Renting with your Partner for the First Time: The Ultimate Survival Guide

July 2026

So, you’ve decided to take your relationship to the next stage and move in together! Renting with your other half for the first time is a significant milestone. It is one of the most exciting things you can experience as a couple. 

Think of all the romantic meals you can cook for each other. Movie marathons cuddled up on the couch. On-demand foot rubs and massages. Bliss! 

Yet, along with all those cuddles you need plenty of communication and compromise to deal with challenges that may arise. Who takes the bins out? Who pays the bills? Who does the laundry? More importantly, what happens if one of you Netflix cheats? 

To ensure cohabiting goes smoothly, you and your partner should establish co-living expectations early on. You both need to be on the same page. 

To help you do this, we’ve set out some examples of ground rules, for want of a better phrase, that you should talk over. Ideally, you want to do this before you sign the lease.

Most common housemate (yes, you and your significant other are now housemates) spats can easily be solved with clear communication and a little basic courtesy. Living with someone else is always a matter of give-and-take. Conflict will arise but it is better to nip any niggles or annoyances in the bud straight away and not let them fester. It is important to keep lines of communication open so everyone knows where they stand. You are both adults, not mind-readers. Don't assume that your partner will just figure out what is bothering you; communicate your needs, preferences and expectations as soon as possible.

Setting up a joint bank account makes things a whole lot easier when it comes to paying bills and rent. Now, we’re not saying you must get all your wages paid into this account. You can keep your own finances separately but do transfer money needed to pay rent, bills, the weekly grocery shop into this account. And maybe a little extra if you want to buy a nice lamp or throw for the living room!

Passive-aggressive Post-it Notes are never a good idea. We know we said communication is very important, but this is not the way to go about it. Be better than this. 

However, a handwritten love note is an exception to the above. Taking the time to write something nice on a piece of paper is very thoughtful. Also, if you have had a bit of a disagreement, it is a very easy way to break the ice and open the lines of communication.

It is kind and considerate to give your partner some space and time to be alone in the house. As much as you love each other, we all need some ‘me time’ every now and then. Even going out for a quick walk will give your other half (and yourself) some breathing space!

Nobody is perfect, least of all you. Let little things slide. You don't need to pick fault with everything that you don't like. Be willing to ask for, as well as give, a second (and third) chance. Cut your partner a little slack now and then, especially when they are tired or having a bad day/week/month.

For a harmonious communal living experience, you need to pull your weight and pitch in with household chores and decisions. Doing your fair share of the cleaning and cooking is key to keeping resentment at bay. Draw up a list of household chores and rank your interest in doing each one. You may hate vacuuming, but your partner might enjoy it. Your partner might abhor cleaning the bathroom, but you might find it therapeutic. Once you have done this you can divide the main chores up fairly. 

Top tip: investing in a dishwasher is an investment in your relationship. Having one will solve a lot of arguments.

Make sure you close the windows, lock the doors and turn on your alarm when you leave the house. Imagine if you went out and didn't secure the house and you came home to find your valuables were stolen. How would you feel? How would your partner feel? Your possessions are not covered by your landlord’s insurance. Securing the house is not just about protecting your stuff, it's about protecting your space. You both must show that you care about each other’s safety and security.

For added security and peace of mind that your precious possessions are protected you should consider taking out Renter's Insurance with Allianz. You can get a renters insurance quote online* at Allianz.ie 

Allianz Renters Insurance covers your contents from fire, storm, flood, smoke damage, damage caused by faulty heaters and cooking equipment. Renters insurance also covers your TV and audio equipment from accidental damage up to €3,000 and covers your home office equipment for up to €4,000.  

You can also add your bike, jewellery, phone or other valuable items to your renters policy for cover outside your home, under Specified or Unspecified All Risks. This can be added to your insurance policy for an additional premium. 

For more information on Allianz Renters Insurance, have a read of our explainer article.  

As you'll soon find out, living with your partner can be great fun but there will be disagreements no matter how well you all get along. Following these dos and don'ts, though, will hopefully mean you don’t end up breaking up before the ink has had time to dry on the lease!

A: Setting up a joint bank account specifically for shared household expenses makes co-living significantly easier. Instead of merging your entire incomes, you can keep your personal bank accounts separate while transferring an agreed-upon amount each month into the joint account to cover your shared rent, utility bills, and weekly grocery shops.

A: No, a landlord’s insurance policy only protects the physical building structure and any furniture or fixtures provided by the property owner. It does not cover your personal possessions—like your phone, laptop, jewellery, or clothes—against theft, accidental damage, fire, or flood. Tenants must take out their own separate Renters Insurance policy to protect their belongings.

A: There are two main ways couples split expenses: a 50/50 equal split or a proportional split based on income. An equal split works best if both partners earn a similar salary. If there is a large income gap, a proportional split (e.g., one partner pays 60% and the other pays 40%) ensures that neither person faces undue financial strain and helps keep relationship resentment at bay.

A: If your rented home is burgled, your valuables are only covered if you have an active renters insurance policy and you can prove the home was properly secured. Most policies require that all doors and windows were locked at the time of the break-in. Items stolen from a locked car may also be covered if they were completely hidden from view in the boot or glove compartment.

Check out Allianz Irelands Home Insurance Help and Support Hub for Renters Insurance FAQs. 

Check out our TikTok account to see posts about Allianz Renters Insurance.

*Minimum premium buildings €105.04, contents €85.28, all risks €12.48. 10% off all new Home Insurance policies online.  Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria and policy conditions apply. 

Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria and policy conditions apply. 

Information correct at 22/07/2026