Q: What is the difference between co-living and apartment-sharing?

With apartment-sharing, you share an apartment or house with other people. Everyone usually has their own bedroom, but you share a bathroom, kitchen and living room (if there is one). All renters are contractually bound by a single lease. With co-living, everyone has their own individual accommodation within a residence or house. Unlike apartment-sharing, each co-resident has their own rental agreement and is therefore contractually independent from other renters. If another renter leaves the residence, it doesn't have any impact on your accommodation, rental terms or length of your contract! In addition, in Hi f e co-living residences, you have more flexibility when booking (stay for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, or regularly), a straightforward process (team available 24/7, an app to view and book services, etc.) and access to a vibrant community all year round (events, gym classes, etc.).

Q: Who is co-living for?

It's for young workers, professionals, start-uppers, freelancers, slashers, students or anyone whose lifestyle fits the Hife life! In other words, all those looking for an easy, flexible and unforgettable life experience.

Q: What is Hife?

Hi f e is a living space designed for everything you might want or need, regardless of your situation. Recently hired, retraining for a new profession, start-upper, slasher, living with a partner, recently split… whatever your situation, join the community and share, chat and have fun with others. In short: live the High-Life!

Q: What is a co-resident?

A co-resident is someone who lives at Hife for any length of stay: a night, a week, a month… or regularly. All co-residents are part of the Hi f e community!

Q: What kind of people live at Hife?

Absolutely anyone, with one condition: they must bring a smile, be open-minded and be themselves. They may be with us for a night, a week, a month or their whole lives. Feel free to contact us if you want more info. We love chatting with our future co-residents.

Q: Is there a minimum stay or minimum rental length?

At Hi f e, you can stay for one night or a whole lifetime. Our booking options are super flexible and tailored to the length of your stay(s): short stay (1-29 nights), medium-length stay (1-8 months), long stay (8+ months), and regular stays for occasional short stays over several weeks or months.

Q: What kind of accommodation is available at Hife?

Our apartments range from studios without kitchen (Room), which are ideal for short stays, to Apartments, Duplexes and Lofts of different sizes, all with kitchen. It's simple: we have lots of accommodation that suits your individual needs. Do you want privacy for living on your own or with your parner? Check out our Apartments and Duplexes. Prefer to live with others? Our Lofts are ideal for you and your friends and come with a shared kitchen for great times with company. And all our accommodation has a private bathroom.

Question 1

What is co-living?

Accepted Answer

Hife co-living is a new living space concept with private rooms that can be booked for one night, one year or even longer. There are also common areas open to everyone where a community can come together around regular activities and events. You therefore have private accommodation within an establishment that offers a wide variety of services and events, which means you can join a great community of co-residents! Our private accommodation has been designed to be your own personal space where you can enjoy complete privacy. The large and modern common areas provide all the services you need and much more.

Question 2

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Navigate to the "Book" page. Then select the dates for your stay. If you don't yet know the end date, we will direct you to a long-term rental. Short stay: - Choose your accommodation type and options - Provide your contact details - Pay for your stay (including tourist tax) and look for your booking confirmation in your email Team Hife will be there to welcome you on your check-in date from 3pm! Medium and long stay: - Choose your accommodation type and options - Provide your contact details - Upload your supporting documents (not required for "medium-length stays" < 8 months) - Select your payment method You will then automatically receive your rental contract. Sign it then make your payment to confirm your booking. After that, all you need to do is make an appointment for your arrival and walkthrough from your customer account. Team Hife is of course available to help throughout the booking process, so feel free to get in touch! To view all the steps in images, you can check out our PDF guide here .

Question 3

What is the difference between co-living and apartment-sharing?

Accepted Answer

With apartment-sharing, you share an apartment or house with other people. Everyone usually has their own bedroom, but you share a bathroom, kitchen and living room (if there is one). All renters are contractually bound by a single lease. With co-living, everyone has their own individual accommodation within a residence or house. Unlike apartment-sharing, each co-resident has their own rental agreement and is therefore contractually independent from other renters. If another renter leaves the residence, it doesn't have any impact on your accommodation, rental terms or length of your contract! In addition, in Hi f e co-living residences, you have more flexibility when booking (stay for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, or regularly), a straightforward process (team available 24/7, an app to view and book services, etc.) and access to a vibrant community all year round (events, gym classes, etc.).

