Knowing what to look in a roommate for is important if you’re thinking of getting a Round Rock rental home. Thankfully, truly terrible roommates are rare, but there are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger. The converse is also true: roommates can become some of your closest friends. While there are no guarantees, there are some red flags you can look for to determine what kind of roommate someone might be. In order to spot a lousy roommate, keep 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
Asking about your roommate or the terms of your lease is another cautionary sign to look out for. It is of the utmost importance to inquire as to why the previous roommate (if any) left, why they are moving in with you, and why they need 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
Before committing to anything, investigate the living conditions when responding to a roommate ad. While there, make sure the surroundings are clean, not just 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. A dirty rental property is justification enough to look elsewhere.
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 have a job and are averse to providing references, this is a red flag. 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. The significant other of a roommate might spend so much time there that they essentially pay no rent. In particular, if they are obtrusive or boisterous, you might not be inclined to consent to this arrangement.
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 are unable to immediately identify the problem, that uneasy sensation can simply be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.
While having a roommate can be difficult, the perfect one could improve your life. Are you searching for a rental house that you and one or more roommates could live in? Real Property Management All Connect has a selection of top-notch rental homes in your area. 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.
