Looking for a roommate? The 7 essentials to look for

Looking for a roommate? Living with a roommate can be like an episode of Friends or a scene from Step Brothers (before Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly decided they liked each other). If you’re more interested in option A, then you have to do a little leg work. Having a good roommate relationship is all about finding someone that suits your lifestyle and shares some similar principles. In theory that shouldn’t be too hard to find, but realistically looking for a roommate kind of is. Sorry (not sorry), you need to know the truth.

Here’s what you need to consider when looking for a roommate:

Money matters

Talking about money is awkward, but it’s a crucial step in finding a roommate and determining each others needs. Without a doubt, different budgets equal different living expectations. Rent and other bills are going to be split down the middle, and if you and a potential roommate are budgeting for different lifestyles, you’re not a good match. Save yourself time and effort by discussing what you can and can’t afford right away.

The “Vouch” Factor

It can be helpful and somewhat reassuring to have a friend or family member recommend a roommate. Ask your entourage to spread the word (it’s called Facebook) and you’ll be surprised what comes back. The “vouch” factor is huge and can help you avoid living with a complete stranger.

Meet Face to Face

We live in a digital age, but don’t over estimate the screen-to-screen relationship you and your potential roommate currently have. How someone presents themselves, online, may not be a completely accurate representation of how they are offline. Meet face to face and come prepared with your questions before you declare each other roomies.

Ask Away!

If you have any questions for your potential roommate, be ready to ask them in the now – or forever regret it later. Don’t be shy to ask them about their cleaning, eating and living habits. With that said, be straight forward about yours. Living with someone else is a compromise, but it’s only normal that we can tolerate so much. Set boundaries straight from the beginning and ask away.

Compatible Lifestyles

If your potential roommate can’t answer this simple question – “so, what exactly do you do?” – sound the alarm and run for the hills! You want to have a similar lifestyle as your roommate. If you work at 9 am, you don’t want a roommate who’s playing beer pong at home, into the wee hours of Tuesday night. You don’t have to have the exact same schedule, but a mutual understanding of your responsibilities is important.

The Place

Roommate searches come in all different shapes, sizes, and scenarios: Your potential roommate already has a place, you already have a place or you both need to get moving on finding a place within your budget. All these circumstances have benefits and disadvantages. You may have found a great roommate, but if you don’t like their place, don’t move in. Feeling comfortable in your soon-to-be home is crucial. If you will be looking for a place, you both actively need to participate in the search, and that means there will be compromises. You don’t want to be caught choosing the place on your own however. Your roommate may later blame you for making a bad choice.

Roommate Agreements

People are unreliable. Call me a pessimist, but someone’s “word” does not count as an agreement. You want (you need) a written Roommate Agreement, especially if they are moving into your current rental. The Roommate Agreement is a written consent form that explains how roommates will share the responsibilities of renting. Roommate Agreement templates can be found online. Get one signed as soon as possible for some peace of mind.