It’s important to be informed while searching for a place with a roommate for a Richmond Heights rental home Despite the very low number of truly terrible roommates, there are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger. The converse is also true: roommates can become some of your closest friends. While there are no guarantees, there are some red flags you can look for to determine what kind of roommate someone might be. Here are a few indicators to watch out for in a potentially bad roommate.
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. In either case, an advertisement that contains misspellings or lacks basic information about the rental situation may be a sign of impending trouble.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
Asking about your roommate or the terms of your lease is another cautionary sign to look out for. It is of the utmost importance to inquire as to why the previous roommate (if any) left, why they are moving in with you, and why they need a new place to reside. It is possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, investigate the living conditions prior to committing to anything. During your visit, make sure the surroundings are clean—not just the surfaces. Check for signs of inconsistent cleaning, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. A dirty rental property is justification enough to look elsewhere.
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. It’s a warning sign that something isn’t quite right if they don’t appear to have a job or refuse to give references. It could feel strange to inquire about someone’s finances, but it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent on a monthly basis.
Significant Other
The existence of a significant other and how much time that person spends in the home with your potential roommate are key considerations as well. The significant other of a roommate might spend so much time there that they essentially pay no rent. If they tend to be disruptive, you might feel less inclined to accept this agreement.
Listen to Your Intuition
A person could seem like the perfect roommate on paper, but when you meet them, something just feels off. Even if you can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy sensation can just be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. The best course of action is to follow your instincts and look elsewhere if something doesn’t feel right.
While having a roommate can be difficult, the perfect one could improve your life. Are you searching for a home to rent that you could share with one or two roommates? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management Endeavor. 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.
