Finding a good roommate can give the impression like it’s a big challenge. Altogether, how can you know whether you will get along well with someone after meeting them only once? Still, you can do things to increase your chances of finding a roommate you will want to share a Bronx rental house with. While there are important traits that you can look for in any potential roommate, the most important aspect is whether you will get along well. To locate that person, try utilizing one or more of the following approaches.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should echo the kind of roommate that you want. It is mostly correct that people who share things in common tend to get along better. This would include sharing a particular life stage or situation. Like for instance, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may realize that communicating with someone else going to school or starting a career is a good fit. Then again, a mid-career professional or retiree may get along much better with someone in a similar life stage. Focus your advertising on venues that will reach the people you’d like to have as roommates.
Ask Good Questions
Before you accept a single application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that first phone call. This will save you a lot of time and effort sooner or later. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It would be a good idea to have a list of questions prepared, in case you get anxious. You’ll want to inquire 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 question may seem a bit personal, but you will want to know whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you’ve asked your questions, be sure to give them a chance to ask queries of their own.
Check All References
In case you’ve made it past the screening phone call, it’s time to collect information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience – including references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can all give you a clear idea of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Be sure to contact each reference and ask good questions about the applicant. It’s also important to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be blindsided by your roommate’s criminal record sooner after they’ve moved in.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
It may seem like a good idea to offer your home to a friend or family member, but living with someone you already know isn’t always a good idea. While some people can make it work, there are many prospective challenges with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You may uncover things about the person you don’t like, which could create resentment and even damage your relationship. It’s also much trickier to enforce a lease agreement with someone you care about, specifically if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t working. What is more, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very difficult situation. Whether or not you try to get them to pay or you ask them to leave, the chances are high that your relationship will never be the same – even if they seem to be understanding at the moment.
Although it may take some effort, it is worth it when you find a great roommate. Finally, you’ll probably spend a lot of time to be able to share the same space, so it’s important to pick someone that will make doing so as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management New York Gold takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Bronx property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 347-905-5770.
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.
