If you are considering a Woodbury rental home with a roommate, you should be aware of what to search for. Thankfully, truly terrible roommates are rare, but there are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger. It’s also true that roommates can turn out to be 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 characteristics that will help you identify a problematic roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Even if not everyone is skilled at writing advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete one may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much effort into even trivial tasks. An advertisement that is misspelled or omits key details about the rental situation could, in any case, be a sign that trouble is on the way.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
Another warning sign is if you ask about the roommate situation or the lease terms. 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’s feasible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or if they come off as unwilling to talk about it.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, make sure to look into the living situation before making any commitments. While there, make sure the surroundings are clean, not just the surfaces. Dusty ceiling fans and a mountain of dishes in the sink are telltale signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly. A good enough reason to vacate is if the rental home is unclean.
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. If they do not have a job and are averse to providing references, this is a red flag. The easiest approach to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to pay their share of the rent each month is to ask questions, even if it may feel unpleasant.
Significant Other
If your potential roommate has a significant other, you should think carefully about how much time they spend together in the house. The significant other of a housemate may spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. You may not be inclined to acquiesce to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.
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. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.
Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the ideal housemate can make your life even better! Are you trying to find a place to rent where you may live with one or two roommates? Real Property Management Fidelis has a selection of top-notch rental homes in your area. 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.
