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Choosing a new roommate can be like choosing a new partner, so it is important to do everything in your control to ensure you feel confident about the person.
To do so, you should go through a roommate vetting process to decide how compatible you and the potential candidate are. Here are some personal experience tips and tricks to help you as you navigate this decision.
First, make sure your potential roommate can:
- Afford the rent.
- Be responsible with the property and anything else included in the rent.
- Be a safe and trustworthy person to be around.
While many people may end the vetting process here, there are additional characteristics we highly recommend you consider.
A roommate (or as we say here, a FriendsMate) is more than just a person who physically lives with you. A FriendsMate is someone you will see on a daily basis and will share in all the costs of having a home. Your home is the basis of your life – your sanctuary. It is where you wake up, retreat to, and where you go to recharge. You need to feel safe to be your true self. That is why you need to consider more than just finding someone who can afford the rent.
So, how do you find someone who makes your home one that you love coming home to? Here is a list of questions to ask your potential FriendsMate:
Logistical Questions:
- What do they do for work? Are they happy in their careers?
It’s a good idea to verify that they have a job, and it’s okay to ask questions that give you a sense of their stability. If they show signs of job instability, ensure that they have a backup plan in order to continue paying rent. - Are they financially stable enough for your home?
Make sure that the potential roommate is comfortable with the rent cost. If it seems like a tight budget, you may want to reconsider to avoid the risk of this potential person having to move out abruptly or having issues with making payments. For some people, tight budgets make them work harder to get ahead… for others it becomes a hardship they deal with until they decide they can’t afford it. Just something to keep in mind. - Where are they moving from and why are they moving?
It is important to know if they are coming from a harmonious living situation or a toxic and unstable one. An example of a harmonious reason is because they want to move closer for a job. An example of a toxic situation is if they had a negative experience with a past roommate. - Have they had roommates before and what was their experience like?
It’s helpful to know if they have experience living with others. Make sure they understand how to share in responsibilities around the house. For example, are they familiar with how to share a fridge, how to be respectful of each other’s quiet time or cleanliness needs?
Lifestyle Questions:
These questions help you understand your home-sharing compatibility. For example, if someone is a night owl and the other is an early and light sleeper, there could be scheduling issues. Here are some examples of questions to ask.
- What is their sleep schedule and morning routine?
- What do they do to relax?
- How do they spend time with their friends?
- Do they cook or eat out?
- Do they drink or smoke?
- What are their hobbies, interests, etc?
- Do they have a significant other? Or are they single or dating?
- How do they feel about overnight guests?
- Do they like to be social with their roommates?
- What is their idea of a happy home?
- How do they feel about house cleanliness?
- Do they cook often?
- Do they get along with most people?
As you go through the process of asking your potential FriendsMate questions, make sure to pay attention to their personality, emotional stability, and emotional intelligence when answering.
In conclusion, go with your gut and make sure to choose your next roommate based on compatibility and less on the need to have a room filled. While it is important that rent is covered and your house is filled, it’s even more important that you say no to someone who will not be a good fit. We’re sure that once you go through the vetting process, you’ll find your perfect FriendsMate!
If you’re looking to increase the desirability of your home, check out the tips and tricks to increase the perceived value of your home.
The time has come when you’re about to embark on an exciting new adventure with your new roommate or roommates! It’s easy to get carried away and start planning out new décor, house dinners, and more. However, before you take off too quickly, there are some important pieces of information you should know, and steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition.
Information to Know:
- The terms of the rental agreement.
For example, is your lease month-to-month or a full year lease? - Who the agreement is with.
Identify if you are coming into agreement with the owner, property manager, or current tenant. If you are looking to take over a filled room, make sure to talk directly to someone who is staying in the house and not only the person leaving. Additionally, confirm that you have spoken to the person you will be paying rent to. If you are looking to take over a current lease, speak with and get permission from the building manager. - The terms of the security deposit.
Before signing your lease, determine the protocol for getting your full deposit back at the end of your term in writing.
What to do Before Moving In:
- If you have roommates, try to talk to all of them ahead of time (we recommend group Zoom calls or in-person meetings if safe and possible). Get to know them a bit, feel out how they like living in the house, and make sure the house is well-managed. Ensure everyone is happy with the current living situation.
- Look at your potential roommates’ FriendsMates profiles and read through the reviews. Observe what others have said about them and ask questions if necessary.
Now that you have aligned on what to expect in your new home, it’s time to send the security deposit. Here are some tips to doing so in a safe and effective way:
- Make sure there is a signed rental agreement between you and the person in charge before you send any money. Sending a deposit to someone you don’t know is risky.
- To minimize risk, we recommend sending your deposit through a payment protected method with purchase protection such as PayPal. There may be a fee; however, you can agree to split the fee and it is less risky than sending a check or cash.
Congratulations! You are now ready to move in with your new FriendsMates and get started on your next home adventures. Are you interested in learning more about vetting potential roommates before moving in? Read our post on Things to Ask in the Roommate Interview.