Question 4

Who is co-living for?

Accepted Answer

It's for young workers, professionals, start-uppers, freelancers, slashers, students or anyone whose lifestyle fits the Hife life! In other words, all those looking for an easy, flexible and unforgettable life experience.

Question 5

What is Hife?

Accepted Answer

Hi f e is a living space designed for everything you might want or need, regardless of your situation. Recently hired, retraining for a new profession, start-upper, slasher, living with a partner, recently split… whatever your situation, join the community and share, chat and have fun with others. In short: live the High-Life!

Question 6

What is a co-resident?

Accepted Answer

A co-resident is someone who lives at Hife for any length of stay: a night, a week, a month… or regularly. All co-residents are part of the Hi f e community!

Question 7

What kind of people live at Hife?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely anyone, with one condition: they must bring a smile, be open-minded and be themselves. They may be with us for a night, a week, a month or their whole lives. Feel free to contact us if you want more info. We love chatting with our future co-residents.

Question 8

Is there a minimum stay or minimum rental length?

Accepted Answer

At Hi f e, you can stay for one night or a whole lifetime. Our booking options are super flexible and tailored to the length of your stay(s): short stay (1-29 nights), medium-length stay (1-8 months), long stay (8+ months), and regular stays for occasional short stays over several weeks or months.

Question 9

What kind of accommodation is available at Hife?

Accepted Answer

Our apartments range from studios without kitchen (Room), which are ideal for short stays, to Apartments, Duplexes and Lofts of different sizes, all with kitchen. It's simple: we have lots of accommodation that suits your individual needs. Do you want privacy for living on your own or with your parner? Check out our Apartments and Duplexes. Prefer to live with others? Our Lofts are ideal for you and your friends and come with a shared kitchen for great times with company. And all our accommodation has a private bathroom.

Question 10

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Navigate to the "Book" page. Then select the dates for your stay. If you don't yet know the end date, we will direct you to a long-term rental. Short stay: - Choose your accommodation type and options - Provide your contact details - Pay for your stay (including tourist tax) and look for your booking confirmation in your email Team Hife will be there to welcome you on your check-in date from 3pm! Medium and long stay: - Choose your accommodation type and options - Provide your contact details - Upload your supporting documents (not required for "medium-length stays" < 8 months) - Select your payment method You will then automatically receive your rental contract. Sign it then make your payment to confirm your booking. After that, all you need to do is make an appointment for your arrival and walkthrough from your customer account. Team Hife is of course available to help throughout the booking process, so feel free to get in touch! To view all the steps in images, you can check out our PDF guide here .

Question 11

How do I check-in / check-out?

Accepted Answer

Regarding times, you can check in whenever you want after 3pm directly from our kiosks in the Live Up or with Team Hi f e. If you're arriving earlier, you can relax, leave your belongings in our luggage storage and take the opportunity to explore our various living areas. After 3pm, we'll give you the key card to your accommodation and the entry badge to the residence. For check-out, you can return your key card to Team Hi f e or leave it in the dedicated box at 10am or later. If you have opted for a late check-out, you have until 4pm. For stays with a contract, you need to arrange a walkthrough on the day of your departure before returning your key card and entry badge to a member of Team Hi f e. Easy peasy? Yep, that's the idea.

Question 12

Can I visit and have a look around?

Accepted Answer

You can make an appointment with Team Hi f e either by phone or via our contact form to arrange a visit and see the accommodation and living spaces. You can do a 360° virtual tour of sample accommodation on our website, and a virtual tour of the common areas will be available when the residence opens. Easy!

Question 13

Can I book for a family member or an employee of my company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can go through the booking process on behalf of someone else. When booking, you just need to provide the supporting documents for the person staying in the accommodation, and the contract / rental agreement must be signed by the future tenant. If you want to make a booking on behalf of a business, please use the contact form on the "B2B" page. Team Hi f e will get back to you swiftly to discuss the details.

Question 14

What is the minimum rental period?

Accepted Answer

One night! Whether it's for regular stays, a week, month or year, our living spaces are tailored to your needs and always open to you. If you need any advice, please contact us! We will guide you to the best solution.

