Finding a good roommate can appear to be a major challenge. After all, how can you know whether you will get along well with somebody after meeting them just once? However, you can do a lot to improve your odds of meeting a roommate with whom you would like to share a St. Clair Shores rental house. Although there are important traits that you can search for in any potential roommate, the most significant factor is whether you will get along well. To meet that person, think about taking some of these approaches.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should represent the kind of roommate that you like. It is true that individuals who share things in common tend to get along better. This incorporates sharing a particular life stage or situation. For instance, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may find that interacting with another person going to school or starting a career is a good match. On the other hand, a mid-career professional or retiree may have a much easier time with someone at a similar life stage. Concentrate your advertising on venues that will reach the people you’d like to have as roommates.
Ask Good Questions
Before you accept a particular application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that first phone call. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the end. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It is important to have a list of questions prepared, in case you forgot something. You will need to get information 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 inquiry may appear a bit personal, but you will need to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. When they’re done answering some questions, make sure to allow them to pose inquiries of their own.
Check All References
If you’ve made it past the screening phone call, it’s important to collect information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – particularly references. Employers, former landlords, and friends will all provide you a good understanding of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Don’t forget to contact every reference and pose great questions about the applicant. It’s also necessary to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You would prefer not to be astonished by your roommate’s criminal record after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It might appear to be a great idea to recommend your house to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know isn’t always the right decision. Although some individuals can make it work, there are several possible issues with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may find something about the person you don’t like, which could generate resentment and even ruin your relationship. It’s also a lot more difficult to enforce a lease agreement with somebody you care about, particularly if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes don’t work. Furthermore, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a troublesome scenario. Whether you require them to pay or you ask them to leave, the possibilities are high that your relationship won’t ever go back to normal – even if they appear to be understanding at this point.
Although it might require some effort, it is worth it when you find an extraordinary roommate. Finally, you’re obviously going to spend a lot of time sharing the same room, so it’s necessary to choose someone who will make it as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Silverstone takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our St. Clair Shores property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 586-992-6419.
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.