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Things to Look for When Screening Potential Roommates

Happy and compatible roommates taking a selfie on the patio of their rental homeIf you are considering a Flower Mound rental home with a roommate, you should be aware of what to search for. Even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon, there are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing a home with a stranger. On the contrary, roommates can also become some of your closest friends. While there are no guarantees, there are red flags that can help you determine the type of roommate a person may be. The following will assist you in identifying a problematic roommate.

Poorly Written Advertisement

Even if not everyone is skilled at writing advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete one may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much effort into even trivial tasks. 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 enquire about your roommate or your lease terms, that’s another cautionary sign to look out for. It is essential to inquire as to why the previous roommate (if any) left or why the new roommate is moving in with you and why they require a new place to reside. It’s feasible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or if they come off as unwilling to talk about it.

Overly Messy House

Before committing to anything, investigate the living conditions when responding to a roommate ad. While there, make sure the surroundings are clean, not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned frequently, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. A good enough reason to vacate is if the rental home is unclean.

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. A red flag that something isn’t quite right is when someone doesn’t appear to have a job or won’t give you 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

Whether your potential roommate has a significant other and how much time that person spends in the house are key considerations as well. The significant other of a housemate may 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 can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy feeling could be your intuition warning you that something is wrong. Trusting your senses and moving on if you don’t feel comfortable is the best course of action.

Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the ideal housemate can make your life even better! Are you trying to find a place to rent where you may live with one or two roommates? Real Property Management Lakeview 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.

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