When you have to live with someone, it will always be an adjustment. Whether you’re going to be living with a friend, a co-worker, or a complete stranger, you must go over the larger topics to make sure things are clear about living arrangements and you both agree on certain issues. Think about what your “deal breakers” are and find out what is really expected out of a good roommate.
These are some topics that you should consider when picking the best roommate. Don’t be unprepared for your roommate interviews!
Schedules
Ask about their schedule and work hours. This will give you a picture of what their schedule may be and when they will typically be at the apartment. Maybe your roommate is a night owl and you’re the early bird. Ask about their weekends and what they like to do. Maybe they sleep in and prefer that it’s quiet in the mornings. Either way, it’s good to know whether your schedules will clash or if they will be complimentary.
Volume Levels
Some people like to listen to music or watch movies with the volume cranked. That’s okay, but not at 3 a.m. Find out what your roommate thinks about quiet times.
Safety
Everyone want to feel safe in their own home. Make sure that your roommate is on board with locking windows and doors at all times whenever the apartment is vacant, even if you just left to grab a coffee.
Visitor Policy
Having a roommate that has a boyfriend or girlfriend can create tension if that significant other is over all the time. Or, you could get stuck with the roommate that has friends over all the time, everyday. If you want to have as many friends over as possible, then that’s your dream roommate. However, it’s better to talk about the frequency of friend visits and overnight stays. Nip this issues in the butts right away!
How long will you live here?
This question is so important and often overlooked. If one of you wants to stay just six months and the other wants to stay for several years, you may not have the perfect roommate.
What about the bills?
Are you going to be splitting the bills down the middle or will you keep your bills separate? Discuss how the security deposit will be divided as well; for example, one room is bigger. Talk about it before an awkward money situation comes up.
Pets
If your roommate has a pet, this could be a problem. If the apartment doesn’t allow pets, you can’t stay there. Often you must pay a pet deposit. Discuss those complications and any allergies to other pets in case you decide to get another pet while you’re living together.
Smoking, Drinking, and Drugs
It might seem too personal to ask if your roommate is a smoker, drinker, or drug user but it’s a delicate subject that makes a huge impact on your future as roommates. These habits could make a roommate feel uncomfortable in the apartment.
Apartment Decorating
Some roommates really don’t want to decorate; others have been planning out their apartment feng-shui before they even saw it. Talk about what stuff you will be moving into the apartment and talk about what will be in each room. Also, express what your likes and dislikes are when it comes to apartment decorations.
Cleaning Responsibilities
This is a sore subject among anyone that has had a messy roommate. It’s important to know that both roommates are responsible for keeping the apartment clean. If you love to do the dishes, claim it. You can divide chores based on which duties you prefer and go from there. Express how disorganized you are on a scale of 1 to 10.
Food
Ask your roommate if they want to cook meals together and split the grocery bill or eat individually and fend for themselves. Is food sharing allowed or strictly off limits? Also, diet preferences definitely are a deal breaker for some. If your roommate is a vegan, it’s probably a little unsettling to live with a meat lover.
Set up a Trial Period
Ask your roommate to rent for a month and see how it goes. If you end up absolutely regretting your decision to live together, you can back out of the agreement.
Personal Information
If your roommate is bad at saving or has a poor credit report, you may run the risk of ruining your credit or having a roommate that consistently misses payments. Beware of bad financial standing! Any other topics that are slightly controversial should be shared such as religion, sexuality, and political topics.
{ 0 comments }