Question 15

Can I book two rooms next to each other?

Accepted Answer

For short stays: If you book multiple rooms, they can be next to each other depending on availability. We don't have any connecting rooms.

Question 16

How do I book a regular/flexible stay?

Accepted Answer

Do you want to book accommodation over a long period but only stay there on certain days or for certain weeks? Of course you can: everything is possible! To do this, specify your request in the contact form. What's more, you'll only pay for the days when you are actually there. In between stays, you can leave some of your belongings in one of our storage lockers. And when you come back, you can stay in the same apartment if it's available. How does that sound?

Question 17

Can I book for multiple people?

Accepted Answer

Short stay: Yes, you can make a booking for one or multiple people. You will just be asked for the first and last names of all the people staying when you book. At check-in, the person who made the booking will be asked to present their proof of identity. The room price is the same whether you are staying there on your own or with multiple people. However, the tourist tax is applicable to each occupant staying in the accommodation during your stay. Medium and long stay: You can book for multiple people provided that personal details and supporting documents are given for all the future tenants. The contract must be signed by all future tenants. If you want to book a shared apartment, contact Team Hi f e to check availability for the number of people wanting to stay.

Question 18

Can I book for a group?

Accepted Answer

Group bookings are possible for short stays. If you have any questions, please use the booking form to tell us what you need (number of people, length of stay, etc.). Team Hi f e will get back to you quickly with a detailed quote.

Question 19

What fees are included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

Our prices are "all charges included". This means there are no nasty surprises at the end of the month or year. The price includes heating, water, electricity, high-speed fibre Wi-Fi, free services, access to shared spaces, tax on household waste, free events and activities, etc. The only charge not included is home insurance.

Question 20

Do I need to pay the residence tax and/or tourist tax?

Accepted Answer

Short stays: you will need to pay the tourist tax. The terms and amount are provided when making your booking. This tax is paid monthly. Medium-length stays: depending on which Hife residence you are staying in, you will need to pay the tourist tax or residence tax. The terms will be provided when making your booking. Long stays: you will need to pay the residence tax. The residence tax is levied on individuals who have the use of taxable premises on 1 January of the relevant year, whether as an owner-occupant, tenant or free occupant. Therefore, long-term co-residents must pay the residence tax for the accommodation they are using. The residence tax is paid in November and is roughly equivalent to one month of rent.

Question 21

What are the payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Based on the length of stay and booking terms and conditions, you will need to pay for some or all of your stay when making the booking. For short stays, you must pay for all of your stay by bank card when booking, and you will be charged according to the conditions of sale. For medium and long stays, you can pay by direct debit up to the 5th of the month or by bank card on the 1st of every month.

Question 22

What fees do I need to pay to book?

Accepted Answer

Short stay: the tourist tax must be paid when booking. Medium stay: booking fees must be paid when booking. The amount will be shown once you choose your accommodation type. They are calculated according to the size of the accommodation and city of the residence. Long stay: A deposit equivalent to one month of rent excluding charges must be paid when booking. Booking fees, calculated according to the terms of the Loi ALUR must also be paid when booking.

Question 23

Does the accommodation qualify for personal housing allowances?

Accepted Answer

For "long-stay" accommodation with a furnished agreement, you can take advantage of the CAF housing benefit, but only if you are eligible. More information can be found at Caf.fr

Question 24

Can I cancel without paying any fees?

Accepted Answer

Short stay: if you choose a flexible rate, you can cancel free of charge according to the terms of the conditions of sale. Medium-length stay: cancellation is free up to 15 days before the arrival date, excluding booking fees. Long stay: cancellation is free up to 30 days before the arrival date, excluding booking fees.

Question 25

Can I have two separate beds?

Accepted Answer

Some of our rooms have two single beds for short stays. Please request them when booking.

Question 26

Which language does the team speak?

Accepted Answer

Team Hife members speak French and English at the very least. But as our teams are so multicultural, many other languages are also spoken.

Question 27

Est-ce que les logements ont une salle de bain privée ?

Accepted Answer

Tous nos logements disposent d'une salle de bains privative avec douche, WC, lavabo, miroir rétro-éclairé et sèche-serviette !

Question 28

Do the rooms have a private kitchen?

