Finding a good roommate can seem like a big challenge. After all, how can you know whether you will get along fine with someone after meeting them only once? Nevertheless, you can do things to improve your possibilities of encountering a roommate you will want to share a Agua Dulce rental house with. While there are important traits that you can see in any potential roommate, the most significant perspective is whether you will get along well. To find that person, try using one or more of the following strategies.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should match the kind of roommate that you need. It is generally correct that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This entails sharing a particular life stage or situation. For example, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may find that interacting with someone else going to school or starting a career is a good fit. At the same time, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along much better with someone in a comparable life stage. Focus 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’s a great idea to have a list of questions prepared, in case you get apprehensive. You’ll want to ask 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 latter question may seem a bit personal, but you will want to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you’ve asked your inquiries, be sure to give them an opportunity to ask questions of their own.
Check All References
On the off chance that you’ve made it past the screening phone call, it’s time for you to gather information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – including references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can all give you a clear picture of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Be sure to contact each reference and ask good questions about the applicant. It’s also important to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You will not want to be surprised by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It might seem like a great idea to offer your home to a friend or family member, but then, living with someone you already know isn’t always a good thing. While some people may make it work, there are many possible problems with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may learn things about the individual you don’t like, which might create resentment and even cause damage to your relationship. It’s also far more difficult to enforce a lease agreement with somebody that you are interested in, particularly if the subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t working. What is more, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very difficult situation. Whether or not 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 take some effort, it is worth it when you find a great roommate. After all, you’ll probably spend a lot of time sharing the same space, so it’s important to pick someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Traditions takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Agua Dulce property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 661-266-1400.
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.