I'm 31 and have lived in shared accommodation my whole life. Even after I bought my own place. I still rent rooms. I can count the number of horror stories on 1 hand in all that time. 

Sure it can be tough at times, but everything can be dealt with. And if someone's shitting in the bath, they tend to get evicted pretty quick. It's all about finding the right people. It's not like you get forced into a situation - you have a choice who you live with. If I get even a slight hint of worry about a prospective tenant. It's a no. 

The alternative is often financially ruinous if you're on a low wage or live in a desirable area.