Accepted Answer

You have options! For short stays, you can choose between an apartment with kitchen or a simple bedroom (without kitchen). All our other accommodation types have kitchens: Apartments, Lofts and Duplexes. Every kitchen is equipped with the essentials: full tableware set, dishwasher, ceramic hob, microwave, extractor fan, sink, fridge and freezer… If you need more, you can use the shared kitchen in the Live Sweet Live and our delicious offerings in the Cooker. In short, it's à la carte! In some of our residences, you can also book the Cook-In-Live for private use.

Question 29

Do you provide linens (sheets, towels, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

For short stays, it's just like a hotel, so all linen is provided. Unpack your bags and relax. For medium and long stays, we provide the duvet and mattress protector. To make things easier for you, we have sheets, pillows and bath towels for rent.

Question 30

Is the accommodation pet friendly?

Accepted Answer

Pets are welcome in our accommodation for short stays only and for a fee. Simply let us know when making your booking. If your pet weighs less than 12kg, the fee is €25 a night. If your pet weights more than 12kg, they can't stay in our accommodation, unfortunately.

Question 31

Is there any parking?

Accepted Answer

The residences have pay parking spots. You can book a spot before or during your stay.

Question 32

If I have a problem with my room, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry, Team Hi f e is there to help you 24/7 in the Live Up. And if you don't want to go down to reception, you report the incident directly from the app. However you report it, our maintenance manager will be there to help as soon as possible. Feeling better already?

Question 33

Is room cleaning included?

Accepted Answer

Short stay: Room cleaning is scheduled every two days for stays of less than 7 nights. For stays longer than 7 nights, a weekly cleaning of your room is scheduled and includes changing of sheets and bath towels. Medium and long stay: One-off or regular cleaning of your room can easily be requested from the app or with Team Hi f e. There is a charge for this service.

Question 34

Which payment methods are accepted in the residence?

Accepted Answer

Our Hi f e residences accept payment by direct debit, bank wire, bank card and cash. Cheques are not accepted.

Question 35

Can I make special requests for how I want the room/accommodation to be prepared?

Accepted Answer

Short stay: Right at the start of the booking process, just select "I have a special request" and add the details of your request.

Question 36

Can I change/decorate my apartment?

Accepted Answer

As long as you don't make holes in the walls, you are free to decorate however you want. We can even help you customise your own little cocoon with our decoration kits, which are available when you book or directly from Team Hi f e. And if you really want to hang some paintings, you can get a hanging kit from reception.

Question 37

Am I allowed to invite family and friends to sleep over?

Accepted Answer

Of course! You are in your own home. Please just take care that everyone follows the house rules.

Question 38

What are the residence rules?

Accepted Answer

When making your booking, the house rules for living in a Hi f e residence will be sent to you.

Question 39

Can I bring my own furniture?

Accepted Answer

The accommodation is already furnished. However, you can bring your own extra furniture as long as you don't attach anything to the floor or ceiling. This keeps the accommodation in great condition.

Question 40

Are there benefits to being a co-resident?

Accepted Answer

Of course! You have access to areas that are exclusively for co-residents, such as the Live Sweet Live, Culture Live* and Cook in Live*. You can even book some of them for private use by simply asking Team Hi f e or doing it directly in the app. Need to expend some energy? You also have free access to the Be Alive gym outside the times when group classes are being held. Finally, you have preferred rates on many services and events, which you can explore in the app. * Not available at Hi f e Toulouse Labège.

Question 41

Can I make Hife my main place of residence?

Accepted Answer

As the tenant on a rental agreement (long stay > 8 months), your accommodation at Hi f e is considered your main place of residence. For short and medium-length stays, you can't declare Hife as your main place of residence.

Question 42

Can I receive packages?

Accepted Answer

You can collect packages directly at the Click & Collect or the co-living reception.

Question 43

Can I sublet my apartment?

Accepted Answer

No, subletting is prohibited.

Question 44

Do I need to get insurance?

Accepted Answer

For medium and long stays, you must take out home insurance before moving in.

Question 45

Can I live with my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. The best thing to do is contact the team before booking, so we can tell you the terms and conditions and advise you on which accommodation to choose. For short stays, we can lend you all the equipment you need (folding cot/crib, high chair, etc.).

