College is exciting and if you plan to move into an apartment, you may want to have a roommate to help make living expenses cheaper. This is a good idea and one that has worked out well for many students just like you. Below, we will go over some tips to help you find the perfect roommate for your new apartment.
- Plan Ahead
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to plan ahead. If you know that you will need a roommate in a month, start planning a few months in advance. You can then take your time and find the perfect roommate to live with.
If you do not plan enough in advance, you will find that you are stuck renting a room to someone who you would have never chosen in the first place.
- Decide on Ground Rules
Since it is your apartment, you may want to set some ground rules for the roommate who will be living with you. It is important to make sure that the ground rules are not too restrictive as the person is paying you to live there, so they should have some freedom.
Some common ground rules that many students set are no loud parties or music, especially during study and exam time. No coming and going at all hours of the night. Keep the apartment clean and pick up after yourself after you use a common area.
- Background Check
While you may trust the guy who came to you looking for a place, you do not know where they have been or what they have done. To help keep you safe and protected, you should run a background check on them or even check some of their previous landlord references to get a good idea of who it is you plan to allow to move in.
- Break It Down in Terms of Money
One of the biggest arguments that stems between roommates is about money. It is important that you decide how much money your roommate will pay and how the bills will be split. Once you have this number in mind, you need to discuss this with all of your potential roommates and make sure that they are okay with this. If you have everything written out, there will be no confrontation later on when the bills come due.
- Sign a Contract
Always have your roommate sign a contract. It will protect you and it will protect them. It is essential that you make sure to include all information in the contract and allow them time to review it before they sign it. Once signed, keep a copy for your records and give the roommate a copy too.
If you are looking for a roommate for your new apartment, make sure to follow the five tips above. These tips will help you choose and secure the best roommate for your situation.
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