Is coliving safe? Addressing common concerns about shared housing

January 14, 2025

In recent years, coliving has emerged as a compelling housing alternative that combines affordability with built-in community, especially in cities where traditional housing costs continue to rise. This innovative living model has seen substantial expansion in the housing market worldwide. For instance, the market was valued at approximately $7.952 billion in 2020, marking a 6% increase from 2019. Additionally, about 900 new coliving spaces opened in 2020, representing a 30% growth rate for that year, according to becar.pro. According to businessresearchinsights.com, the coliving market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2032.

Safety and privacy naturally rank among the top considerations for anyone exploring coliving options. This aligns with recent research – a study of young adults between 19-29 found that nearly 86% identified safety as their primary concern when evaluating shared living spaces. Let’s examine the key safety features of coliving and clarify common misunderstandings about this modern living arrangement.

Understanding coliving and security measures

At its core, coliving involves individuals renting private rooms within a shared home while sharing communal spaces such as kitchens and living areas. Reputable coliving providers, like PadSplit and the hosts on our platform, prioritize security through a combination of technology, policies, and design. Below, we delve into key safety concerns and how they are managed.

Common concerns about coliving safety

1. Who Will I Be Living With?
PadSplit requires residents to go through a screening process before moving in. Our background screenings help maintain secure homes for all residents. 

2. How Are Disputes or Issues Handled?
Members can bring issues to PadSplit and their host’s attention through our responsive support system. Members can quickly report any concerns – from maintenance needs to roommate issues – through our digital platform.

3. What About Personal Privacy?
Personal privacy remains a cornerstone of coliving, with each member enjoying their own private, secure bedroom complete with furnishings. The shared living experience is enhanced by clear guidelines about common spaces, setting more structured expectations than typical roommate arrangements.

4. Are the Homes Secure?
Your security comes first at every PadSplit home. Our properties are equipped with secure access systems at all entry points.

Unique features in PadSplit homes:

  • Screening Process
    PadSplit ensures that every member meets predefined eligibility criteria, contributing to a respectful and secure community. This process fosters trust among housemates.
  • Utility-Inclusive Setup
    Since all utilities are included in the rent, disputes over bills are virtually eliminated, removing a common source of tension in shared housing arrangements.
  • Transparent Member Agreements
    Clear expectations are established upfront, minimizing misunderstandings. This transparency extends to house rules, guest policies, and shared responsibilities.

Tips for staying safe in a coliving home

  • Communicate Openly: Establish open communication with housemates early on to create a respectful and cooperative living dynamic.
  • Secure Your Belongings: Use your private room’s lockable space (if available) for storing valuables.
  • Follow House Rules: Adhering to the guidelines helps maintain a secure and harmonious environment for all members.

Safety and support: Comparing coliving with traditional housing models

The difference between professionally managed coliving and informal shared housing is clear in both safety and operations. While traditional roommates often rely on casual interviews and instinct when choosing housemates, PadSplit applies consistent screening standards for every resident.

This professional oversight extends throughout the living experience. Instead of the loose arrangements typical in roommate situations, coliving provides structured guidelines for everything from visitor policies to housekeeping. This organized approach prevents many of the common friction points that plague informal shared housing.

Built-in community security

Coliving’s unique community design inherently enhances security. Members enjoy both the safety of having neighbors nearby and the comfort of their private space – striking a balance that’s hard to find in traditional housing. This setup offers more protection than living alone, combining robust security features with the natural watchfulness of a close-knit community.

Professional support systems

Coliving spaces stand apart through their comprehensive support network. Residents benefit from dedicated property management, professionally managed common spaces, and clear protocols for addressing any concerns that arise.

  • 24/7 maintenance response teams
  • Support for conflict resolution
  • Digital platforms for reporting issues

This comprehensive support system offers a stark improvement over conventional rentals – where tenants frequently deal with delayed landlord responses – and typical roommate arrangements where residents are left to manage disputes on their own.

Financial security through transparency

A key advantage of coliving is its all-in-one payment structure that covers rent, utilities, upkeep, and essential services. This comprehensive approach removes the financial surprises that often come with traditional rentals or roommate situations, where unexpected maintenance costs or fluctuating utility bills can strain your budget.

Modern security infrastructure

Modern security comes built into our properties through essential features: secure digital entry systems that give each resident their own unique access code,, professional cleaning teams that maintain shared spaces, and systematic safety inspections to keep everything running smoothly.

The human element

Coliving offers something essential in city life: genuine human connection. While preserving individual privacy, this housing model creates natural opportunities for friendship and community support – a vital counterbalance to the social isolation often found in urban settings.

The future of safety in coliving

Modern coliving spaces are embracing smart technology to enhance resident safety and comfort. Advanced security systems and connected monitoring solutions are becoming standard features, not just optional upgrades. These technological improvements, paired with well-structured community standards, make coliving an increasingly sophisticated and dependable housing choice.

Why coliving is a secure housing alternative

Unlike informal roommate arrangements, professional coliving spaces provide a more organized and supported living experience. Coliving companies like PadSplit streamline shared living by establishing clear safeguards, encouraging member responsibility, and maintaining responsive support systems that put resident wellbeing first.

“I feel more safe in my room, and I don’t feel like anyone is going to break into the home… I have a short drive to work and am now saving a lot of money on Lyft rides. I also love how you can move houses within PadSplit on the website. I don’t have to worry about finding a new place to stay if I get a job in another location,” says Tyla, a PadSplit resident.

“I feel safe. I wouldn’t have been able to grow in life like I did if I didn’t feel safe. PadSplit gave me the space to see where I had given up my power and change what needed changing. I’ve seen my dreams come true. One of the things that I believe is if you want to revive, restructure, and rebuild your life, you can do it through PadSplit!” says Carol, a PadSplit resident.

Learn more


Discover how PadSplit combines security, affordability, and community in one living solution. Join our growing network of residents who have found their ideal home in our supportive coliving spaces. Take the first step toward your new home – browse available properties or create your account today at PadSplit.com.

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