Choosing your new roommate is not a decision to make lightly. Here\u2019s a person who will be sharing space with you for at least a year, paying bills with you, and seeing you when you first wake up or at the end of a possibly stressful day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to be on the same page before you move in together. Why not arrange a roommate interview to get more familiar with one another? Think of it like a job interview, but for your future roommate! This is especially useful if you don\u2019t know the person well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re going over all the basics you should ask a potential roommate before deciding to live together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re currently friends with the person you might be living with, you can meet up at your current home (or theirs). But if you\u2019re meeting for the first time, try a public place instead\u2014a local coffee shop or restaurant works well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you pick a date and time to meet, the next step is putting together a list of questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, we\u2019ve listed a handful that you can use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You probably don\u2019t have time to clean every <\/em>day\u2014you need to work to pay rent and juggle your other responsibilities, too, but what about after you cook a big meal or have guests over? <\/p>\n\n\n\n If one of you has higher cleanliness standards than the other, it\u2019s good to be aware of that. Talk about what you\u2019re comfortable living with and expect from one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing you and your roommate should agree on is cleanliness standards. Make your preferences clear asap. Is it okay to leave dishes in the sink after eating, or do you prefer them to be cleaned right away? What about sweeping, taking out the garbage, and cleaning the bathroom?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try to find an arrangement that works for the two of you. You could set up a cleaning schedule to keep things consistent or designate chores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to one survey, the biggest reason why roommates get kicked out is due to not paying rent<\/a>. As such, you want to make sure your potential roomie has a secure job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel comfortable, you can also ask if they have emergency savings. Talking about money can be a touchy subject, but it\u2019s better to be prepared if you\u2019re suddenly on the hook for their bills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about your rights if you are a roommate<\/a>: If they stop paying rent, you <\/em>will need to cover their share. Both of your names are on the lease, which means you\u2019re also responsible for upholding it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s inevitable that at one point or another, you\u2019ll disagree on something<\/em>. Maybe you want to ask your roommate to do their dishes more often, be quieter at night, or give you more privacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, when one of you steps on the other\u2019s toes, what\u2019s the best way to address it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Establish early on how you prefer to handle conflicts. Otherwise, you might end up in a passive-aggressive living situation where you feel like you\u2019re always walking on eggshells. Instead of tiptoeing around pet peeves and letting resentment fester, talk it out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find a solution that works for both of you. For example, you can hold bi-weekly roommate meetings or just send requests via text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let your roommate know if you\u2019d prefer a heads-up before they have guests over. Coming home at the end of the long day to find four strangers in your living room can be an unpleasant surprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also good to set up a policy regarding overnight guests. Communicate what you\u2019re comfortable with!<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if your roommate is in a romantic relationship, this is something you need to know, too. How often are you okay with them having their partner over? If their S.O. is constantly around, you might feel like you have a third roommate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How warm or cool do you like your apartment? This one might seem minor, but it\u2019s the cause of many roommate disagreements! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t agree on this, you\u2019ll be fighting over the thermostat! Even if you prefer opposite ends of the temperature scale, try to find a middle ground that you\u2019re both happy with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this question, you can get a sense of how your schedules will overlap. Are you a morning person, or do you need quiet time before you start your day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say that one of you wakes up at the crack of dawn while the other doesn\u2019t start work until 7 pm. Both of you will need to be mindful of the noise you make at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve agreed to share space together. But what about personal items\u2014things like cooking utensils, furniture, and electronics? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Set these boundaries early to avoid crossing any lines. Your stance on sharing belongings is one of the most important things to discuss with your roommate before you move in<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This one is often overlooked, but it\u2019s crucial! If your roommate has a gluten allergy, they may request that you use a separate toaster. And if they\u2019re seriously allergic to peanuts, you\u2019ll need to be extra careful about leaving food out (or offering them your leftovers). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you\u2019ll find out how introverted or extroverted your potential roommate is. Is their weekend full of group hangouts, pizza parties, and late-night dancing? Or do they prefer a quiet night in bed, cozied up with a book and a snack?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, you\u2019ll find a prospective roommate who matches your level of introversion or extroversion. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere Do You Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Should You Make Requests?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Often Do You Have Guests Over?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Temperature Do You Prefer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does a Typical Day in Your Life Look Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are You Comfortable With Sharing Belongings?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do You Have Any Allergies?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Spend Your Weekends?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Next Up: Finding the Perfect Apartment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n