Coliving, a shared living concept popular with students, young professionals and digital nomads, combines both a furnished home with common spaces and a community with common interests. Between substantial savings, combating isolation, flexibility of the lease, sharing of household tasks and environmental advantages, co-living simplifies life and promotes social interactions.
However, security in these shared environments represents a critical challenge for administrators and coliving residents. It is imperative to question the protection of people, the safeguarding of property, the regulations in force, as well as the appropriate technologies and security protocols.
In the rest of this article, we will examine the security strategies adopted in co-living spaces, based on real cases and verifiable sources. Far from being a place conducive to insecurity, co-living requires constant monitoring and adaptation to the requirements of this specific mode of housing.
The regulatory framework for coliving safety
Coliving constitutes a form of modern and shared housing which is however governed by specific regulations. These co-living spaces must comply with directives relating to fire safety, hygiene and respect for the private sphere. Let’s decipher together the essential rules of this regulatory framework.
Fire safety standards and mandatory equipment
In the eyes of the law, coliving sites are classified among category R ERPs, dedicated to accommodation. Under this classification, they are subject to rigorous fire safety standards, including in particular:
- The fire resistance of the materials used and the stability of the constructions
- The smoke evacuation system in the event of a fire
- Ease of access for rescue teams
- Visibility and operation of emergency lighting
- The availability of emergency response means (fire extinguishers, alarms, etc.)
In addition, it is mandatory that smoke detectors be installed in each room as well as in shared spaces, as required by the Morange Law of 2015. These devices must be regularly maintained and inspected by those responsible for the coliving sites.
Hygiene rules and prevention of health risks
It is essential that coliving sites observe scrupulous hygiene standards and adopt measures aimed at preventing any health risks. This covers the following:
- Impeccable cleanliness of spaces and equipment
- Effective waste management
- Adequate water and air treatment
- Systematic extermination of pests
- Compliance with specific health measures, such as distancing practices during a pandemic
Managers of these places must ensure compliance with these standards by residents and staff, and regular health checks must be carried out by the authorized authorities.
Respect for private life and internal regulations
Tenants’ privacy is protected in the coliving spaces, with each room secured by an individual lock. Access to rooms by managers is strictly regulated and requires the consent of occupants, except in emergency situations. Furthermore, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the management of residents’ personal information.
The internal regulations, which define the obligations and rights of tenants as well as the consequences of any infraction, are another crucial element of coliving life. It must be displayed in common areas and given to each arrival. This document specifies the following points:
- Lease conditions, including duration and termination terms
- Financial details such as rent and associated charges
- Use of common areas and services offered
- The duty to respect the peace and quiet of neighbors
- The prohibition of subletting or transfer of lease without authorization
- Insurance and civil liability obligations
The internal regulations must be fair, consistent with current legislation and must not contain any unfair or discriminatory clauses.
Technologies and security systems adapted to coliving
Coliving, this sharing of living spaces based on mutual trust, nevertheless requires effective protection measures for residents and their property. To meet this need for security in a collaborative environment, coliving spaces use technologies and systems specially designed for their context. Let’s take a look at the main security measures in force in the coliving sector.
Locking systems and access control
To secure entry and exit from shared habitats, as well as access to rooms and common areas, locking and access control systems are essential. From traditional key rings to digital solutions such as badges, codes, magnetic cards, fingerprint recognition or even mobile applications, these devices play a crucial role. They restrict access to authorized individuals, allow the tracking of comings and goings and manage residents’ permissions according to their profile. Integrated into platforms dedicated to coliving management, they simplify the reservation, payment and communication processes between residents.
Video surveillance and alarms
Video surveillance systems and alarm devices serve to both deter and detect intrusions, thefts, acts of violence or fires. They are installed in shared areas, outdoors, in parking lots and near entrances, while respecting resident confidentiality rules and regulations on personal data. These systems can be connected to control centers that continuously monitor and respond immediately in the event of an incident. Additionally, they are often linked to mobile apps, giving residents the ability to watch recordings, get notified, or activate alarms remotely.
Secure key management and access to common areas
In the context of coliving, where resident turnover is high and activities diversified, secure management of keys and common access is critical. This is to prevent the loss, theft or unauthorized copying of keys and to avoid disputes linked to the use of common areas. Solutions such as electronic key boxes are used to exchange keys securely and independently. Online reservation systems, for their part, control the use of spaces such as meeting rooms, gymnasiums, kitchens and terraces, based on availability and current regulations.
Resident training and emergency management
Coliving, with its spirit of conviviality and mutual assistance, is not immune to emergency situations such as illness, injuries, fires or intrusions. In order to deal with them effectively, it is crucial that residents receive adequate training in first aid and emergency procedures, and that they can count on clear and precise communication during an incident. Community managers, the true pillars of these shared spaces, play a key role in the security of the premises. Let’s explore together the modalities of this essential training and the co-living emergency management approach.
First aid training and emergency procedures
Learning to react in critical situations is essential for co-living residents. The training provided aims to teach them life-saving procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, applying a tourniquet, treating burns or hemorrhages, and using a defibrillator. It also covers the protocols to follow in an emergency: alerting emergency services, evacuating the premises, gathering in a safe place, and reacting to an attack. Organizations such as the Red Cross, Civil Protection or the International Emergency Management Organization can be called upon to provide this training, but community managers, themselves trained, can also organize awareness sessions and regular reviews.
Clear and effective communication in the event of an incident
Effective communication is crucial to ensuring the safety of residents in the event of an emergency. It should include crucial information such as the type of incident, its location, the number of people involved, the actions taken, and the instructions to follow. In addition, it plays a role in reassuring residents, their mobilization, coordination and support. The dissemination of information can be done via loudspeakers, billboards, SMS, emails, mobile applications, or even via social networks. It is essential that the content is clear, concise, coherent, credible and adapted to the audience, the context and the message conveyed.
Roles of community managers in terms of security
As facilitators and managers of coliving spaces, community managers hold a central position in terms of security. They are the privileged intermediaries with residents, emergency services and authorities. Their missions in terms of security include vigilance regarding compliance with security standards and regulations, training of residents in first aid and emergency protocols, maintenance and verification of security equipment and systems, coordination of security operations. rescue during incidents, communication with all stakeholders involved in such situations, and finally, monitoring and evaluation of incidents in order to improve prevention measures. Community managers are therefore key elements in ensuring security in co-living and guaranteeing a secure and caring living space for everyone.
What to remember:
Co-living is attracting more and more people thanks to its multiple advantages, while raising certain security concerns. In order to ensure a safe environment for its residents, spaces dedicated to coliving must comply with precise regulations, equip themselves with the most up-to-date technologies and safety procedures, educate their residents on first aid and safety protocols. emergency, and maintain transparent and effective communication in all circumstances. Community managers play a key role in this ecosystem, establishing themselves as the pilots and privileged points of contact for security within shared habitats.
For those who are interested in coliving or wish to deepen their understanding of this shared lifestyle, our website is full of useful information, feedback, available proposals as well as practical recommendations on coliving. For any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us by email, telephone or on our social networks. We are at your complete disposal to answer your questions and guide you in carrying out your coliving project.
