From expierienced Roommates-what precautions should I take when looking for a roommate for my 2 bd apt?

Question

I'm a newbie to the whole roommate thing, I've always lived on my own and just recently decided to post for a roommate. I've had a couple of potentials. How should I screen potential roommates?Should I do a background check on them? Would anyone advice two roommates within a 850 sq. ft, 2 bd apartment? I just feel it might be too small and see alot of people who share a whole house together, contrary to an apartment. Any positive or negative feedback will be appreciated!-Thanks!

Answer 1

make sure they have a steady and reliable source of income.

make sure they are not party animals

do you trust their friends? remember those friends will be in YOUR appartment at times when youre not home.

if this roomie does damage to the appartment, will you be liable? make sure that the lease or contract has their name as well as yours on it, otherwise you'll be left holding the bag for whatever they do.

do they entertain often? you'll have to put up with their company using your living room, kitchen and bathroom. work out a schedule to alternate nights for each others company/friends.i once had a room mate who had people over almost every night. i always came home to a house full of strangers lying on my sofa, eating my food out of the fridge, listening to my music on the stereo. and i hardly ever got a good nights sleep because of the loud talking and music.

Answer 2

If you find someone with whom you "think" you are compatible, you should pay a 'surprise' visit to where she lives to see if she is neat or a "pig!" Arrange to meet on a weekend and go for a burger or sandwich so the two of you can talk about how each of you view a roommate situation.

If you have anything of value in your apartment, that you don't want broken, put it away where the roommate doesn't have access to it. Decide if she is going to bring her own towels, sheets, bedspreads, etc., cooking utensils, pots, pans, etc.

Phone service, will she have her own telephone line installed in the apartment, or, will she use her cellphone for incoming and outgoing calls? Will you share cost of cable and/or telephone service. Will she share cost of utility bills?

I share my apartment with a roommate. She is "housed" in the living room and I have my bedroom. We share cost of phone and cable. We knew each other from work so it was an easy transition.

When you start the interview process, make a list of questions that may concern you.

If this is your first roommate situation it may be a major adjustment for you that may not work out for the long-term.

Discuss everything openly with the prospective roommate.
Will you take turns washing dishing. Will share cooking or cook separately? I have several roommates and all have been rewarding experiences. Make sure the two of you are compatible.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

As long as the ground rules are set before they move in you should be fine. Especially friends or family, it will prevent arguments that could end relationships. And stick to the rules. Also, don't forget about the little things to ask. I'm very particular about certain things in my house and a roommate coming in and changing that would drive me crazy (you'd be surprised how you might feel with the tp turned the wrong way everyday). Make sure that doesn't happen to you.