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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 homeIt’s important to be informed while searching for a place with a roommate for a Springfield rental home There are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger, even if truly terrible roommates are thankfully rare. The opposite is also true: your roommates could end up being some of your closest friends. While there are no absolutes, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you figure out the kind of roommate someone might be. In order to spot a lousy roommate, keep an eye out for the following signs.

Poorly Written Advertisement

A poorly written or unfinished advertisement may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is hesitant to put much effort into even little actions, even if ad writing may not be everyone’s strong suit. In either scenario, a rental ad that is misspelled or lacking key details about the situation could be a sign of trouble to come.

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. It’s possible they were at fault if their responses to these questions are evasive or they come across as unwilling to talk about it.

Overly Messy House

If you are responding to a roommate ad, have a look at the living situation before committing to anything. During your stay, inspect the hygiene of the entire area, not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly, such as dirty dishes stacking up in the sink or dusty ceiling fans. If the rented home is unclean, it is sufficient reason to leave.

Lack of Job or References

In addition to asking the potential roommate about themselves, inquire about their employment and request at least three references. 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. It may be uncomfortable to inquire about a potential roommate’s financial stability, but doing so is the only surefire method to prevent ending up in a situation where one person is unable to pay their monthly rent.

Significant Other

You should also think about the presence and frequency of any significant others living with your potential roommate. A roommate’s significant other can spend so much time in the flat that they essentially pay no rent. In particular, if they are obtrusive or boisterous, you might not be inclined to consent to this arrangement.

Listen to Your Intuition

On paper, a person may appear to be the perfect roommate, but upon meeting them, something just feels wrong. Even if you are unable to immediately identify the problem, that uneasy sensation can simply be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. If you do not feel comfortable, it is best to trust your instincts and seek elsewhere.

Finding the appropriate roommate can improve your life even further, despite the challenges of sharing a space with another person. Are you searching for a home to rent that you could share with one or two roommates? Nearby quality rental homes are available from Real Property Management Momentum. 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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