If you are considering a Emmett rental home with a roommate, you should be aware of what to search for. 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. You can spot a poor roommate by keeping an eye out for the following signs.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Ad copywriting is not everyone’s strong suit, but a poorly written or unfinished ad may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much work into even little actions. 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
When you ask questions about your roommate or lease arrangements, you should also be suspicious. It’s imperative to find out why your prospective roommate—if there was one—moved out, why they are moving in with you, and why they need a new place to live. It’s possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to talk about it.
Overly Messy House
Before committing to anything, investigate the living conditions when responding to a roommate ad. During your visit, make sure the entire area is 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 dirty rental property is justification enough to look elsewhere.
Lack of Job or References
Inquire about the prospective roommate’s job and at least two references in addition to getting to know them better. If they do not appear to have a job and are unwilling to provide references, this is an indication that something is amiss. 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
Consider whether your prospective housemate has a significant other and the amount of time that person spends in the residence. A roommate’s significant other may spend so much time in the apartment that they essentially pay no rent for it. If they are loud or obnoxious, you might not be inclined to accept this arrangement.
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 feeling could be your intuition warning you that something is wrong. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.
While having a roommate can be difficult, the perfect one could improve your life. Are you trying to find a place to rent where you may live with one or two roommates? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management Nampa. 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.
