How to Choose a Reliable Roommate

One of the first thoughts people have is to ask a friend to room with them. The situation can seem perfect. Two people who know and trust each other can obviously live together amicably. Unfortunately, living with someone allows people to have a level of familiarity that can damage a relationship rather than strengthen it.

Avoid common problems. Only choose a friend who has stable employment and handles money responsibly. Look for a match in tidiness expectations and social activities. An early riser who prefers quiet evenings will likely struggle to live with a noisy night owl. Also, you might want to get to know their friends or romantic partners because both can sometimes hinder friendly roommate relationships.

Sharing a home with a stranger might seem nerve-wracking, but many people do so comfortably every day. Comprehensive interviews and research help to determine if the individual is the right choice. An interview should include questions on their job, relationships, and personal habits like alcohol use or smoking.

Learn if they have pets or plan to adopt any animals. Know how long they plan to stay. A long-term renter may not want to start the interview process again in a few months. Ask about their earlier rental experiences and why they left those locations. Discuss their hobbies, work schedules, and activities they take part in with their friends.

Contact their prior roommates and landlords. Search their name online to see what information may appear and review their social media accounts. The posts shared on their pages should at least somewhat match the person they claim to be in their interview.

Even the closest friends and family struggle to get along at times when they share a space. Expect some disagreements occasionally, and look for ways to resolve differences peacefully. Do not seek out a roommate with the idea that they will become a friend. The arrangement can become uncomfortable if personalities clash or the other person lacks the same desire.

Plan for the worst in case they do not live up to their end of the bargain. Even if the roommate signs the lease, both people lose the rental if one does not pay their share. Set aside enough money to cover their share of the rent for a couple of months. If they are not on the lease, ask for a deposit you can hold in case they move unexpectedly or cannot pay rent.

Make certain everyone agrees on the important things before they move in or pay a deposit. Important decisions include how to split the cost of utilities, how to comfortably use shared areas like the kitchen and bathroom, and if each roommate will cook for themselves. Divide the cleaning tasks, and decide how to decorate or furnish common areas.  

Make an investment in things important to you to avoid conflict. For example, buy a mini fridge for the bedroom if you dislike someone else helping themselves to your drinks or snacks. Keep noise-canceling headphones on hand for the occasions when the roommate has noisy guests.

Roommates have become a necessity for many people. One of the easiest ways to make the relationship easier is to live in a comfortable environment. At Meadowdale Apartments, we offer clean and maintained units for all our tenants. A safe and satisfying residence keeps people much more comfortable. Contact us to schedule a walk-through.