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Things to Look for When Screening Potential Roommates

Happy and compatible roommates taking a selfie on the patio of their rental homeIt’s important to be informed while searching for a place with a roommate for a Burleson rental home There are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger, even if truly terrible roommates are thankfully rare. On the contrary, roommates can also become some of your closest friends. There are several warning signs you may look for to assist you to figure out the kind of roommate someone might be, however, there are no guarantees. The following will assist you in identifying a problematic roommate.

Poorly Written Advertisement

A poorly written or unfinished advertisement may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is hesitant to put much effort into even little actions, even if ad writing may not be everyone’s strong suit. An advertisement that has typos or omits key details about the leasing situation could be a sign of problems in either case.

Vague or Inconsistent Answers

Asking about your roommate or the terms of your lease is another cautionary sign to look out for. Asking why someone is moving in with you or leaving their prior roommate (if there was one) and why they need a new place to live is vital. It’s possible they were at fault if their responses to these questions are evasive or they come across as unwilling to talk about it.

Overly Messy House

If you are responding to a roommate ad, have a look at the living situation before committing to anything. During your stay, inspect the hygiene of the entire area, not just the surfaces. Keep a lookout for evidence that items are not being cleaned regularly, such as ceiling fans that are covered in dust or a sink filled with dirty dishes. If the rented home is unclean, it is sufficient reason to leave.

Lack of Job or References

In addition to asking about the roommate’s background, inquire about the prospective roommate’s employment and request at least three references. Both the absence of a job or the refusal to furnish references are warning signs that something is off. It may be uncomfortable to inquire about a potential roommate’s financial stability, but doing so is the only surefire method to prevent ending up in a situation where one person is unable to pay their monthly rent.

Significant Other

If your potential roommate has a significant other, you should think carefully about how much time they spend together in the house. It is possible for a roommate’s significant other to spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. In particular, if they are obtrusive or boisterous, you might not be inclined to consent to this arrangement.

Listen to Your Intuition

When you meet someone, even though they might seem like the perfect roommate on paper, something just feels off. Even if you are unable to immediately identify the problem, that uneasy sensation can simply be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. If you do not feel comfortable, it is best to trust your instincts and seek elsewhere.

Finding the proper roommate can make your life even better even if sharing a space with others can be difficult. Are you searching for a home to rent that you could share with one or two roommates? Nearby quality rental homes are available from Real Property Management Trailhead. 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.

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