Living in a Paying Guest (PG) accommodation, especially in a bustling locality like Kharadi, Pune — a major IT hub — can be a rewarding and enriching experience. With a mix of working professionals, students, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, PG life offers a unique blend of community living and independence. However, shared living comes with its own set of unspoken rules and etiquette that ensure harmony and a positive environment for everyone.
Whether you’re new to Kharadi or planning to shift into a PG near Eon It Park Kharadi or World Trade Center, here’s your go-to guide on PG etiquette and practical tips to make your stay smooth and pleasant.
1. Respect Shared Spaces
Shared areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and dining space should always be left clean and tidy after use. Avoid monopolizing the TV, sofa, or dining table during common hours. Leaving your belongings around makes the space uncomfortable for others. It’s important to treat these spaces as neutral zones for everyone’s use. Small acts like wiping kitchen counters or putting your shoes in place go a long way in maintaining harmony.
Common Area Courtesy
Keep shared areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom clean and organized. Don’t leave personal items strewn about or occupy common resources for too long.
Tip: Clean as you go — wipe surfaces, wash your dishes after use, and organize your toiletries. This shows respect for others’ space.
2. Be Noise-Conscious
Noise is one of the most common causes of conflict in shared living. Loud music, phone calls, or even playing instruments can disturb others, especially during rest or work-from-home hours. Many people in Kharadi PGs work night shifts or prepare for exams, so maintaining quiet is essential. Use headphones and lower your volume when indoors. It’s respectful to agree upon ‘quiet hours’ with your roommates to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Quiet Hours Matter
Your PG should be a peaceful retreat, even if it’s located in a lively area. Avoid blaring music, loud conversations, or noisy phone calls, especially during late hours.
Tip: Use headphones, and agree on quiet hours with roommates to avoid disturbing those who work or study late.
3. Mind Your Guests
Bringing guests into your PG room should never be a surprise to your roommates. Inform them beforehand if someone is visiting, and avoid inviting people over too frequently. Overnight guests without prior notice can make others uncomfortable or violate PG rules. Most PGs in Kharadi have strict visitor policies, and violating them could lead to penalties. Always prioritize your roommates’ comfort and safety when entertaining guests.
Visitors Etiquette
Always inform your roommates before inviting anyone over. Unannounced guests — especially overnight ones — can make others uncomfortable.
Tip: Follow your PG’s guest policy. Never compromise your roommates’ privacy or safety.
4. Share Responsibilities
Even if your PG provides housekeeping, basic personal responsibilities like cleaning up after meals, managing your trash, and keeping your space organized are important. A clean and tidy environment reduces tension and creates a positive atmosphere. Taking turns to clean shared areas or helping each other out occasionally builds a sense of teamwork. If chores aren’t formally managed, consider setting up a shared schedule with your roommates.
Team Effort in Chores
Even if your PG offers maid service, you’re still responsible for basic cleanliness. Don’t expect others to pick up after you.
Tip: Create a chore-sharing schedule. Shared efforts foster mutual respect and cooperation.
5. Respect Food Boundaries
Nothing creates more friction than food issues in a shared space. Always label your food and respect others’ meals — don’t assume you can take something without asking. Avoid keeping expired or smelly food in the fridge, which could affect everyone. If you cook together, discuss cost sharing and responsibilities clearly. Respecting each other’s dietary preferences (veg/non-veg) also helps prevent uncomfortable situations.
Label & Store Food Properly
Food-related issues are a common source of conflict in PGs. Don’t take what’s not yours without asking.
Tip: Label your groceries, and discuss shared meals or items openly. Splitting grocery costs for common items can be a great way to bond.
Check Out – Top 10 Fun Things to Do in a PG in Pune: Making the Most of Coliving Life
6. Keep Bathroom Etiquette Clean
Bathrooms in PGs are shared and often in high demand, especially during mornings. Be mindful of how long you take, and clean up after yourself — dry the floor, dispose of waste properly, and flush responsibly. Avoid leaving your toiletries behind unless there’s dedicated space for them. Hygiene in shared bathrooms is a shared responsibility and reflects your respect for your co-residents.
Time and Hygiene
Shared bathrooms demand discipline. Long, untimely use can cause inconvenience.
Tip: Finish quickly during peak hours and leave the space dry and clean. Keep your toiletries in a caddy if there’s no designated shelf.
7. Communicate Openly
Misunderstandings are inevitable, but bottling up issues or venting to others won’t help. If a roommate’s habits bother you — like leaving dirty dishes or playing loud music — talk to them directly but politely. Use non-accusatory language like “I feel” instead of “You always” to express your concerns. Open, respectful communication prevents resentment and keeps relationships healthy in the long run.
Solve Issues with Talk, Not Tension
Don’t let minor issues snowball. A respectful conversation is always better than silent resentment.
Tip: Use “I feel” statements instead of blaming. For example, “I feel stressed when the dishes pile up” is more effective than “You never clean up!”
8. Respect Diversity
Kharadi attracts people from across India, making its PGs incredibly diverse. You may share your space with people who speak different languages, celebrate different festivals, or eat different foods. Respect these differences and be open to learning from them. Avoid making fun of anyone’s customs or accent. Participating in their traditions or sharing meals occasionally can strengthen bonds and build lifelong friendships.
Cultural Sensitivity
Kharadi PGs often host people from various states and backgrounds. Embrace the differences.
Be mindful of others’ customs, languages, and food habits (especially veg vs. non-veg). Participating in their festivals or cultural events builds camaraderie.
9. Be Security-Smart
In a shared PG, everyone is responsible for collective safety. Always lock the door when leaving, and don’t share keys, Wi-Fi passwords, or entry codes with outsiders. If you notice anything suspicious or face a safety concern, report it to your landlord or PG manager. Save emergency contacts, including the nearest hospital in Kharadi — such as Manipal or Columbia Asia. Staying alert helps keep everyone safe.
Safety is a Shared Responsibility
Security lapses affect everyone. Don’t leave doors open or invite strangers without notifying others.
Tip: Save emergency contact numbers and PG owner’s details. Nearby hospitals like Columbia Asia or Manipal Hospital can be useful in emergencies.
10. Pay Dues on Time
Rent, internet, and utility bills are recurring commitments that must be honored on time. Delays can cause friction between roommates or lead to penalties from the PG owner. Being financially responsible shows maturity and reliability. Set monthly reminders and keep a simple record of payments. Prompt dues payment helps maintain trust and avoids uncomfortable reminders or conflicts.
Be Financially Responsibility
Delayed payments can lead to stress, disputes, or even eviction.
Tip: Set payment reminders for rent, internet, or utility bills. It shows maturity and builds trust with both roommates and landlords.
Bonus Tips for Newcomers in Kharadi PGs
Choose Your PG Smartly: Check Google reviews, visit the property, and ensure it’s close to work or college.
Pack Light: A clutter-free room is easier to manage in a PG setup. Carry only essentials and storage-efficient luggage.
Join Local WhatsApp Groups: Many PG In Kharadi Pune have resident groups for updates, tiffin services, laundry vendors, and local events. It’s a great way to stay connected and informed.
Conclusion
Living in a PG in Kharadi can be one of the most fulfilling chapters of your life. By following these simple etiquette rules and being a considerate roommate, you can transform a temporary living space into a supportive, enjoyable home away from home.
Whether you’re a student, IT professional, or startup dreamer — harmony in shared spaces begins with empathy, respect, and communication.