Finding a good roommate can appear to be a big challenge. In any case, 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 prospects of discovering a roommate you will want to share a Langhorne rental house with. Even though there are important traits that you can search for in any potential roommate, the most critical aspect is whether you will get along well. To find that person, try applying one or more of the following approaches.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise must reflect the kind of roommate that you want. It is mostly true that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This involves sharing a particular life stage or situation. For instance, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may find that connecting with someone else going to school or starting a career is a good fit. Though, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along much better with someone in a comparable life stage. Concentrate 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 long run. 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 know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. As soon as 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 off guard by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It may seem like a good idea to offer your home to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know isn’t always a good idea. While some people can make it work, there are many possible problems 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. 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 will never be the same – even if they seem to be understanding at the moment.
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 sharing the same space, so it’s important to pick someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Prosperity takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Langhorne property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 267-433-4200.
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.
