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How to Pick a Good Roommate

Happy Coral Springs Roommates Moving Into a New HomeFinding a good roommate can be a critical challenge. However, how can you know if you’re going to get along well with someone after meeting them just once? Still, you can arrange things to increase the odds of having a roommate that you want to share in a Coral Springs rental house. While there are important traits that you can find in any potential roommate, the most significant aspect is whether you will get along well. To locate that person, you need to use one or all of the following strategies.

Advertise Selectively

Where and how much you advertise should indicate the personality of a roommate that you prefer. It is clearly true that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This includes sharing a particular life stage or situation. Let’s say, if you are a college student or a young professional, you might think that interacting with someone else going to school or starting a career is a great match. On the flip side, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along 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 specific application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that initial 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 would be great to have a list of questions prepared, in case you feel nervous. Keep in mind that you need 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. This final question may sound a bit personal, but you will want to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once your questions have been answered, be sure to give them a chance to ask their question.

Check All References

If you’ve done 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 give you a better idea of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Make sure to contact every reference and ask good questions about the applicant. It is also desirable to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be surprised by your roommate’s criminal record once they’ve been moved in to your place.

Don’t Rent to Friends and Family

You might think it would be a perfect idea to recommend your home to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know isn’t always the best idea. Although some people can make it work, there are lots of potential conflicts with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may notice things about the person you don’t like, which could create resentment and even destroy your relationship. It’s also a lot more difficult to enforce a lease agreement with someone who is important to you, particularly 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 difficult position. Whether you require them to pay or you ask them to leave, the chances are strong that this will damage your relationship – even though they appear to be understanding at the moment.

Although it could take some effort, it is worth it when you find a decent roommate. In the end, you’ll possibly spend a lot of time sharing the same place, so it’s better to select someone who’s going to make it as pleasant as possible.

Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Premier takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Coral Springs property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 954-362-5235.

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