Want to rent a whole apartment in Taiwan? What to consider about social housing and co-renting with friends

When renting in Taiwan, you don't necessarily have to choose only studio apartments, shared rooms, or dormitories. If a family is living together, they might need two or three bedrooms; if friends, classmates, or colleagues want to live together, they might consider renting a whole apartment. Whole apartments usually have a living room, kitchen, and a more complete living space, offering a stronger sense of home than a single studio, and are more suitable for those who want to live in Taiwan long-term. However, renting a whole apartment is more than just "having a bigger space." It also means you need to arrange life with others: who lives in which room, how to use common areas, whether friends can visit, how to divide cleaning duties, and whether lifestyles can be compatible. If these things aren't thought through from the beginning, they can easily become a source of stress after moving in. Who is suitable for renting a whole apartment? Whole apartments are more suitable for people who need a stable living space. For example, a family living together needs rooms for children, a cooking space, and a living room; or several international students might rent together, wanting more freedom than a dormitory; or friends, couples, or colleagues living together, hoping for a more complete living environment. If you are only staying for a short period, or are unsure if you will continue living in the same city, a whole apartment might not be the most convenient choice. Moving, allocating space, and managing shared living are more complex than living in a studio. But if you are certain you will stay in Taiwan for a while and have a stable roommate or family, a whole apartment will feel more like a real home. For co-renting with friends, living habits are most important Co-renting with friends sounds fun, but only after living together will you realize how important living habits are. Some people go to bed early, others talk on the phone late at night; some are very concerned about the cleanliness of common areas, while others think "good enough" is fine; some frequently bring friends over, while others prefer a quiet home; some enjoy cooking, while others don't want to smell cooking fumes. None of these are right or wrong, but rather different lifestyles. So, before co-renting, don't just ask "Do you want to live together?" but also discuss daily habits. You can discuss: Can everyone use the living room? Should the kitchen be cleaned immediately after use? Can friends stay overnight? Should noise be reduced after a certain hour? How to divide trash and cleaning duties? These issues may seem small, but they affect daily quality of life. Clarifying them beforehand doesn't mean the relationship is bad; rather, it prevents future arguments. Social housing is worth considering, but not always available Besides regular rentals, Taiwan also has social housing available for application. Social housing refers to residences built or encouraged by the government for rental purposes. It's not free housing, nor is it open to everyone directly. Applications must be made according to the rental announcements from each city or project. Different social housing projects have varying apartment types, locations, eligibility criteria, and move-in regulations. Some are more suitable for families, while others may be open to singles, youth, or those studying or working locally. If the number of applicants exceeds the available units, there is usually a lottery or ranking system. For foreigners, new immigrants, or international students, it's crucial to confirm if your residency status meets the eligibility requirements and what documents are needed before applying. Don't just rely on friends saying "you can apply," as regulations can differ for each city and social housing project. When is social housing more suitable? Social housing is more suitable for those who are not in a hurry to move and are willing to wait for announcements and application processes. If you meet the eligibility criteria and can accept its location, apartment type, and move-in regulations, social housing can be a viable option. Its system is relatively clear and less dependent on the landlord's personal decisions compared to the general rental market. However, social housing has practical limitations. Quotas are limited, so you might not get selected; the location might not be in your preferred area; and the apartment type might not perfectly match your family or roommate count. Considering social housing as one option is fine, but don't make it your only choice. A more practical approach is to keep an eye on social housing announcements while also looking at options for whole apartments in the general rental market. This way, if you don't get into social housing, you won't be left without a backup plan. Whole apartments are for "living together," not just saving money Many people view co-renting with friends as a way to save money, and this is indeed one reason. But the significance of renting a whole apartment goes beyond splitting rent. It can also bring a greater sense of companionship. International students can cook, study, and prepare for exams together with classmates; new immigrant families can have a more complete family space; friends co-renting can look out for each other and feel less lonely. For newcomers to Taiwan, living with trustworthy people can sometimes be more reassuring than living alone. When packages arrive, when dealing with trash sorting, management notices, repairs, or other living issues, there's someone to discuss them with. However, the prerequisite is that you are truly compatible for cohabitation. Co-renting isn't a constant party; it involves facing many daily small matters together. Being good friends doesn't necessarily mean living habits are compatible. Before moving in, imagine daily life When choosing a whole apartment, try to imagine how your day-to-day life will unfold. Will everyone need to use the bathroom at the same time in the morning? Does anyone need to work from home or attend online classes? Will the kitchen be used frequently? Is the living room a place for everyone to chat, or just for storing things? Will anyone want to invite friends over on weekends? If there are children, pets, or elderly family members, will the pace of life conflict with others? These questions are more important than how good the photos look. Because once you move in, it's not the decor that affects life, but how the space is used daily. If a group of friends is co-renting, you can also agree on simple common living rules beforehand. They don't need to be formal, but everyone should know each other's boundaries. For example, not leaving personal belongings in common areas long-term, not being too noisy late at night, cleaning the kitchen after use, and informing roommates before bringing friends home. Foreigners co-renting also need to pay attention to communication styles If roommates come from different countries, communication is even more crucial when co-renting. Everyone's standards for "cleanliness," "quiet," "privacy," and "visitor policies" might differ. Some cultures involve eating together and using common spaces together; others prioritize their own rooms and personal time. Don't assume others will understand your habits from the start. The best approach is to clarify things. Don't wait until unhappiness erupts, but address issues before they escalate. For example: "I have an early class tomorrow, can you keep it down tonight?" "Can we keep the kitchen clean together after use?" "Can I let a friend stay over tonight? Can I inform everyone first?" Co-renting in Taiwan is not just about communicating with the landlord, but also about learning to live with roommates. Choosing social housing or a whole apartment, the key is stable living Social housing, whole apartments, and co-renting with friends each suit different people. If you prefer a clearer system and are willing to wait for the application process, keep an eye on social housing. If you already have family or stable roommates and want a more complete living space, consider a whole apartment. If you've just arrived in Taiwan and are still adapting to the environment, starting with a dormitory, studio apartment, or short-term rental might offer more flexibility. Finding a place to live is not just about finding a place to sleep, but about finding a lifestyle. Especially for whole apartments and co-renting, the focus isn't on the size of the space, but on whether the people living there can live well together. Thinking clearly about what kind of life you need before deciding whether to apply for social housing, rent a whole apartment, or co-rent with friends is more practical than just looking at apartment types.