Sharing a bathroom in a shared house
Sharing a bathroom works best with a little thought about timing, tidiness and who tells the landlord when something goes wrong.
Busy times
- Mention roughly when you shower, especially if you work early or late shifts.
- Keep showers reasonably short at peak times, and do not use the bathroom as a dressing room when others are waiting.
- Knock, and lock the door while you are in.
Keeping it clean
- Rinse the sink and shower tray after use and clear hair from the plughole.
- Take your towels back to your room so they dry properly.
- Include the bathroom in your cleaning rota; see cleaning and bins.
Toiletries
Keep only everyday items in the bathroom, or use a caddy you carry to your room. Do not use other people's things without asking.
Steam, damp and leaks
Use the extractor fan or open a window while and after showering, and wipe condensation. See damp and mould. Report leaks, slow drains or a broken fan to the landlord promptly; see repairs in a rented room.
Doing laundry too? See laundry and drying clothes. For general house habits, see living with housemates. This is general information, not legal advice. See how renting with us works.
Common questions
How do we avoid morning queues for the bathroom?
Talk about your usual times. Short showers and not using the bathroom for getting ready when others need it help, and shift workers can often fit around the rush.
Should I keep toiletries in the bathroom?
Keep only what you need day to day, or use a small caddy you carry to your room, so shared shelves stay clear.
What should I do about a leak or mould in the bathroom?
Tell the landlord promptly with details and, if you can, a photo. Wiping condensation and using the extractor fan helps day to day.