Find a Roommate

Where can I find roommates?

Looking for roommates can be a real challenge. While it might be tempting to just split the bill and go your own separate ways, that isn't how things usually go. Here are some good places to begin your search:

• Your friends and family. If you can live with someone you already know than you are one step ahead of the game. You already know their habits and personality and they know yours. This may be the best possible situation. Plus, you will know their financial situation.
• Asking around. Tell people you know that you are looking for a roommate. You might find someone through your people network. Put some feelers out.
• The newspaper or Internet. This is a little harder to do. Finding someone through an ad can be a little bit frightening. Just be sure you do your homework on checking them out before moving in with them.
• Bulletin boards. College roommates often find someone to hook up with this way. If you are going away to school, take a look on the boards when you visit to see if anyone else is looking for a roommate too.
• A co-worker. This might be too much time with one person for some, but an ideal situation for others. Keep it in mind.
• Your church or parish. If you are moving nearby, consider checking with your local parish or church to see if you can find a roommate.

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What are the basic things I'll need to keep in mind when looking for a roommate?

Coming up with a roommate search checklist can be a great idea for knowing what you can and can't handle. Set some criteria for yourself and stick to it when looking for someone to share your space. Anything can go on the list, but make sure to include the following basics to narrow down the search:

• Will you be more comfortable with a male roommate or female roommate?
• Are you open to living with someone who is of another sexual orientation or not?
• Would you prefer someone close to your own age, or does it matter?
• What type of smoking preference do you have?
• Are you a pet owner? Do you care about living with pets or have an aversion to them?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Are you hoping your roommate will have a vehicle? Would you share your vehicle with a roommate?
• Where do you want your apartment to be located? How open are you to adjusting that if you find the right person?
• Is there anything else that you can or can't tolerate? It is important to map out as much in terms of absolutes as you can.

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What should be included in a roommate agreement?

Drafting a roommate agreement can save roommates from having serious issues or problems with one another. Not only does it require communication, but it can help resolve any disagreements if they come up. Issues that should be covered include:

• Each person's share of the rent, utilities and how much they contributed to the security deposit.
• The space that will be occupied by each person. In other words, who gets what rooms.
• A plan for how to divide things such as chores, shopping, cooking and other duties. Be specific and try to list them all in as much detail as you can.
• Storage/parking. Who gets what and how much of it?
• Guest/company policy. How will visitors and company be handled? Will there be a limit or stipulations on this type of thing? If so, what is the arrangement?
• What happens if one of you wants to move out early or if you can't resolve problems between you? This may not be a nice thought, but having it spelled out in advance can save things from getting out of hand.
• Make sure you both sign and date the agreement and consider getting it notarized.

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What information should you consider sharing with a potential roommate?

When you are actively on a roommate search, you can forget to put yourself out there for the other person to get to know a bit. Letting potential roommates know who you are should be part of the process. Here are some things to consider sharing when you are talking seriously with someone about sharing an apartment:

• Your background. Where you grew up and a little about what it was like.
• A brief description of your job and where you work.
• Why you are looking for a roommate.
• Why you are moving to the area and what you need in an apartment.
• Your likes and dislikes in terms of a few things such as musical taste or movies.
• Any medical issues you might have that they should know about, such as allergies to food or migraines.
• The status of any romantic relationships that may have an impact on your sharing an apartment together. If you think you might get married or are planning on having your date over all the time, let the other person know that up front.
• You might also consider sharing a few words about your own rental history to let them know you are reliable and trustworthy.

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