The Ultimate Guide to Shared Living in Malta: How to Be a Great Roommate
Master the art of flatsharing in Malta with our complete guide to roommate etiquette, house rules, conflict resolution, and creating a harmonious shared home.
Living with roommates is a fundamental part of the Malta experience. With rental prices making private apartments a luxury that many can't afford, shared accommodation has become the norm for students, young professionals, and even established expats across the island. But here's the thing — sharing a home with strangers (who hopefully become friends) is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned and improved.
Over the years, we've seen countless flatshares thrive and others fall apart. The difference rarely comes down to the apartment itself or even luck in finding the "right" people. It comes down to communication, expectations, and the daily habits that make shared living either a joy or a nightmare.
This guide distills everything we've learned about successful shared living in Malta. Whether you're about to move into your first flatshare or you're a seasoned roommate looking to improve your living situation, these insights will help you create a home where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and happy.
The Malta Flatshare Culture
Before diving into practical advice, it's worth understanding what makes shared living in Malta unique. The island's flatshare culture has its own character, shaped by the international community that calls Malta home.
A Melting Pot Under One Roof
Walk into almost any shared flat in Sliema, Gzira, or St Julian's, and you'll likely find residents from three, four, or even five different countries. This international mix is one of the great joys of Malta flatsharing — you'll be exposed to different cultures, cuisines, perspectives, and ways of life without leaving your living room.
But this diversity also creates challenges. What's considered normal behavior in one culture might be rude or strange in another. Attitudes toward cleanliness, noise, personal space, and social interaction vary widely. Successful Malta flatmates learn to navigate these differences with curiosity rather than judgment.
The Transient Nature of Malta Life
Malta's expat community is notably transient. People come for a job contract, a course of study, or an adventure, and many move on after a year or two. This means flatmate turnover is common. You might find a great living situation only to have your favorite roommate announce they're leaving in two months.
This transience has pros and cons. On one hand, if you end up with a difficult roommate, you know the situation isn't permanent. On the other hand, constantly adjusting to new people can be exhausting. The best approach is to embrace the flux — see each new flatmate as an opportunity rather than a disruption.
The Work-From-Home Factor
Malta's iGaming and tech industries employ many remote workers, and this has only increased in recent years. There's a good chance your flatmates (or you) work from home at least some of the time. This changes the dynamics of shared living significantly.
When everyone leaves for an office each morning, the flat is empty during work hours and serves primarily as an evening and weekend space. But when people work from home, the flat becomes a 24/7 shared environment. Noise, internet bandwidth, common space usage, and even the rhythm of daily life all need to be negotiated differently.
Before You Move In: Setting the Foundation
The best flatshare relationships are built on clear expectations established from the very beginning. Here's how to set yourself up for success before you even unpack your bags.
Choosing Compatible Roommates
If you have any say in who you live with, use it wisely. Compatibility matters more than you might think, and it's not just about whether you "click" as friends.
Consider practical lifestyle factors:
Work schedules: A night owl and an early bird can coexist, but it requires more consideration than two people with similar schedules. If you need to sleep by 10pm for your 7am start, living with someone who hosts late-night gatherings will be challenging.
Social styles: Some people see their flat as a social hub, constantly having friends over. Others view home as a quiet retreat from the world. Neither is wrong, but mixing the two without discussion causes friction.
Cleanliness standards: This is perhaps the biggest source of roommate conflict. Someone who cleans the kitchen after every use will struggle to live peacefully with someone who lets dishes pile up for days. Try to gauge standards during viewings or initial conversations.
Lifestyle habits: Smokers and non-smokers, pet lovers and pet avoiders, couples who want privacy and singles who want community — these differences can work, but they need to be acknowledged upfront.
During viewings or introductory chats, ask direct questions. It might feel awkward, but it's far less awkward than discovering incompatibilities after you've signed a lease and moved in.
The House Rules Conversation
Before or immediately after moving in, have an explicit conversation about house rules. Don't assume everyone shares your assumptions about how a household should work. Topics to cover include:
Cleaning responsibilities: Will you have a cleaning rota? Who cleans common areas and how often? What about individual contributions to shared mess?
Kitchen etiquette: Are food and supplies shared or separate? Who buys household essentials like dish soap and toilet paper? How is the fridge organized?
Guests and overnight visitors: How much notice is required for guests? Are there limits on how often partners can stay over? What about parties or gatherings?
Quiet hours: When does the flat transition to quiet mode? This is especially important if people have different work schedules.
Shared expenses: How are utilities split? What about shared household items? How do you handle it when one person uses significantly more of a shared resource?
Communication methods: How will you communicate about house matters? A WhatsApp group? In-person house meetings? A shared note system?
Some established flats will already have house rules in place. If so, make sure you actually read and agree to them before moving in. If you have concerns or conflicts, raise them immediately rather than hoping they won't matter.
