Finding a good roommate may look like a big challenge. Nonetheless, how can you know whether you will get along well with someone after meeting them only once? Yet, you can do things to multiply your chances of locating a roommate that you will prefer to share a Morgan rental house. While there are important traits that you can discover in any potential roommate, the most significant aspect is whether you will get along well. In order to locate that person, try using one or more of the following methods.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should indicate the type of roommate that you want. It is generally true that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This includes sharing a particular life stage or situation. For instance, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may notice that interacting with someone else going to school or starting a career is a perfect fit. On the other side, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along much better with someone in a similar 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 particular application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that initial phone call. This will save you a lot of time and effort in due course. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It would be best to have a list of questions prepared if ever you get tense and forget. You need to inquire 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 query may appear to be personal, but it is necessary to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you’ve done asking questions, keep in mind that you need to give them time to inquire about some of their concerns.
Check All References
If you’ve made it past the screening phone call, it’s time to compile information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – together with references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can all give you a greater understanding of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Be sure to contact each reference and ask important questions about the applicant. It’s also vital to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be surprised by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It may look like a good option to suggest your house to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know may include a consequence. While other individuals can make it work, there are several potential difficulties with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may discover things about the person you don’t like, which could create resentment and even damage your relationship. It’s also a lot complicated to enforce a lease agreement with someone who matters to you, especially if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t effective. What is more, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very complicated situation. Whether you push them to pay or you ask them to leave, the probabilities are strong that your relationship wouldn’t be the same anymore – even if it seems to be understanding at this time.
Although it consumes time and energy, it is worth it when you find a good roommate. Ultimately, you’ll obviously spend a lot of time staying in the same house, so it is best to choose someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Northern Utah takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Morgan property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 801-546-1770.
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.