Question 46

What equipment is included in the accommodation/rooms?

Accepted Answer

All the equipment in the accommodation is listed on our website. Navigate to the page for the residence you're interested in to see the details.

Question 47

Does the residence have good security?

Accepted Answer

Of course! First of all, a team is on-site 24 hours a day and available to help with the slightest problem. All our shared spaces are secured with controlled access and monitored with cameras. Basically, you can sleep, chill, work, cook and watch TV with complete peace of mind. Your Hi f e residence is a safe haven so you can focus on what's most important: your well-being.

Question 48

When is reception open?

Accepted Answer

The hours that reception is open varies according to the residence. To find opening hours, go the webpage for your residence on the website. You can also log in to your account or the app to find this information.

Question 49

How do I book a service?

Accepted Answer

Directly via the app (depending on the service), by phone, email or at reception. At any time, you can book a service offered in your co-living residence!

Question 50

How do I book optional extras for my stay?

Accepted Answer

While booking and after selecting your accommodation, you can select one or more optional extras. Depending on your length of stay, you can make further reservations, such as breakfast, a bike rental or a late check-out, for example. These options will be directly included in your booking. You can pay for them at the same time as your accommodation, or it can be debited monthly.

Question 51

Do you serve breakfast?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a buffet-style breakfast with fresh food every day from 7am to 10am in the restaurant area. You can book the day before or when making your room booking. For prices, please contact Team Hi f e at your residence or look in the app.

Question 52

Where can I find the event schedule?

Accepted Answer

You can simply go to the Events section on our website. Or, even easier, you can use the app. You can see all your residence's events with a quick glance. Basically, you won't have any excuses for missing them!

Question 53

"Can I keep my bike at the residence? Do you have bikes to rent?"

Accepted Answer

Every Hi f e residence has fully secured bike storage, In certain residences we also have bikes for rent by the hour, day or month. Look in the services section of the app or contact our team for more information.

Question 54

Do you have storage lockers?

Accepted Answer

For regular short, medium and long stays, you can store personal items between stays. Please ask Team Hi f e.

Question 55

Can I wash my laundry in the accommodation or residence?

Accepted Answer

If you are staying with us for a long time, yes you can. You will have a washer-dryer combo for complete independence. For short, medium and long stays, you can use the dry-cleaning service provided by our local partner if you have delicate items or any that need special care. To book this service, contact Team Hi f e!

Question 56

Can I leave bags?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have luggage storage in all our co-living residences.

Question 57

How does the gym work?

Accepted Answer

During OPEN GYM hours, the gym is available for use between 6:30am and midnight. Want to lift weights or use the treadmill? As a co-resident, you are free to use all our equipment. Reservations are mandatory if you want to attend any classes in the BE ALIVE space. To reserve, go to our website or use the app to choose the package you want (individual session or subscription) and book your session. Do you want to work out with friends? You can do that too: non-residents can also subscribe and enjoy group classes as well as the OPEN GYM. And stretch, and relax…

Question 58

What common areas do you have for co-residents?

Accepted Answer

Hi f e co-living residences are able to offer multiple large living areas that have been designed to encourage meeting and sharing with others. Certain areas are exclusively reserved for co-residents who have booked accommodation. These are our "just for co-residents" areas Other areas are open to the public. These are the "for everyone" areas The "just for co-residents" areas include: - For cooking and fun: Live Sweet Live - Kitchen and cosy living room to organise a meal between co-residents, an evening watching Netflix, a video game tournament, a board game night… In short, it's a great place to just chill! - For fresh air: the Rooftop - a patio with gorgeous views where you can have a pre-dinner drink and enjoy the warm weather from up on high. The "for all" areas open to everyone – co-residents and the public – include: - Meet in Live (only at Hi f e Labège) - Seminar room, team building, private events… This hybrid area has a shared kitchen, workspace and all the sound and video equipment needed for a movie night, birthday celebration, cooking class, etc. - Studio Live - Music studio for practice, music lessons, karaoke with friends, a jam session… - Be Alive - Fully equipped gym time slots reserved free-access open gym and group classes with our professional coaches. - the Cooker - a cosy restaurant for business lunches, after-work drinks, team breakfasts, and brunches on the weekend. - Live Up - the "village square" where you can someone from Team Hi f e 24/7, a photo exhibition, a pop-up shop, etc. Whatever your tastes and preferences, you'll find a space that's right for you: to work, having fun, work out, eat, drink, play music, and get some fresh air!