The Money Talk
Money causes more roommate conflicts than almost anything else. Be crystal clear about financial expectations from day one.
Understand exactly what you're paying for. Is your rent all-inclusive or do you pay utilities separately? If separate, how is the split calculated — equally, by room size, by usage? Who is responsible for paying bills and collecting money from others?
For shared expenses beyond utilities, establish a system before the first grocery run. Common approaches include:
Completely separate: Everyone buys and uses their own everything. Simple but can feel isolating and leads to duplicate purchases.
Shared basics, separate extras: Communal toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and perhaps basic cooking staples, with a kitty or rotation for restocking. Personal food and specialty items are individual.
Fully communal: Everything is shared and expenses are split equally. Works well when people have similar consumption levels and tastes, but can cause resentment if someone feels they're subsidizing others.
Whatever system you choose, track shared expenses. Apps like Splitwise make this easy and prevent the awkwardness of trying to remember who bought what three weeks ago.
Day-to-Day Living: The Small Things That Matter
Flatshare success is built in the daily details. These might seem like small things, but they're the foundation of harmonious shared living.
Kitchen Conduct
The kitchen is ground zero for roommate relations. More flatshare arguments start here than anywhere else. Master kitchen etiquette and you'll avoid most common conflicts.
Clean as you go: The golden rule. Wash dishes immediately after use, wipe down surfaces you've dirtied, and never leave food mess overnight. Even if you plan to "do it later," later often doesn't come, and meanwhile your roommate is staring at your crusty pan.
Respect fridge organization: If your flat has designated fridge shelves, stick to yours. Don't let your items spread into others' space. Label items if necessary to prevent accidental consumption.
Replace what you use: If you finish the cooking oil, coffee, or other shared item, replace it or notify whoever handles purchasing. Running out of essentials because someone used the last of something without saying anything is frustrating.
Be mindful of cooking smells: Malta flats often have limited ventilation. If you're cooking something particularly pungent, open windows and be aware that the smell might bother others. This doesn't mean you can't cook aromatic food, but maybe give a heads-up if you're making fermented fish at 11pm.
Don't monopolize the kitchen: If you're making an elaborate multi-hour meal, be aware that others might need access. Offer to let them in to grab things, and try to schedule intensive cooking sessions when the kitchen is less in demand.
Bathroom Basics
Shared bathrooms require their own etiquette, especially if you have more roommates than bathrooms (common in Malta).
Be quick during peak times: Mornings before work are usually peak bathroom time. Don't start a 45-minute grooming routine when three people are waiting.
Clean up after yourself: Wipe down the sink, remove hair from the drain, don't leave personal products scattered everywhere. The next person shouldn't have to deal with evidence of your shower.
Manage your products: Keep your toiletries contained rather than spreading across every surface. Shower caddies are useful for carrying products in and out.
Handle the toilet respectfully: We probably don't need to elaborate, but: close the lid, ensure everything is flushed, and keep the area clean. Replace toilet paper before it runs out completely.
Communicate about maintenance: If something's wrong — blocked drain, broken fixture, low water pressure — tell your flatmates and landlord promptly rather than hoping someone else will notice and deal with it.
Living Space Courtesy
Common living areas like living rooms and dining areas belong to everyone, which means everyone needs to be considerate.
Don't claim the common space: If your flat has a shared living room, don't treat it as an extension of your bedroom. Leaving your stuff everywhere, monopolizing the TV, or always having your friends there prevents others from enjoying the space.
Headphones are your friend: Whether you're watching videos, listening to music, or on a video call, default to headphones in common areas. Your flatmates might not share your taste in death metal or reality TV.
Maintain reasonable quiet: General conversation and activity are fine, but shouting, blasting music, or having loud calls late at night isn't fair to others. Be especially mindful if someone is working from home.
Contribute to tidiness: Common area mess is everyone's responsibility. Even if you didn't create it, pitching in to maintain a pleasant shared space is part of being a good flatmate.
Personal Space Respect
Even in shared accommodation, everyone needs some personal space and privacy.
Bedrooms are private: Never enter a flatmate's room without explicit permission. Knock and wait for a response even if the door is open.
Respect closed doors: A closed bedroom door means someone wants privacy. Don't knock unless it's important.
Give space when needed: Everyone has bad days or times when they need solitude. If a flatmate seems withdrawn or says they need alone time, respect that without taking it personally.
Be mindful of common-to-bedroom transitions: If your room is near common areas, you might hear more activity. Similarly, others might hear things from your room. Both sides need to be considerate.
Communication: The Heart of Flatshare Success
Almost every flatshare problem can be traced back to a communication failure. Learning to communicate effectively with roommates is the most important skill you can develop.
