A question from a kid just starting out on roommate selection?

Question

I am nineteen years old and I just moved out of my parents house. i am subletting an apartment until August 1st. I have two places in mind.

The first is a much nicer house with one other roommate. My room would be huge with a hardwood floor. It will cost $337 and I split the water and heat with my roommate. So all together under $400. its just down the street from where I live now and further from town. My roommate it cool I have already talked to her. The down side is the cost and that I would have to sign a one year lease. I might move in like 6 months I am not sure.

The second is $300 a month flat. It is a nice house but not incredible. the only issue is that I would be living with the family that owns the house. They have a fourteen year old daughter who they (from what I can gather) is out of control. They do not know where she is or when she is coming home. But I don't have to sign a lease and it is much cheaper. It might be weird living with a family

what would you do?

Answer 1

I personally would go with the first choice. You may like this arrangement and not want to move in the near future.

Answer 2

I would avoid both if you move in 6 months you will be paying for 6 months you aren't there so the total cost 400X12= 800 per month that you are there. Would you pay a security deposit? Could you get it back when you leave or at the end of the lease?
Make sure any roommates are a lot like you, same standards of cleanliness, same sleep hours and respect for each other's things. Spell out all rules for the house like overnight guest, who and how often. If you have your boyfriend over everynight sitting in the living room so she can't enjoy the space, get comfortable it isn't fair to her and you don't want to have her boyfriend there all the time either. Maybe agree to only have company before 7 PM or only on weekends.

Answer 3

The second choice is out of the question! If the things on the surface appear too weird, imagine what lies beneath. In making your final decision there are so many things to consider. Are you in school or working? If you are in school I would consider living on or near campus, if you are working I would suggest living near work. You may want to look into studio apartments, they cost more, but are private and all your own. Wherever you go consider asking for a month to month lease since you are not sure of your 1yr plan. Also, be careful of whom you choose to live with, I would suggest a background check and depending on your relationship with your parents you should try to include them in your decision making. Parents are very valuble and it doesn't mean you aren't an adult, it actually is a sign of maturity to know who and when to ask for a little assistance.

Answer 4

The second choice is just too awkward. Do you have a private bath? How will sharing the kitchen work? Will the out-of-control 14-year-old snitch your food from the fridge? Do you have an adequate lock on the door? Will the parents get confused and try to treat you like one of the kids?

Bad scene. Go with the first.

Answer 5

i would not live at the 2nd house. it sounds like a disaster! u will be dealing with all their family issues and it will not be pleasant or private. althought the first one is alittle higher, i would rather pay a little more for peace, quiet and most of all PRIVACY! u dont need prying eyes in ur business. go wlive with ur friend and enjoy your life. if u feel u might have to move in a couple of months then ask if when ur ready to move if u can find someone to take over ur portion fo the rent. that seems fair.

Answer 6

I would totally go for the first one..Why not just stay with your own family if you want to live with a family? And a out of control 14 year old...ouch a controllable 14 year old is bad enough.

Answer 7

hi how are you doing?!?!