Poorly Written Advertisement
Though not all can write great advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete advertisement may indicate that the advertiser is concealing something or is unwilling to put forth much effort in even the most menial 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 ask questions about your roommate or the terms of your lease, that’s another warning sign to look out for. It’s imperative to find out why your prospective roommate—if there was one—moved out, why they are moving in with you, and why they need a new place to live. 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, make sure to look into the living situation before making any commitments. During your visit, make sure the surroundings are clean—not just the surfaces. Keep a lookout for evidence that items are not being cleaned regularly, such as ceiling fans that are covered in dust or a sink filled with dirty dishes. If the rented home is unclean, it is sufficient reason to leave.
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. 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
When you meet someone, even though they might seem like the perfect roommate on paper, something just feels off. Even if you can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy feeling could be your intuition warning you that something is wrong. If you do not feel comfortable, it is best to trust your instincts and seek elsewhere.
Finding the proper roommate can make your life even better even if sharing a space with others can be difficult. Are you searching for a home to rent that you and one or two roommates could share? Nearby quality rental homes are available from Real Property Management Assurance. Contact our office or check out our listings online.