Addressing Issues Early
Small annoyances have a way of becoming big resentments if left unaddressed. That slightly annoying habit you noticed in week one can feel unbearable by month three if you've been silently stewing about it.
When something bothers you, address it sooner rather than later. This doesn't mean confronting your flatmate aggressively about every minor irritation. It means finding the right moment to have a calm, constructive conversation before frustration builds up.
The longer you wait, the harder the conversation becomes. You've accumulated resentment, and your flatmate is blindsided because they had no idea anything was wrong. Early intervention keeps issues manageable.
The Art of the Constructive Conversation
How you raise issues matters as much as whether you raise them. Approach conversations with these principles:
Choose the right moment: Don't ambush someone when they've just woken up, are rushing out the door, or are clearly stressed. Find a calm moment when you can both give the conversation proper attention.
Use "I" statements: "I find it hard to sleep when there's noise after midnight" is easier to hear than "You're too loud at night." Frame things in terms of your experience rather than their failings.
Be specific: Vague complaints like "you're messy" aren't actionable. Specific observations like "dishes have been in the sink for three days" give your flatmate clear information about the problem.
Assume good intent: Most people aren't trying to be inconsiderate. They might not realize their behavior is causing a problem. Approach conversations assuming your flatmate wants to be a good roommate and just needs information about how.
Listen to their perspective: Communication is two-way. Maybe there's a reason behind the behavior you didn't know about, or maybe you're doing something that bothers them too. Be open to hearing their side.
Focus on solutions: The goal isn't to win an argument or make someone feel bad. It's to solve a problem. Keep conversations focused on what can be done going forward rather than relitigating past grievances.
House Meetings
For ongoing communication, regular house meetings can be valuable. This doesn't need to be formal — even a weekly coffee together where you check in about any house matters counts.
Benefits of regular check-ins include:
- Issues get raised before they become major problems
- Everyone has a regular opportunity to voice concerns
- Household logistics (repairs, bills, supplies) stay on track
- It builds relationships and community feeling
Keep meetings brief and positive. This isn't a grievance airing session — it's a maintenance conversation. If major issues arise, they might need a separate, more focused discussion.
The Flatmate Group Chat
Most Malta flatshares have a WhatsApp or similar group chat. Use it wisely:
Do use it for: Logistical matters (bills due, landlord visiting, someone's expecting a delivery), heads-ups (having guests, will be away, etc.), shared planning (household purchases, repairs), and casual friendly chat if the vibe supports it.
Don't use it for: Passive-aggressive complaints, airing grievances that should be face-to-face conversations, excessive messaging that clogs everyone's notifications, or serious conflicts that need proper discussion.
A good group chat is functional and friendly without being overwhelming or becoming a battleground.
Handling Conflict
Even in the best flatshares, conflicts arise. How you handle them determines whether they become minor bumps or relationship-ending disasters.
Common Conflict Sources in Malta Flats
Understanding common issues helps you recognize and address them:
Cleanliness disparities: Different standards of tidiness are the number one conflict source. What one person considers acceptably messy, another sees as disgusting.
Noise and quiet: Music, TV, calls, guests, late-night activity — sound carries in Malta's often-thin-walled apartments, and people have different tolerances.
Guest policies: How often partners stay over, whether friends can visit, party frequency — these need alignment.
Bill payments: Late payments, disputes over usage, and unclear expense sharing cause financial friction.
Lifestyle differences: Work-from-home vs. office, early bird vs. night owl, introvert vs. extrovert — these fundamental differences require ongoing negotiation.
Personal items: Borrowed things not returned, shared items running out, boundary violations around possessions.
De-escalation Strategies
When conflict does arise:
Take a breath: If you're angry, give yourself time to calm down before engaging. Nothing productive happens in the heat of the moment.
Separate the issue from the person: Your flatmate isn't a bad person because they forgot to buy toilet paper or played music too loud. Address the behavior, not their character.
Seek to understand: Before defending your position, try to understand theirs. What's behind their behavior? What do they need?
Find common ground: Usually both parties want the same thing — a pleasant living situation. Start from that shared goal rather than opposing positions.
Compromise when possible: Flatshare life requires give and take. Be willing to adjust your own behavior as well as asking others to change theirs.
Know when to involve others: If you can't resolve a conflict between yourselves, a neutral third party might help. This could be another flatmate, a mutual friend, or in serious cases, a mediator.
When Things Don't Work Out
Sometimes, despite best efforts, a flatmate situation simply doesn't work. Maybe personalities clash irreparably, maybe someone repeatedly violates house agreements, or maybe circumstances change and living together no longer makes sense.
If you're in an unworkable situation:
Be honest with yourself: Are you making a genuine effort, or have you already mentally checked out? If there's a fixable problem, try to fix it before giving up.
