You should be aware of the things to search for if you’re thinking of sharing a Mooresville 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. There are several warning signs you may look for to assist you to figure out the kind of roommate someone might be, however, there are no guarantees. You can spot a poor roommate by keeping an eye out for the following signs.
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. An advertisement that has typos or omits key details about the leasing situation could be a sign of problems in either case.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you ask questions about your roommate or lease arrangements, you should also be suspicious. 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. If their answers to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter, it is possible that they were at fault.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, be sure the living situation is suitable before committing. During your visit, make sure the surroundings are clean—not just the surfaces. Check for signs of inconsistent cleaning, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. A dirty rental property is justification enough to look elsewhere.
Lack of Job or References
Inquire about the prospective roommate’s job and at least two references in addition to getting to know them better. It’s a warning sign that something isn’t quite right if they don’t appear to have a job or refuse to give references. Asking about a person’s financial situation may feel awkward, but it’s the best way to avoid living with a housemate who cannot pay their portion of the monthly rent.
Significant Other
Consider whether your prospective housemate has a significant other and the amount of time that person spends in the residence. It is possible for a roommate’s significant other to spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. If they are loud or obnoxious, you might not be inclined to accept this arrangement.
Listen to Your Intuition
A potential roommate may seem perfect on paper, but when meeting in person, a strange vibe may develop. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad feeling may be your intuition warning you something is awry. Trusting your senses and moving on if you don’t feel comfortable is the best course of action.
While having a roommate can be difficult, the perfect one could improve your life. Are you trying to find a rental house that you can share with one or more roommates? Real Property Management Experts 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.
