I just finalized the paperwork on getting a 2 bdrm/2bath apartment and need to start looking for a roommate that can move in with me, once I get the keys. The apartment is pretty nice, and it will be A LOT cheaper than renting by myself, plus the living quarters are twice as big, and I won't have to come home to an silent/lonely place anymore either. My problem is...finding a good roommate is harder than I expected! I don't know anyone that's looking for a place, that I can actually trust. I'm thinking about posting an add....say on craigslist or roommates.com . I will only live with another female, around my age. And of course I'd have her sign all the necessary documents, ensuring that rent is paid and protecting my butt from everything else that may happen. My question is...is it a bad idea to post an add for a roommate, because essentially this person is a stranger? I'm a little nervouse about it, but I don't have any other options.
Any ideas/opinions/suggestions?? Thanks!
2007-11-21 03:59:32 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
One basic tool for evaluating a prospective roommate is a credit check. Smart landlords do it all the time. Remember, although this will be up close and personal, it's still a business transaction and a business relationship. How to get a credit check? I suggest that you pose that question on Yahoo Answers.
You can also check www.nolo.com for lots of on line legal help.
2007-11-21 04:06:17 · answer #1 · answered by artwhiterealtor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've posted ads on roommates.com on 2 occassions and got some good responses. But in the end I found a friend of a friend who was looking for a place to stay.
Depending on your lease, it may require a roommate to be added to your lease. Living with a stranger there's always a chance they could skip out on rent, you could not get along, etc. With females living together a lot of friction seems to come from boyfriends staying over, personal items such as clothes, and cleaning duties. A lot of success with a roommate depends on realistic expectations from the get-go and setting rules about groceries, bill paying, and that kind of stuff. I've also found that figure out how much the bills are monthly and just dividing that in half (not accepting cash, check or money order only) and buying your own groceries works better than splitting each utility because then there's confusion about "I thought I paid that already."
My current roommate and I get along well because we work opposite hours but she doesn't throw trash away or take things to her room. So anything I don't recognize goes in the trash and everything else goes on her bed. I learned to pick and chose my battles.
2007-11-21 13:27:18 · answer #2 · answered by Sandy Sandals 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most apartments will require the roommate to qualify for the partment and be listed on the lease as well as yourself.
It is a gutsy move to have someone you don't know live in the same house as you. They could skip town and not pay, steal or damage your things and run up the utility bills (I assume these would be in you name and you would be responsible).
Before you do anything, check with your landlord and see what their requirements are for you having a roommate.
2007-11-21 12:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by Tim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Brandi,
Many schools, have some facility to bring prospective roommates together. Some schools, even have a housing office. I would check with the dean of student affairs, at your current school, and the one you plan to transfer to. You may also, want to check other schools in your area, if any.
Larry
2007-11-24 21:57:22 · answer #4 · answered by Larry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