward on the same page. Communicating with your cotenant can include making a detailed chore schedule, agreeing on overnight guests, and having regular conversations. These conversations should not be one-sided but involve both parties expressing their feelings.
Communicating with your cotenant in a kitchen or living room setting is also recommended. This encourages both people to be face-to-face and be conscious of their words and body language. Taking responsibility for miscommunication can ensure that living together becomes easier and problems that arise can be solved more quickly.
Proper Communication With Your Cotenant
Open communication and mutual respect are invaluable when living with a cotenant. If verbal communication fails, use tactics such as implementing a household decisions chart or chore schedule to get your point across. Apologize when necessary and always remember to be kind and courteous.
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