Finding a good roommate can seem like a big challenge. All things considered, how can you know whether you will get along well with someone after meeting them only once? In any case, you can do things to build your odds of finding a roommate you will want to share a Mobile rental house with. While there are important traits that you can search for in any potential roommate, the most substantial part is whether you will get along well. To find that person, try utilizing one or more of the following strategies.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise ought to mirror the sort of roommate that you need. It is by and large obvious that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This includes the ability to share a particular life stage or situation. For instance, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may realize that talking with someone else going to school or starting a career is a fantastic fit. Then again, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along much better with someone in a comparable life stage. Concentrate 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 sooner or later. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared, in case you get nervous. 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 last question may seem a bit personal, but you will want to find out whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. As soon as you’ve asked your questions, guarantee that you give them a chance to ask queries of their own.
Check All References
If you’ve made it past the screening phone call, it’s time to gather information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – including references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can all give you a clear view of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Check to make 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 don’t want to be caught in a bad spot by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
Although It may seem as if it’s a good idea to extend your home to a friend or family member, but then again, living with someone you already know isn’t always a great idea. Although some people can make it work, there are many potential problems with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may find things about the person you don’t like, which could create resentment and even damage your relationship. It’s also much harder to enforce a lease agreement with someone you care about, especially if 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 challenging situation. Whether you try to get them to pay or you ask them to leave, the odds 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 Azalea City takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Mobile property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 251-345-6224.
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.