Finding a Roommate to Move Into Your Home
Step1
Figure out how you want to divide the costs of rent and utilities. Unless one of the bedrooms is substantially larger than the other, you probably will want to split the costs evenly between roommates.
Step2
Figure out how you want to divide daily living expenses - things that fall into the "common-use" category such as milk, coffee and laundry detergent. If you decide you want to have "mutual property," such as furniture or appliances, determine how to divide those expenses, too.
Step3
Determine what kind of person you want living in your home. Do you want a male or female roommate? A smoker or nonsmoker? Gay or straight? A partier or a homebody?
Step4
Ask friends if they know of people looking for a place to live. This gives you a character reference.
Step5
Place ads on community bulletin boards and in local newspapers with a clear description of your home or apartment, monthly expenses and the kind of roommate you're looking for. Some Internet sites let users list their ads for free.
Step6
Screen applicants on the phone when they call. If you can tell right away that someone won't work out, don't waste your time meeting him or her face-to-face.
Step7
Invite applicants who sound promising to come by for a meeting. If your ad specifies a nonsmoker and the person smells like cigarettes, you'll have saved yourself time and hassle.
Step8
Ask for references from previous landlords and roommates.
Step9
Verify the applicant's employment.
Finding Someone Who Is Looking for a Roommate to Move In
Step1
Look in the real estate sections in metropolitan and community newspapers for "roommate wanted" ads. Ideally, the ads will give a description of the house or apartment as well as information on costs. You can also get leads on the Internet.
Step2
Respond to the ads that look promising. On the phone, discuss some basics about what you're looking for and what your expectations for privacy are.
Step3
Arrange a meeting with the potential roommate at the house or apartment so you can look at the place. Be sure to find out which bedroom will be yours.
Step4
Be up-front about any personal characteristics that may be problematic for you, such as smoking or staying up late to watch movies.
Step5
Talk about dividing expenses for common-use items such as milk, coffee and laundry detergent.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you are looking for a roommate in the tri-state area (NYC, CT, NJ and PA, too) and you have a live journal, check out http://www.livejournal.com/community/nycroommates
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I found a new website, toSublet.com, where you can post your sublet space absolutely free. Also, for people looking for a place to sublet, the service is also free. This website is the most comprehensive one that I have seen, and it gives options for landlords to give extensive details of their space for sublet. Check it out!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you're moving to San Francisco, Rent Tech (www.renttech.com) is the best way to find a rental or roommate situation.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 In college, you often don't get a choice in roommates though the school tries to match you to be compatible. Stick it out for a while if you don't mesh. Remember that nothing is forever. You may end up friends. If it's impossible, then gracefully get out.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't cross off someone who is radically different from you in age and habits. What matters is both persons' ability to set boundaries, respect the other's lifestyle, and integrity.