Finding a good roommate can appear to be a big challenge. In spite of everything, how can you know whether or not you will get along well with someone after meeting them only once? Nevertheless, you can do things to increase your probabilities of finding a roommate you will want to share a Centerton rental house with. Even though there are important traits that you can look for in any potential roommate, the most important aspect is whether you will get along well. To find such a person, make the effort to use one or more of the subsequent tactics.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should mirror the kind of roommate that you want. It is usually true to say that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This information includes sharing a particular life stage or situation. For example, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may find that communicating with someone else going to school or starting a career is a good fit. On the other hand, a mid-career professional or retiree may get on considerably better with someone in a comparable life stage. Direct your advertising on venues that will reach the people you’d like to have as roommates.
Ask Good Questions
Before you accept an individual application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that first phone call. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the longer term. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared, in case you get nervous. You’ll want to ask about the caller’s source of income, major expenses, whether they smoke, if they own pets, what their work schedule is like, and if they are dating anyone. That last question may seem a bit personal, but you will want to find out whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. As soon as you’ve delivered your questions, be certain to give them the opportunity to ask questions of their own.
Check All References
In the event that you’ve made it past the screening phone call, it’s time to gather information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – including references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can all give you a clear notion of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Please make sure to contact every reference and ask over good questions concerning the applicant. It’s also essential to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be surprised by your roommate’s criminal record when they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It might seem like a great idea to offer your own home to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know isn’t always a wonderful idea. While a few people can make it work, there are many possible issues with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may learn things about the person you don’t like, which could generate resentment and even damage your relationship. It’s also a lot harder to enforce a lease agreement with someone you are concerned about, especially if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t working. What is more, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very difficult situation. Whether you try to get them to pay or you ask them to leave, the chances are high that your relationship is never going to be the same – even if they appear to be understanding at this point in time.
While it may take some effort, it is worth it when you find a great roommate. After all, you’ll probably spend a lot of time that share the same space, so it’s important to choose someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management First Choice takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Centerton property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 479-242-0791.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.