Finding a good roommate can be a daunting challenge. How can you know if you will get along well with another person after meeting them only once? However, you can do things to increase your chances of finding a roommate you will want to share a Hazelton rental house with. Although there are important traits that you can find in any potential roommate, the most crucial point is whether you will get along well. To locate that person, consider using any or all of these suggestions.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should reflect the kind of roommate that you want. It is generally true that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This contains sharing a particular life stage or situation. For illustration, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may recognize that discussing with somebody going to school or starting a career is a great match. On the contrary, a mid-career professional or retiree may be more relaxed with someone in a related life stage. Post 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 is preferable to have a list of questions prepared if ever you forget something. You must inquire 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 inquiry may seem to be a personal one, but it is imperative to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you have discussed your concern, make sure you allow them to discuss their concerns.
Check All References
After you’ve completed the screening phone call, make sure to gather information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – as well as references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can provide you with a good description of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Bear in mind to contact every reference and ask necessary questions about the applicant. It’s also important to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be stunned by your roommate’s criminal record once they have transferred to your house.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
Offering your home to a friend or family member may seem like a good idea, but living with someone you already know always includes disadvantages. While some people can make it work, there are many potential issues with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may discover things about the person you don’t like, which can result in resentment and even destroy your relationship. It’s also much tougher to enforce a lease agreement with someone you care about, particularly if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t working. Besides, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very complicated position. 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 need some work, it is worth it when you meet a good roommate. At the end of the day, you’ll surely spend a lot of time sharing the same environment, that is why you need to choose someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Magic Valley takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Hazelton property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 208-734-4001.
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.
