You should be aware of the things to search for if you’re thinking of sharing a Huntersville rental home with a roommate. 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. 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 case, an advertisement that contains misspellings or lacks basic information about the rental situation may be a sign of impending trouble.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
Asking about your roommate or the terms of your lease is another cautionary sign to look out for. 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. It is possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, investigate the living conditions prior to committing to anything. During your stay, examine the overall sanitation of the area, and don’t just look at the surfaces. Keep a lookout for evidence that items are not being cleaned regularly, such as ceiling fans that are covered in dust or a sink filled with dirty dishes. If the rental home is filthy, that is sufficient reason to leave in haste.
Lack of Job or References
You should also inquire about the prospective roommate’s job and at least two references in addition to asking them about themselves. Both the absence of a job or the refusal to furnish references are warning signs that something is off. 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
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 not be inclined to acquiesce to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.
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 follow your instincts and look elsewhere if something doesn’t feel right.
While having a roommate can be difficult, the perfect one could improve your life. Are you trying to find a rental house that you can share with one or more roommates? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management Charlotte Metro. 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.
