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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 homeIf you’re thinking about sharing a Suwanee rental home with a roommate, you should be informed of what to look 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 is also possible for roommates to become some of your closest friends. Even while there are no guarantees, there are several warning signs you can look for to help you figure out who the potential roommate a person might be. You can spot a poor roommate by keeping an eye out for the following signs.

Poorly Written Advertisement

A poorly written or incomplete advertisement may indicate that the person who placed it is hiding something or is loath to put forth much effort in even the smallest of tasks, even though not everyone has advertising skills. In either scenario, a rental ad that is misspelled or lacking key details about the situation could be a sign of trouble to come.

Vague or Inconsistent Answers

When you ask questions about your roommate or the terms of your lease, that’s another warning sign to look out for. It is essential to inquire as to why the previous roommate (if any) left or why the new roommate is moving in with you and why they require a new place to reside. 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, make sure to look into the living situation before making any commitments. 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. If the rental home is filthy, that is sufficient reason to leave in haste.

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. 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. It is possible for a roommate’s significant other to spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. You may be hesitant to agree to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or annoying.

Listen to Your Intuition

When you meet someone, even if they seem like the perfect roommate on paper, there is something off about them. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad sensation may be your intuition warning you something is wrong. If you do not feel comfortable, it is best to trust your instincts and seek elsewhere.

Finding the appropriate roommate can improve your life even further, despite the challenges of sharing a space with another person. Are you searching for a home to rent that you and one or two roommates could share? Real Property Management North Point has a selection of top-notch rental homes in your area. Contact our office or check out our listings online.

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