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Things to Look for When Screening Potential Roommates

Happy and compatible roommates taking a selfie on the patio of their rental homeIt’s important to be informed while searching for a place with a roommate for a Altamonte Springs rental home There are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing their home with a stranger, even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon. It is also possible for roommates to become some of your closest friends. While there are no absolutes, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you figure out the kind of roommate someone might be. Here are a few indicators to watch out for in a potentially bad roommate.

Poorly Written Advertisement

Even if not everyone is skilled at writing advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete one may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much effort into even trivial tasks. Either way, a rental ad with misspelled words or one that is missing key details could be an indication of risk.

Vague or Inconsistent Answers

When you enquire about your roommate or your lease terms, that’s another cautionary sign to look out for. Asking why a roommate moved out or why someone is moving in with you and why they need a new place to live is vital if there was ever a roommate. It’s possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to talk about it.

Overly Messy House

If you are responding to a roommate ad, investigate the living conditions prior to committing to anything. During your stay, inspect the hygiene of the entire area, not just the surfaces. Dusty ceiling fans and a mountain of dishes in the sink are telltale signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly. A good enough reason to vacate is if the rental home is unclean.

Lack of Job or References

In addition to asking about the roommate’s background, inquire about the prospective roommate’s employment and request at least three references. It’s a warning sign that something isn’t quite right if they don’t appear to have a job or refuse to give references. Even though it could feel awkward, it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent each month.

Significant Other

You should also think about the presence and frequency of any significant others living with your potential roommate. A roommate’s significant other may spend so much time in the apartment that they essentially pay no rent for it. You may be hesitant to agree to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or annoying.

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 can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy sensation can just be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. Trusting your senses and moving on if you don’t feel comfortable is the best course of action.

Finding the appropriate roommate can improve your life even further, despite the challenges of sharing a space with another person. Are you searching for a home to rent that you could share with one or two roommates? Real Property Management Vanguard has a selection of quality rental properties in your vicinity. Contact our office or check out our listings online.

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