Frequently Asked Questions

Your most asked questions related to coliving and our platform answered

General Coliving FAQs

What is coliving?

Coliving is a housing arrangement where digital nomads and remote workers, who are often strangers, live together in a shared space. These spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration and typically provide added amenities and services like housekeeping and events.Β  As well, these accommodations offer a productive work environment for remote work arrangements, with things like high-speed wifi and office/desk space. Coliving aims to create a more affordable, flexible, and social alternative to traditional housing options and really caters to the travel-curious individual.

How does coliving work?

Coliving typically involves renting a private or shared room within a larger coliving community or property. Residents share common areas like kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes bathrooms. There is no one-size-fits-all standard to coliving setups, they vary widely but usually provide furnished rooms, housekeeping and cleaning services, high-speed internet, and events to network and build connections. Rent may be structured as an all-inclusive fee or based on a combination of rent and additional services.

How is coliving different from other types of accommodations?

Coliving is unique for a few reasons:
  • Community Focused: Coliving places a strong emphasis on community building, offering opportunities for residents to socialize, collaborate, and network. People are typically drawn to coliving because it offers them an opportunity to complete productive work, while also still being able to explore the world and meet new people.
  • Flexibility: Coliving often offers shorter lease terms and the ability to easily move between different locations, making it more suitable for those with a flexible lifestyle who want to take advantage of their remote work setup and see the world.
  • Amenities: Unlike renting a house or apartment by yourself or with roommates, coliving spaces usually provide a range of amenities like gyms, coworking spaces, and entertainment areas.
  • Cost: While coliving can be more expensive than traditional shared housing (for example, staying at a hostel), it is usually more affordable than renting a solo apartment, especially in prime urban areas. Coliving communities typically enforce a minimum stay length (often 30 days), which makes it easier for budgeting and planning.
  • Design: Since coliving is a newer lifestyle trend, the spaces are often very modern, fresh, and clean, with an eye for trendy aesthetics and a functionality-first mindset to optimize the space for community living.

Who is coliving for?

Coliving is ideal for anyone who works remotely (freelance, digital nomad, etc.) and wants to meet new people. If you’re interested in travelling, but still need to prioritize work and making money, coliving is a great option because you know other residents are in the same boat. Coliving accommodates a broad spectrum of needs and lifestyles, making it an appealing choice for anyone who is seeking a sense of community and flexibility in their living arrangements.

Is coliving cheaper than Airbnb?

Coliving can sometimes be more affordable than traditional travel accommodation like Airbnb. However, it's important to note that cost is just one aspect. Coliving isn't necessarily about finding the cheapest option. It's about finding a space that offers you a sense of community, surrounded by like-minded individuals, and enriching experiences through events and activities. The value from these additional benefits often outweighs any comparative cost considerations. πŸ πŸ‘«πŸŽ‰

Users

How long can I stay? πŸ“†

The duration of your stay depends on the specific community you choose, as each has its own minimum stay requirements indicated on their community page. Typically, guests stay anywhere from a week to a few months or longer. Flexibility is key in a remote work lifestyle!

How do I pay? πŸ’³

Each community has its own preferred payment method, which will be finalized once your booking is accepted by the host. Common options include credit card payments, bank transfers, or cash upon arrival. Rest assured, the process is easy and secure!

How can I cancel? 🚫

For booking requests that haven't been accepted yet, you can cancel directly from your inbox. However, for confirmed bookings, please contact our support team for assistance. Do note that you will be subject to the cancellation policy set out by your host. It's always best to review these policies before making a booking.

Can I book last minute

We appreciate bookings in advance as it gives us enough time to coordinate with your communtiy and ensure it aligns with your values and interests. Therefore, last-minute bookings might not be feasible as we aim to make your coliving experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible. ⏰🏑

Can I use colive values to find student accomodation?

Our platform is primarily designed to cater to and facilitate community stays for remote working professionals, self-employed nomads, or similar. While we acknowledge the importance of student communities, our current offerings may not serve the needs of active students. We recommend reaching out to services specifically tailored for student accommodation solutions. πŸŽ“πŸ‘©β€πŸ’»

Hosts

Can I define screening questions for guests before they book?

Absolutely, we value your peace of mind and comfort as a host. If you wish to implement certain vetting procedures or screening questions for potential guests, we're more than happy to facilitate it. Please email us at [email protected] with your preferred questions. πŸ“¨πŸ˜Š

Will I be able to message the customer before confirming their booking

Indeed, as a host on our platform, you're allowed to communicate with potential guests before confirming their booking. For that, you'll need to register and claim your community on colive values. For more assistance regarding this, please email us at [email protected], and we'll guide you through the process. πŸ“¬πŸ™‚

How do I get paid?

We have partnered with Stripe, a secure online payment platform, to handle all payments and payouts. As a host, you will receive your payment once your guest checks in. It's a seamless, safe process designed with your convenience in mind. πŸ’³πŸ’°

Didn't answer your question? Contact us via [email protected], we'd love to personally support you 😊

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