Shared accommodation in Luxembourg: 7 pitfalls to avoid

1. Fake advertisements

Luxembourg is an attractive country for many people wishing to work abroad. The country welcomes a large number of expats every year. These people, who are not necessarily familiar with the market, look for accommodation.

During your search, you should be on the lookout to avoid scams. Beware of adverts that seem too good to be true, with rents far below market prices.

Avoid rushing into things. Dishonest people may put pressure on you, saying you need to act urgently. Never pay money before visiting the accommodation, taking time to talk with the landlord and one of the housemates and, above all, signing a contract.

2. Ambiguous or non-existent rental contracts

All shared accommodation involves signing a contract with the owner of the property or the provider of the shared accommodation services, depending on the case.

To avoid any inconveniences or disappointments, it is important that the rental contract is clear. More specifically, it should go into written detail regarding the terms of the lease, specify the lease payment amount and the way in which costs are shared, as well as clarifying the shared accommodation rules. The rental contract should be signed by the parties in person. It should also specify the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord, to avoid any legal problems later on.

It is especially important to verify the length of the contract and the terms of notice. Make sure to pay close attention to all clauses. Some landlords or tenants may try to impose unfavourable clauses .

 

3. Unclear charges

Charges linked to electricity, water and internet usage are not always included in the rent. So it is important to bear this in mind when selecting your shared tenancy and signing a contract.

If the charges are not included, it is advised to ask the landlord to define and assess them as precisely as possible. In a shared accommodation, charges should be taken on by multiple people. It is important that the allocation method is clearly established.

Throughout the tenancy, to avoid surprises or abuses, the tenant can ask the landlord for proof of the actual charges.

 

4. Undeclared shared accommodation

There is a specific framework for moving to Luxembourg. In particular, all new arrivals are obliged to register themselves with the municipal administration of their place of residence within three days of arriving.

Make sure you can register yourself as a resident in Luxembourg. If you are living in shared accommodation, you need to be particularly careful. The accommodation should be reported to the commune as being a shared living space. If this is not the case, multiple people who are not part of the same family are not permitted to share the same residence.

Similarly, the landlord should be informed of, and in agreement with, the shared accommodation arrangement. If the idea is to rent a flat to several friends with a view to sharing it, the approach must be approved by the landlord, who will have to declare the premises as a shared living space.

 

5. Communal areas and living rules

In a shared accommodation, communal areas are shared with other people. Newcomers who opt for this type of housing most often do so to meet people and more easily integrate with their new surroundings from the moment they arrive.

However, it is important to make sure that relations remain good with the other roommates and that the accommodation is suitable for this type of communal living. Indeed, some landlords seek to maximise the space in their rooms, to the extent that communal areas are very, or even too, restricted. This can quickly lead to tension.

You should also find out about the rules that apply, particularly regarding the use of communal areas and shared equipment. A serious shared accommodation will have taken care to establish them properly, to ensure a healthy cohabitation.

It is also advised to get in touch with the other flatmates, to meet them and talk to them briefly to see if their lifestyle, expectations and habits are compatible with yours.

 

6. Problems related to the state of the apartment

When moving in, you need to make sure that you don't quickly run into a number of problems, such as faulty equipment or comfort issues (damp, broken equipment).

Before taking possession of the accommodation, it is important to visit and inspect the general condition of the apartment, including the communal areas and equipment (household appliances, plumbing, electricity).

When moving in, it is essential to draw up a detailed written inventory. This protects you in the event of disputes over damage or wear and tear when you leave the shared accommodation.

7. Bad location

Without knowing Luxembourg, it is not always easy to find out how long it will take to travel to and from your new accommodation.
As such, it is advised to carefully consider the location before choosing a residence. Rent prices are mainly dependant on this factor. Even though transport is free in Luxembourg, certain areas are less well-served than others. A bad location leads to longer journey times, the need to have one's own means of transportation (with the costs that this entails) and a reduced quality of life .

When choosing a location, it is also important to take into account exposure to potential nuisance. For example, if the flat is near the airport and is regularly overflown by aircraft.
 

 

Coliving, a more structured solution with charges and services included

Alongside shared accommodation, coliving has seen significant growth in recent years. This all-inclusive package is designed to make it easier for new arrivals to get settled. As well as choosing whether or not to have a shared living space, you can opt for a range of services: cleaning, laundry, gym access , connection to an expat community for outings and cultural life on site.
To learn more, visit the following coliving providers.

https://atmanymany.com/
https://www.gravity-coliving.lu/