If you’re thinking about sharing a Warrenville rental home with a roommate, you should be informed of what to look for. Despite the very low number of truly terrible roommates, there are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger. On the contrary, roommates can also become some of your closest friends. While there are no guarantees, there are red flags that can help you determine the type of roommate a person may be. The following will assist you in identifying a problematic roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Ad copywriting is not everyone’s strong suit, but a poorly written or unfinished ad may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much work into even little actions. In either case, an advertisement that contains misspellings or lacks basic information about the rental situation may be a sign of impending trouble.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you enquire about your roommate or your lease terms, that’s another cautionary sign to look out for. Asking why someone is moving in with you or leaving their prior roommate (if there was one) and why they need a new place to live is vital. It is possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter.
Overly Messy House
Before committing to anything, investigate the living conditions when responding to a roommate ad. During your visit, make sure the entire area is clean, not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned frequently, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. That’s a good enough reason to depart if the rental home is unclean.
Lack of Job or References
In addition to asking about the roommate’s background, inquire about the prospective roommate’s employment and request at least three references. If they do not appear to have a job and are unwilling to provide references, this is an indication that something is amiss. It could feel strange to inquire about someone’s finances, but it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent on a monthly basis.
Significant Other
The existence of a significant other and how much time that person spends in the home with your potential roommate are key considerations as well. The significant other of a roommate might spend so much time there that they essentially pay no rent. You may be hesitant to agree to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or annoying.
Listen to Your Intuition
When you meet someone, even though they might seem like the perfect roommate on paper, something just feels off. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad sensation may be your intuition warning you something is wrong. The best course of action is to trust your gut and seek out alternative accommodations if necessary.
Finding the proper roommate can make your life even better even if sharing a space with others can be difficult. Are you searching for a home to rent that you and one or two roommates could share? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management Chicago Group. Contact our office or check out our listings online.
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.
