What should I look for in a roommate?

Question

I've had many roommates before, but have not previously been in charge of actually finding someone to live with me. The big thing is, I currently live three hours away from where I'll be moving to, and have no choice but to interview potential roomies via online or the phone. My landlord lets them view the place when I give permission.

What kinds of things should I be looking for in someone I'll be living with? Any signs I should be aware of that show they're financially irresponsible?

Answer 1

I would start by making a list of things that you absolutely cannot live with. Smoking, drinking, drugs, dirty clothes on the floor, for example. Get a list from your potential roommate, too. Get a 'first impression' opinion from your landlord; they can usually spot a loser. Treat this like you are interviewing the person for a job; what is their work history, what is their current job and what are the hours (are conflicting schedules going to be a problem...you're trying to sleep while the other person is wanting to invite friends over) what is their dwelling history (where they lived and for how long), any family nearby, have they ever had a roommate before (if so, get the rrommate's name) how long have they lived in the area, any boy/girl friends? GET REFERENCES and check them out. Ask the references about your potential roommate's personal habits, maturity level. Since you are so far away, invest in a background check. Work together to set the ground rules. You get the idea. Good luck.

Answer 2

Make sure their living habits are similar to your own. If you're a slob so then should they be a slob. As far as finding out if they are financially responsible you can get as personal as you want in the interview process. Ask if they have credit cards and if they pay on time. Ask if they've ever rented before and if they've ever had any problems. Don't worry about hurting feelings because its your home that you'll be sharing. If they're too sensitive do you really want to live with them anyway?

Answer 3

Ask to see their paystubs from the last year of working or year to date should be on their last check stub, ask permission to speak with their employer to find out if there has been any problems (money isn't the only thing you should be concerned about) such as anger problems...in other words does this person get along well with others. That's pretty scary moving in with someone you know nothing about. Whatever info. they give you, they should be willing to let you check into it if they have nothing to hide. And you should check into them, don't let them make you feel guilty for doing so.

Answer 4

Try obtaining the names and tel # of their previous landlords as you would want to make sure they paid their rent on time.

Make sure they have a job and are not too much of a party type (unless you are one yourself) because it is important to have your piece and quite.

Ask them if they find it fair that chores are split in two, and make sure that you talk about the fridge arrangements.

There are some basic rules that need to be established right from the beginning, specifically if you don't know the person.

Oh, don't forget to do a background check....very important

Answer 5

Sometimes you have to judge a book by its cover. This is not the exception. If he/she is fit that means they are responsible to care for their own ***. If they just came living with a relative or family member they are a little more susceptible to being a freeloader. I would suggest having some coffee or tea. Any laidback enviroment will do, if they are all smiles thats good but make sure you know its genuine.

Answer 6

Look for any credit references...and be up front about it.
Ask to see their utility bills and that you want permission to call those companies for a reference.
Make sure that they are fiscally responsible.
Most people who pay their bills on time are usually good room-mate candidates.
You might want to ask them for information of where they've lived before and how long...if they move around a lot, it might be a red flag.
Lastly - ask about their family...and you might actually want to call their mom and/or dad...it wouldn't hurt to know something about their personal life since they will be living under your roof.
Good luck!

Answer 7

look for someone close to your age or maybe a little older. younger roommates tend to be less responsible. ask potential roommates if they have steady employment (where and how long? the longer their stay at their job and the better their job is, the less you'll have to worry about them not paying their fair share). ask them how often they clean the place they're living in now. ask them how they feel about having friends and guys over. are they night owls or early risers? ask them if they have pets, or if you have a pet, how they feel about pets in the apartment. how do they think you should split the utility and cable bills? ask them how long do they think they are going to be staying as your roommate, assuming things go well.

good luck!

Answer 8

Compatability, trust, and someone with similar ways of day to day living that don't conflict with yours. Usually someone of the oppisite sex will be more compatable. But honesty? Get a better job, make more money and live by yourself. 8 out of 10 room mate relationships end up in a tragic ending!

Answer 9

@ the ignorant man or woman - basically via fact somebody became born a male does not lead them to a male! uncomplicated as that. there's a difference between intercourse AND GENDER! I want others have been attentive to this, to boot. to respond to your question: because you're a trans-woman and characteristic been residing as one for over 3 years now, sure, i'd actually evaluate you to be a woman. i'd think of no different approximately you and so a strategies as i'm in touch... we are the suitable same. :)

Answer 10

it's really hard to do this over the phone...my advise, lose the first months rent,or whatever, and meet people face to face, and then have all your questions ready to be answered...people can talk a real line over the phone, but not so easy to bs you inperson....get references, let them show you their checking account, or credit cards, etc....and ask for the last 3 months invoices of their phone bill....that should tell you if they are somewhat financially responsible...unfortunately, financial responsiblilty is only one aspect....they should also ask you some questions...if they are too eager to move, beware!