You should be aware of the things to search for if you’re thinking of sharing a Meridian rental home with a roommate. Even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon, there are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing a home with a stranger. It is also possible for roommates to become some of your closest friends. Even while there are no guarantees, there are several warning signs you can look for to help you figure out who the potential roommate a person might be. Here are a few characteristics that will help you identify a problematic roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
A poorly written or incomplete advertisement may indicate that the person who placed it is hiding something or is loath to put forth much effort in even the smallest of tasks, even though not everyone has advertising skills. In either case, an advertisement that contains misspellings or lacks basic information about the rental situation may be a sign of impending trouble.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you ask questions about your roommate or the terms of your lease, that’s another warning sign to look out for. Asking why a roommate moved out or why someone is moving in with you and why they need a new place to live is vital if there was ever a roommate. It is possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, investigate the living conditions prior to committing to anything. During your visit, make sure the surroundings are clean—not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly, such as dirty dishes stacking up in the sink or dusty ceiling fans. A good enough reason to vacate is if the rental home is unclean.
Lack of Job or References
Ask the prospective roommate about themselves, their career, and at least two references in addition to getting to know them better. If they do not have a job and are averse to providing references, this is a red flag. Even though it could feel awkward, it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent each month.
Significant Other
Whether your potential roommate has a significant other and how much time that person spends in the house are key considerations as well. A roommate’s significant other can spend so much time in the flat that they essentially pay no rent. If they tend to be disruptive, you might feel less inclined to accept this agreement.
Listen to Your Intuition
On paper, a person may appear to be the perfect roommate, but upon meeting them, something just feels wrong. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad sensation may be your intuition warning you something is wrong. The best course of action is to trust your gut and seek out alternative accommodations if necessary.
Finding the appropriate roommate can improve your life even further, despite the challenges of sharing a space with another person. Are you trying to find a rental house that you can share with one or more roommates? Real Property Management Boise offers a variety of well-maintained properties for rent in your area. Contact our office or check out our listings online.
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.