Review your lease: Understand your options and obligations. Can you give notice and leave? Can a problematic flatmate be asked to leave? What are the practical steps?
Have a direct conversation: If you're planning to leave or want someone else to leave, communicate this clearly rather than letting things fester.
Part on good terms if possible: Malta's expat community is small. You'll probably run into former flatmates again. Ending things respectfully is better for everyone.
Learn from the experience: What went wrong? What would you do differently? Use the experience to make better choices in your next living situation.
Creating a Positive Flatshare Culture
Beyond avoiding problems, the best flatshares actively cultivate positive community. Here's how to create a living situation that people actually enjoy.
Building Relationships
Your flatmates don't have to become your best friends, but some level of relationship makes shared living much more pleasant. Simple ways to build connection:
Share meals occasionally: You don't need to cook together every night, but occasional shared dinners create bonding opportunities. Even ordering pizza and eating together counts.
Take interest in each other: Ask about their work, their weekend, their life. Remember details they've shared. Basic human interest goes a long way.
Include each other appropriately: Heading to a beach everyone might enjoy? Mention it. Throwing a small party? Invite your flatmates even if they decline.
Celebrate together: Birthdays, job promotions, holidays from different cultures — marking occasions together builds community.
Respecting Differences
Living with people from different backgrounds is an opportunity to learn and grow. Approach differences with curiosity:
Ask questions: Don't know why your flatmate does something a certain way? Ask respectfully. They'll probably be happy to explain their cultural background.
Share your own culture: Introduce your flatmates to foods, holidays, or customs from your background. Cultural exchange enriches everyone.
Find the learning opportunity: Even when differences cause friction, there's usually something to learn about other ways of living.
Avoid assumptions: Don't assume someone does something because of their nationality. Individuals vary, and stereotyping never helps.
Contributing to the Household
Being a good flatmate means actively contributing, not just avoiding being a nuisance:
Do your share: Whatever the cleaning system, do your part without needing reminders.
Notice what needs doing: Don't wait to be told the bin needs emptying or we're out of dish soap. Take initiative.
Offer help: If a flatmate is struggling with something — carrying heavy items, feeling sick, having a hard time — offer assistance.
Be flexible: Sometimes you'll need to cover for a flatmate who's traveling or busy. Do so graciously, knowing they'll return the favor.
Add positive energy: A smile, a friendly greeting, an offer to make tea — small positive contributions create a warm home atmosphere.
Special Considerations for Malta
Living in Malta brings specific factors that affect shared living. Here are Malta-specific considerations:
The Summer Heat
Malta summers are hot, and air conditioning is essential for comfort. This creates specific roommate considerations:
AC costs: Running AC is expensive. Agree on usage guidelines — when it's acceptable to run AC, temperature settings, whether it runs overnight.
Bedroom vs. common area cooling: Some flats have AC in some rooms but not others. Figure out fair arrangements for shared cooling resources.
Heat-related tensions: People get irritable in heat. Be aware that summer frays tempers and try to give extra grace during hot spells.
The Social Scene
Malta's expat community is notably social, with regular events, parties, and gatherings. This affects home life:
Pre-game culture: People often gather at someone's flat before going out. Discuss how your flat handles these gatherings.
After-party considerations: Late nights are common. Agree on how late noise can continue if people come back after going out.
The small-world factor: You'll run into people everywhere. Your flatmate's ex, your former flatmate, your colleague's friend — social circles overlap heavily. Navigate this with discretion.
Working From Home
With Malta's remote-work-friendly industries, flatmates often work from home:
Internet sharing: Ensure your internet plan can handle multiple people working. Discuss bandwidth-heavy activities (video calls, large downloads).
Quiet work hours: Agree on times when people need quiet for work. Respect these boundaries.
Space for work: If possible, designate areas for work so people aren't always working from common spaces or always locked in their bedrooms.
Conclusion: The Reward of Good Flatsharing
Living with roommates isn't just a financial necessity — at its best, it's a rich, rewarding experience that adds immeasurably to your time in Malta. Good flatmates become friends, support networks, travel companions, and sources of perspectives you'd never encounter otherwise.
The keys to flatshare success aren't mysterious: communicate clearly, respect others, do your share, and approach differences with openness. These principles apply whether you're living with one roommate or five, whether your flatmates are from your home country or the other side of the world.
Malta's international community means you'll have opportunities to share homes with fascinating people from all walks of life. Embrace this. The stories you'll collect, the friendships you'll build, and the growth you'll experience make the occasional frustrations of shared living more than worthwhile.
Your flatshare is what you make it. Put in the effort, and you might just find that your flatmates become one of the best parts of your Malta experience.
Looking for roommates in Malta? Browse our listings to find your perfect flatshare, or post a roommate-wanted listing to let compatible housemates find you. Good luck and happy flatsharing!