You should be aware of the things to search for if you’re thinking of sharing a Macon rental home with a roommate. There are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing their home with a stranger, even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon. It’s also true that roommates can turn out to be some of your closest friends. While there are no absolutes, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you figure out the kind of roommate someone might be. Here are a few characteristics that will help you identify a problematic roommate.
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
Another warning sign is if you ask about the roommate situation or the lease terms. 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. If their answers to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter, it is possible that they were at fault.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, be sure the living situation is suitable before committing. During your stay, examine the overall sanitation of the area, and don’t just look at the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned frequently, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. That’s a good enough reason to depart if the rental home is unclean.
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 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
You should also think about the presence and frequency of any significant others living with your potential roommate. A roommate’s significant other can spend so much time in the flat that they essentially pay no rent. If they are loud or obnoxious, you might not be inclined to accept this arrangement.
Listen to Your Intuition
On paper, a person may appear to be the perfect roommate, but upon meeting them, something just feels wrong. Even if you are unable to immediately identify the problem, that uneasy sensation can simply be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. The best course of action is to trust your gut and seek out alternative accommodations if necessary.
Finding the proper roommate can make your life even better even if sharing a space with others can be difficult. Are you trying to find a rental house that you can share with one or more roommates? Real Property Management Vestahas a selection of quality rental properties in your vicinity. 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.
