Tips for Finding a Good Roommate

Sharing an apartment with a roommate can be a great financial decision. However, living with a stranger can be a scary commitment. You might find a roommate that becomes your best friend or your worst enemy. Here are some tips on how to find a great roommate that you can trust.

Finding Candidates

The first step to finding a roommate is getting the word out that you are looking for one. It’s best to start with the people you know. Ask your friends if they want to move in with you or if they know anyone that is looking for a place to live. Getting a referral from someone you trust is the best way to start.

If you can’t find any candidates that way, create a listing online. Make sure to meet potential roommates in a public place, such as a coffee shop. You may even want to consider bringing a friend along to get a second opinion.

The Interview

Create a list of interview questions that are important to you. Do you have a pet? Make sure to ask if they are ok with animals—or if they have a pet that will get along with yours. Find out their typical schedule to see if their hours are compatible with yours. See if their cleanliness level matches yours. Ask if they smoke, drink, or do drugs. Ask about their noise levels and how often they plan to invite friends over. Find out if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend and how often they will be staying over. It can be frustrating if a significant other stays the night for weeks at a time but doesn’t pay rent.

Keep a keen eye on any red flags. The roommate interview should be an even more intense process then a first date—because you’re moving in with them right away. Anything that makes you a tiny bit uneasy should indicate that it’s time to move to the next candidate. Interview as many people it takes until you find someone that you feel comfortable with and get along with well.

Determine ahead of time how all bills will be paid for. It’s ok to ask your potential roommate how much money they make—you don’t want to be left out in the cold because they can’t make rent.

The Roommate Agreement

When you’ve chosen your roommate, make sure that you both sign a roommate agreement—this will help establish rules and resolve any future conflicts. Don’t worry about offending your roommate by bringing up this idea. Sharing a story about a past roommate horror story is a good way to ease the tension and illustrate that you’re just trying to cover your bases.

Protect Yourself

Make sure to get renters insurance. Renters insurance is inexpensive, and it can protect you from a lot—theft, fire, flood—anything that is out of your control that could damage your belongings. Your landlord may have an insurance policy out for the building, but everything inside of the apartment is yours to insure.

Contact H & K Insurance Agency to learn more about our renters insurance policies. Whether or not you have a great roommate, accidents can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.