Finding a good roommate may look like a big challenge. However, how can you know whether you will get along well with someone after meeting them only once? Yet, there are a lot of things to do to improve your chances of finding a roommate that you will like to share a Lampasas rental house with. While there are important traits that you can see in any potential roommate, the most important part is whether you will get along well. If you want to find that person, you need to take some of these methods.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should indicate the traits of a roommate that you want. It is certainly relevant that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This includes sharing a particular life stage or situation. For instance, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may find that engaging with someone else going to school or starting a career is a perfect match. On the other hand, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along much better with someone in a similar life stage. Direct your advertising on venues that will reach the people you’d like to have as roommates.
Ask Good Questions
Before you accept a single application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that initial phone call. This will save you a lot of time and effort at the end of the day. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. After that, ask questions. It would be ideal to have a list of questions prepared if ever you get intimidated. It is important to ask about the caller’s source of income, major expenses, whether they smoke, if they own pets, what their work schedule is like, and if they are dating anyone. That last question may seem personal, but it is critical to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you’ve done gathering information, make sure that you give them an opportunity to discuss their concerns.
Check All References
If you’ve made it past the screening phone call, that is the moment that you need to get information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – including references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can deliver you a better interpretation of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Remember to contact each reference and ask vital questions about the applicant. It’s also necessary to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be shocked by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It may look like a good decision to recommend your place to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know always includes a few drawbacks. While other individuals can make it work, there are a number of potential obstacles with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may discover things about the person you don’t like, which could generate resentment and even pose a risk to your relationship. It’s also very difficult to enforce a lease agreement with someone who is important to you, specifically if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes are not effective. Also, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very stressful situation. Whether you’re asking them to pay or you ask them to leave, the probabilities are strong that your relationship won’t be the same anymore – even though they appear to be understanding at this time.
While it uses up time and attention, it is worth it to have a good roommate. After all, it is clear that you will spend a lot of time sharing the same house, so it is better to select someone who’s going to make it as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Highland takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Lampasas property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 830-637-7880.
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.