Question 59

Are the common areas pet friendly?

Accepted Answer

Question 60

When are the common areas open for use?

Accepted Answer

It's simple: most of our living areas are open permanently. Have a question or need something? You don't even need to get up from the sofa: we'll respond to you by email or phone, whenever you want!

Question 61

Are all the common areas free to use whenever I want, or do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

If you're a co-resident, you have free access to most common areas. If you're a non-resident, you can buy a subscription to access these areas. Certain areas are sometimes booked for private use or reserved for hosting special events. These are the times when you won't be able to use the areas. However, feel free to book them for your own use. You can do this via our website, the app or Team Hi f e.

Question 62

Can areas be booked for private use?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Whether it's an evening with friends, karaoke with work colleagues, birthday party, meeting or team-building event, our spaces can be yours for whatever event you want to plan. To find out how to book, go to our website or look in the app. Have fun!

Question 63

How does the gym work?

Accepted Answer

During OPEN GYM hours, the gym is available for use between 6:30am and midnight. Want to lift weights or use the treadmill? As a co-resident, you are free to use all our equipment. Reservations are mandatory if you want to attend any classes in the BE ALIVE space. To reserve, go to our website or use the app to choose the package you want (individual session or subscription) and book your session. Do you want to work out with friends? You can do that too: non-residents can also subscribe and enjoy group classes as well as the OPEN GYM. And stretch, and relax…

Question 64

Does the residence have good security?

Accepted Answer

Of course! First of all, a team is on-site 24 hours a day and available to help with the slightest problem. All our shared spaces are secured with controlled access and monitored with cameras. Basically, you can sleep, chill, work, cook and watch TV with complete peace of mind. Your Hi f e residence is a safe haven so you can focus on what's most important: your well-being.

Need help ?

What is co-living?

How do I book?

What is the difference between co-living and apartment-sharing?

Who is co-living for?

What is Hife?

What is a co-resident?

What kind of people live at Hife?

Is there a minimum stay or minimum rental length?

What kind of accommodation is available at Hife?

How do I book?

How do I check-in / check-out?

Can I visit and have a look around?

Can I book for a family member or an employee of my company?

What is the minimum rental period?

Can I book two rooms next to each other?

How do I book a regular/flexible stay?

Can I book for multiple people?

Can I book for a group?

What fees are included in the rent?

Do I need to pay the residence tax and/or tourist tax?

What are the payment terms?

What fees do I need to pay to book?

Does the accommodation qualify for personal housing allowances?

Can I cancel without paying any fees?

Can I have two separate beds?

Which language does the team speak?

Est-ce que les logements ont une salle de bain privée ?

Do the rooms have a private kitchen?

Do you provide linens (sheets, towels, etc.)?

Is the accommodation pet friendly?

Is there any parking?

If I have a problem with my room, what should I do?

Is room cleaning included?

Which payment methods are accepted in the residence?

Can I make special requests for how I want the room/accommodation to be prepared?

Can I change/decorate my apartment?

Am I allowed to invite family and friends to sleep over?

What are the residence rules?

Can I bring my own furniture?

Are there benefits to being a co-resident?

Can I make Hife my main place of residence?

Can I receive packages?

Can I sublet my apartment?

Do I need to get insurance?

Can I live with my child?

What equipment is included in the accommodation/rooms?

Does the residence have good security?

When is reception open?

How do I book a service?

How do I book optional extras for my stay?

Do you serve breakfast?

Where can I find the event schedule?

"Can I keep my bike at the residence? Do you have bikes to rent?"

Do you have storage lockers?

Can I wash my laundry in the accommodation or residence?

Can I leave bags?

How does the gym work?

What common areas do you have for co-residents?

Are the common areas pet friendly?

When are the common areas open for use?

Are all the common areas free to use whenever I want, or do I need to book?

Can areas be booked for private use?

How does the gym work?

Does the residence have good security?

I don't live at Hife, but can I still use the common areas?