What are the most important things I should think about when renting a house with a friend?

Question

I'm looking at renting a house with a friend, I've never rented before.
I want to make sure I am making the right decision, in all aspects.

Answer 1

You'll start out friends but I guarantee it won't stay that way ...

The most important thing you should consider is a convenient get-out-clause.

Answer 2

I have to agree with Fly. It is a fantastic idea, living with you friend. But after 1 month you will both be working on each others nerves. Dont do it.... If you do...try and not spend too much time together, make sure you have a group of seperate friends to do things with. Make sure that the two of you have some kind of roster for cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc. Set rules down before you move in together. Discuss borrowing clothes from each other...again try and avoid doing this as it also becomes a huge problem later. Also set some rules about people visiting and having parties etc. Think carefully, so many people including myself have lived with friends and are friends no more. So think long and hard about this move... What ever you decide good luck.

Answer 3

If you rent a place, you have to set rules on what people do? If there is guest, what you have to do with the other person in the house. Are you sharing the utilities? How much are you going to have to pay out for that? You should also try to make sure that the person will stay for at least a year. It's hard to rent with anyone. You have to make sure they pay the rent on time and that they are reliable with it.

There will be personality problems. You probably will have a lot of fights and if you don't like to fight, then don't rent. It's hard and you probably have to swallow a lot of pain. iI"get out of the house," as they say. Just make sure the person is good for the money and that you get along.

Answer 4

I'm going to be doing the same thing. My friends & I went over ALOT of stuff. FIRST AND FOREMOST: Make sure that you get along w/ the friend(s) well now...if anything annoys you at all then you do NOT want to live w/ them cause it will just escalate. Harmony is always an important part of living w/ anyone other than family. My friends & I figured out incomes, how much rent should be paid by each person, who's bringing what furniture, what furniture or other items we still need, what kind of rules we were to have in the house (altogether & individual) & things like that. We figured that it'll be good for us cause I've known my friend since 7th grade (we are now 23) & get along very well, her husband & I get along (he has the same personality as her) & I absolutely LOVE their 6 week old son. His crying does NOT bother me & he's pretty much gonna be like a nephew to me anyways. Basically, do what my friends & I did & go over EVERYTHING. Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

3 things...

1. make a pact to always clean out the bath when you have finished with it. (there is nothing worse than accidentally getting into a bathful of someone elses scum).

2. make a pact to both do a little more than half the housework. That way your palce will always be a place you can be proud of.

3. if you are bigger than your friend & can easily take them in a fight, then move in together, cos sure as hell, rules one and two will fail at some point.

(I'm not even gonna THINK about boy / girl friends. Now there's a WHOLE new level of argument!!!)

Answer 6

First things first, how good a friend is he/she ? If you think you may argue or that they will want to leave on short notice and leave you in the lurch then don't go there.
Secondly you have to make sure that everybody knows who's paying for what, I would advise that you set up direct debits for this. to avoid any problems.
Thirdly, when renting a property, remember that if your roof is leaking for example, it is your land lords problem - and he HAS to fix it, no arguments.
Hope this helps a little bit

Answer 7

sit down and make a list with your friend.

List everything from rent to groceries on it and what portion each person is going to pay.

List personal rules.......no loud music after whatever time,
No letting friends crash unless you both agree ect.
You'd be surprised at --how fast a minor thing can become more annoying than a major one.

*and ya never know someone until you live with them....is that person a good housekeeper or nasty?
Does that person flush or forget
Does that person think it's funny to belch the alphabet or fart when you have company?

*ya better talk

Answer 8

Glad that you used the term "friend". In that case you both must possess a kind of kinship and chalk out the appropriate terms in this respect...especially money matters. Once its settled then other things do not matter much. Even after starting living together, don't try to have quarrel on any matter as far as common expenses are concerned.

Answer 9

i imagine compatability is significant. each and every ability roommate ought to make a list of things that are significant which incorporates safe practices, privateness, cleanliness etc. you will see how sparkling someone is often once you check out the position. a attainable roommate, the single shifting in, must have lunch or meet with the different to debate this stuff. you may often choose how someone will act in case you ask the right questions.

Answer 10

Make sure they can handle the financial responsibilities and make sure your ideas on cleanliness are the same!

Also, be aware that different families use spaces differently, esp living room and kitchen, so it might be good to be ready for adjustment there (and to make sure your bedroom is a real sanctuary for you - have it just the way you want it)

Answer 11

my son rents with a friend and they both put money into a joint bank account for the bills, this seems to work out fairly well, though the girl he used to share with left a bit suddenly, but he soon found someone else to share the rent with.
go for it, you gotta be independent sooner or later. good luck