If you are thinking of actually sharing a Hillcrest rental home with a roommate, it’s necessary to be informed of what to look for. Even while horrible roommates are gratefully rare, there is a good deal of horror stories to make anyone think twice before sharing their home with a stranger. The opposite is also true: on occasion, roommates get to be some of the best friends you’ll ever have.
Much as there are no guarantees, there are red flags you can find to help figure out what type of roommate any person might be. Here are some obvious things you can detect that can aid you in spotting a terrible roommate.
1. Badly Written Ad
Not all of us are that good at writing ads, notwithstanding a poorly written or incomplete ad may signify that the person who is advertising it is hiding something or isn’t agreeable to do enough effort with even small tasks. Either way, an ad replete with misspellings or one that is missing basic information about the rental situation may be a clue of real trouble ahead. Keep in mind that Real Property Management does not advertise on Craigslist. Always apply directly from our website.
2. Answers to Questions are Vague or Inconsistent
Another red flag to detect is while asking questions about the roommate or rental arrangements. It’s, therefore, necessary to ask why the last roommate left (if there was one) or why they are moving in with you and why they need a new place to live. If their answers to these matters are vague or they seem unwilling to talk about it, it’s likely they were somehow at fault.
3. Messy House
If you are responding to an ad for a roommate, ascertain the living conditions before committing to anything. At the time of your visit, look and check for the cleanliness of the space – and not just on the surface. Preferably, look for signs or hints that things are not being cleaned regularly, like dusty ceiling fans or dirty dishes piled in the sink. If the rental house is quite messy, that’s sufficient reason to walk away. Nobody wants to lose out on a security deposit because of a bad roommate.
4. No Job or References
Along with asking the roommate about themselves, ask in connection with the potential roommate’s job and for at least two references. If they don’t seem to have a job or are reluctant to provide references, both are red flags that something isn’t well and right. Even supposing asking questions as to a person’s finances may feel awkward, it’s the best means to shun getting trapped with a roommate that won’t be able to settle their portion of the rent each month. If you apply for a rental through RPM Realevate Specialists, our screening process covers landlord references to acquire prior tenant behaviors.
5. Significant Other
Another focal thing you should understand is whether your potential roommate has a significant other and how much time that person spends in the house. Occasionally, a roommate’s significant other will spend much time in the place where they practically live rent-free. This may not be an arrangement that you are prepared to agree to, specifically if they are noisy or disruptive.
In the case of a landlord-tenant relationship, a significant other should ALWAYS submit an application. Otherwise, this may be a case of an unauthorized tenant which may be grounds to terminate your leases.
6. Listen to Your Intuition
Often, a person may appear like a befitting roommate on paper, but when you meet them, something feels off. That worried feeling is probably your intuition telling you something is wrong, even if you can’t immediately see what it is. The best means you can do is to listen to your gut and go look elsewhere if you don’t feel comfortable.
Living with roommates can be a nuisance, but finding the right one could make your life even better! Are you seeking a rental home that you could share with a roommate or two? RPM Real Property Management Realevate Specialists has an inventory of quality rental properties near you. At length, our thorough tenant screening process helps eliminate red flags. Browse our rentals and apply online today.
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.
