For a great many of us, a financial need or even just the desire to not be alone requires us to find a roommate to share the space and the expenses of apartment life. Living with someone – even your best friend – can be a challenge. But, when that person is a stranger to you, the prospect of jumping into a living situation can seem daunting. However, armed with some pertinent questions, you can easily get a handle on whether or not it will be a good living arrangement for you or if you should move on to seek out another potential roommate.
Remember though, these questions go both ways – whether you are the person in the apartment seeking a roommate or you are the potential roommate seeking an apartment to share. By taking the time to get to know a little more about each other before you commit to signing a lease together, you can avoid any potential future pitfalls. When interviewing your potential roommate consider the following questions:
Essential Questions to Ask
1. What are your work hours? For those keeping traditional work hours it is very difficult to be a night owl; very often you fall into a routine that involves going to bed at a decent hour and waking up rather early on weekday mornings. Rooming with someone who works at night and sleeps all day can be difficult as opposite schedules could present a challenge.
2. What are your policies on visitors? Moving in with someone who has a significant other and plans on having them sleep over every night of the week can quickly become a problem. As can the roommate who always finds it necessary to have fifteen friends over at once, several times a week. If this is a desire that you share, that’s one thing. But if it’s something that could cause issues, it’s best to leave them off the table right off the bat.
3. How do you envision splitting the bills? You may have the idea that you will split the utility and phone bills down the middle and your potential roommate may want to keep everything separate. Discuss your expectations before it becomes a problem.
4. Are you a smoker, drinker, or drug user? These may sound like intimate questions but they are absolutely crucial to ask as they could very easily cause one person to be uncomfortable down the road. No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their own apartment; an awkward question now can save awkward or even illegal moments later.
5. How do you feel about pets? For those who live with pets, having a roommate that is not a pet lover is often a deal breaker. For those who have allergies or do not have a particular fondness for animals, living with someone and their pooch or kitty may be unthinkable.
6. Are there any allergies? Speaking of allergies, it is important to know ahead of time what potential problems your roommate may have with specific allergens including food products, cleaning supplies, and so forth.
7. How do you envision combining furniture? Some roommates may come to the table with their own furniture in tow – into an apartment that is already crammed with stuff. Discuss your expectations regarding what is acceptable to bring in and what may be just too much, as well as if you may consider purchasing furniture together.
8. How do you feel about splitting cleaning duties? Keeping an apartment clean is a two way street when there are two people living there. Be sure that you are both clear about how you plan to divide household duties so that one person does not ultimately feel as though they are doing all the work.
9. How do you want to tackle food? There are some roommates that split the groceries and the cooking down the middle and others who prefer to fend for themselves. Be sure to discuss this potential hot topic ahead of time.
10. Do you recycle? If you are someone for whom a green lifestyle is important it is also important to ensure that your potential roommate is compatible in this regard.
11. What is your financial standing? Those with poor credit as a result of late or missed payments may be a huge credit risk as a roommate especially if utilities are in both of your names.
12. What’s your policy on sharing? There are some people who are completely comfortable with their roommates sharing everything from shampoo to milk. Just be sure you know your boundaries regarding each other’s personal belongings.
13. Are you a vegetarian? This may not be a big deal for a meat eater but it can certainly change the dynamics of the kitchen. Ask ahead of time so there are no surprises.
14. What are your weekends like? Those who like to sleep in on weekends may be bothered by those who are up early listening to music. Note your compatibility on this topic.
15. What annoys you? This may seem like a simple question – or one that may be difficult to answer – but it could avoid so many problems down the road and allow you to be considerate of each other from the beginning.
16. How long do you plan on living here? A relationship may not work out if one person is only planning on staying for six months and the other is counting on a several year rental.
17. Are they willing to split the security deposit? This speaks for itself, as it is important for both roommates to have equal investment in the apartment and thereby stand to lose the same amount.
18. Are you comfortable with a trial period? It may be best to outline a trial period during which time you can live together and see how it works.
19. Is there any personal information you wish to share or would like to know? The topics of religion and sexuality are sensitive ones but they may need to be addressed if there could potentially be issues down the road.
20. Do you have references for past roommates or landlords? It’s important to know that the person you are considering to be your roommate is reliable, responsible, and – let’s face it – emotionally stable. Asking for references is completely appropriate and will go far towards getting a better picture of this person’s character.
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This is a really useful list. I’ve been thinking about getting a roommate for my apartment in the UK and this list will really help. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much! This is a great list. I’m renting a room for the first time and wasn’t completely sure what I should be asking.
This was soo helpful! Thanks for brightening up my day. :) I was getting concerned with not finding a roommate and now that I have a few interested prospects, I can be asking them all of these important questions. Thanks, again!
Kathie
This list is great. I will be using it this weekend when I see potential roommates . thanks :)
This list will most definitely come in handy =]