The Roommate Survival Guide: 2026 McMaster Edition
Moving into an off-campus house with friends is one of the most exciting parts of the McMaster experience. Whether you’re eyeing a character home in Westdale or a modern spot in Ainslie Wood, the dream is the same: independence, shared meals, and a place to call your own.
But let’s be real—even the best of friends can run into “roommate drama” when it comes to dirty dishes, loud late-night study sessions, or who forgot to take the trash to the curb.
To keep your friendships (and your sanity) intact, here is our 2026 survival guide for McMaster students.
1. The "Pre-Sign" Vibe Check
Before you sign that lease, have an honest “house meeting.” You don’t need to be identical, but you do need to be on the same page about:
- The Sleep Schedule: Is the house “quiet” at 11:00 PM on weeknights, or is it okay to have friends over for late-night gaming?
- The Guest Policy: How do we feel about partners staying over 3+ nights a week?
The Chore Standard: Does “clean” mean the kitchen is wiped down every night, or just once a week?
2. Take the Stress Out of Money
Finances are the #1 cause of roommate friction. Avoid the awkward “Who owes what?” texts by setting up a system on day one.
- Utility Splits: If your Spotted Properties home isn’t all-inclusive, decide whose name is on the Alectra (hydro) or Enbridge (gas) bill and set a recurring monthly calendar reminder for everyone to pay their share.
Shared Goods: Use an app like Splitwise to track shared purchases like dish soap, sponges and paper towels.
3. Use a "Roommate Agreement"
It might feel formal, but having a simple written agreement protects everyone. It should outline expectations for noise, cleaning, and shared items.
Pro Tip: Include a section on “Communication Styles.” Some people prefer a direct chat, while others appreciate a heads-up in the group chat. Knowing this early prevents passive-aggressive sticky notes!
4. How Spotted Properties "Keeps the Peace"
We’ve managed thousands of student tenancies, and we’ve designed our service to eliminate the common triggers for roommate arguments:
- Individual Accountability: Every student in a Spotted Properties home has access to their own Resident Portal. You can pay your portion of the rent and see your own account status without having to rely on a “house treasurer.”
- 24/7 Maintenance Requests: No more arguing over who is responsible for calling the landlord. Anyone in the house can submit a maintenance request through our portal the moment they see a leak or a broken handle.
Professional Standards: Because we ensure our homes meet high safety and maintenance standards, you spend less time worrying about a “dodgy” house and more time actually enjoying your roommates.
5. Respect the Shared Spaces
In a student rental, your bedroom is your sanctuary, but the kitchen and living room belong to everyone. At Spotted Properties, we take pride in providing clean, well-maintained common areas—help us keep them that way!
- The 24-Hour Rule: Agree that no dishes stay in the sink for more than 24 hours.
Fridge Real Estate: Label your shelves so everyone knows where their groceries live.
Conclusion: Focus on the Memories, Not the Mess
Living with roommates is about building lifelong friendships and making memories between classes at Mac. By setting clear boundaries early and choosing a professionally managed home, you remove the “property stress” from the equation.
Ready to start your off-campus journey?
Gather your group and email our leasing manager at manager@rplg.ca. Our homes are designed for students, and our team is here to make your move-in (and your roommate life) as smooth as possible!