Finding reliable roommates: Questions to ask to avoid questionable people

Moving out of your parents’ house is pretty sweet. No curfew. No bedtime. No vegetables. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. But, while you’re ready for freedom, you may not be quite prepared to afford a place of your own. That’s not unusual. According to a 2018 Pew Research Center Report, 32% of adults in the United States live with someone who is not a relative or romantic partner. 

Long story short, you might need roommates. But how do you find trustworthy roomies? You don’t want a deadbeat when it comes to paying the utility bill. You don’t want to worry about someone selling off your prized ukulele. And you definitely don’t want a total slob. Unless you’re the slob. Then it might be OK.

So how do you narrow it down? Here are a few tips for finding your ideal roommate(s), and maybe even a new best pal. Hey, you can dream, can’t you?

Friends for life

When choosing a reliable roommate, your first instinct may be to ask a childhood friend. After all, you’ve been buddies since third grade. You love all the same bands, you’ve shared all your personal drama. Stop right there. Did you know they eat cereal in bed? That they clip their toenails in the kitchen — and don’t clean them up? Well, maybe not that bad. But when you live together, you learn things you maybe didn’t want to know. So, stay friends and find someone else. Trust us.

Where to start

Remember those online quizzes you pored over to determine who your best friend (or future spouse) should be? Juvenile, yes, but there may have been something to it. Before embarking on this journey, decide what is most important to you. Do you care if someone is regularly up until 3 a.m.? Do you need someone to love your cat? 

Once you’ve created your wish list, you’re ready to place (or answer) a room rental listing. State what you’re looking for in a roomie, such as lifestyle standards. Include non-negotiables, too — no smoking, no overnight guests, must dig parakeets and Willie Nelson.

Interviews

Instead of accepting the first human to answer your listing, meet up to get a feel for who they are. Whether you are the leaseholder or someone looking to rent, both of you should come prepared for an informal interview. Some questions could include: 

• What is your job history? (Will you pay your rent?)
• Do you work from home? Are you home often? (Will you always be around?)
• How would you handle conflicts? (Are you a drama llama?)
• Would you freak out if you saw someone naked? (Are you modest?)
• Are you an early riser? (Will you wake me up?)
• Would you follow a chore chart? (Will you take out the garbage without mom glares?)
• Do you mind if friends are over regularly? (Are you a private person?)
• What are your feelings on sharing? (Can I chow down on your freshly baked cookies?)
• How do you feel about loud music? (Is it OK if my band practices here on Tuesdays?)

Next move

Once you’ve found a reliable roommate, hash out logistics. If you’re moving into a new place together, going over details beforehand helps avoid hard feelings and future conflict. For example, rent division. Does the bigger room merit more rent?  Who gets the room with a view? 

Also, decide whose name will go on the utility bills. Water and garbage costs are often included with the rent, but you’ll likely need to cover gas, electricity and internet. Who is willing to be ultimately responsible for each service?

Finally, talk about how everyone will pay their share. Even if you’re all trustworthy roomies, it may help to set up automatic payments. If that’s not an option, consider using an app to easily split bills and make payments. No one wants to be the enforcer. Deciding ahead of time gives everyone a definite timeline without anyone becoming snarky. You know who you are.

Making room

If you’re moving into an already established household, ask what furnishings are provided. Someone renting out a room in their home may already have a fully stocked kitchen and you’ll only need your quesadilla maker. If you want to bring your favorite chair, ask about making space for it.

If it’s a new place for all of you, go over who’s bringing a couch, kitchen table or other basic furniture. Talk about it before moving in, so no one has false expectations or disappointments.

Final thoughts

Finding a reliable roomie is not only possible, but probable when you decide beforehand the kind of person you’ll be comfortable with. Then, ask all the relevant questions to make sure your lifestyles are compatible. 

Search KSL Homes for awesome places to live and cool people to live with. Finally, be a trustworthy roommate yourself. It’ll do wonders for lessening tension. And passive aggressive remarks about your beagle.