How to Pick a Good Roommate

Finding a good roommate can appear like a huge challenge. The reality is that how can you know whether you will get along well with someone after meeting them only once? However, you can do things to improve your possibilities of getting a roommate you will want to share a Chesterfield County rental house with. While 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 that person, try using one or more of the following strategies

Advertise Selectively

Where and how much you advertise ought to show the kind of roommate that you would like. It is commonly true that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This includes splitting a particular life stage or situation. For instance, 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 cope much better with someone in a similar life stage. Focus your advertising on venues that will reach the people you’d like to have as roommates.

Ask Good Questions

Before you accept a single 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 end. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It’s an excellent idea to have a list of questions prepared, in case you get panicky. 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 know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you’ve asked your questions, be sure to give them a chance to ask questions of their own.

Check All References

If 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 picture of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Be sure to contact each reference and ask good questions about the applicant. It’s also important to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be caught by surprise by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.

Don’t Rent to Friends and Family

It may seem like a solid approach to extend your home to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know isn’t always a decent idea. While some people can make it work, there are numerous possible complications with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may discover things about the person you don’t like, which could create resentment and even damage your relationship. It’s also much harder to enforce a lease agreement with someone you care about, especially if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t working. Furthermore, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very complex situation. Whether you try to get them to pay or you ask them to leave, the possibilities are high that your relationship will never be the same – even if they seem to be understanding at the moment.

While it may take some attempts, it is worth it when you find a great roommate. After all, you’ll probably spend a lot of time sharing the same space, so it’s crucial to pick someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.

Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Richmond Metro takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Chesterfield County property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 804-417-7005.