If you’re looking for a roommate with whom to share your Algonquin rental home, you might be thinking about how difficult it will be to locate the appropriate person. After all, a roommate will greatly affect your home life– for better or worse. There are, however, things you can do to assist you in finding a roommate with whom you will get along. You can find someone with the habits, values, and personality to be the best possible roommate for you if you follow these guidelines.
Start early. The most critical aspect of selecting a wonderful roommate is to provide sufficient time. If you’re pressed for time, you’re more likely to make poor choices that negatively affect your quality of life. If feasible, begin looking for a roommate well in advance of the time when you will need someone to move in.
Ask your friends. While sharing a room with a friend may not be the best option, you should ask people you know if they know anyone who’s looking for a roommate. Someone you’ve been recommended by a friend, coworker, or family member could be a roommate with whom you’ll get along smoothly because you both know and enjoy the same people.
Use social media. Use social media to publicize your search for a roommate. You can quickly create postings describing your position and the type of person you’re seeking. Social media can also help you reach people outside of your immediate neighborhood. You might meet your new roommate when they move to your town from another location.
Do multiple interviews. After you’ve received a few applicants, conduct multiple interviews with your best picks. Prepare a list of questions to ask them, and then follow up with the ones you like most after your first round of interviews. Make certain to ask about their employment situation and earnings. It may be unpleasant, but you must be aware of these facts. This will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of each applicant and their fit with your criteria.
Know your deal-breakers. It’s also critical to be clear about what you will not tolerate in a roommate. These “deal-breakers” are characteristics of this individual that would make living with them intolerable. While everyone’s deal-breakers are unique, recognizing yours makes it easier to screen out those who are not a good fit (and communicating them to your potential roommate). Nobody wants to part with their security deposit due to a bad roommate.
Ask for references. It’s always a good idea to get multiple references from your potential roommate — and then call them. If the applicant is unable to provide any names or if all of their references are family members, these may be red flags. As you chat with each reference, ask questions that will assist you to gain a better understanding of the applicant and their behavior at home. When applying for a rental through RPM Northwest Chicago Suburbs, we check landlord references for previous tenant conduct. This is included in our screening process.
Be upfront about costs and expectations. It’s important to be open and honest about your expectations and arrangements when interviewing potential roommates. This includes things like how much rent the roommate is expected to pay, how and when payments are due, whether utilities are included and how much they cost, and so on.
Put everything in writing. Finally, every roommate arrangement should be documented. A written, signed document will serve as a useful reference for both of you; it will also serve as a useful reference in the event of future disagreements. Make your written agreement as specific and thorough as possible to your particular arrangement. All prospective roommates should submit an application via our website in the case of a landlord-tenant relationship. Otherwise, this might be a case of an unauthorized tenant, which could lead to your leases being terminated.
Are you in the market for a new rental home? Real Property Management Northwest Chicago Suburbs has an inventory of great listings that update regularly. Contact us or browse available properties 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.
