If you’re thinking about sharing a Hudson rental home with a roommate, you should be informed of what to look for. Even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon, there are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing a home with a stranger. The opposite is also true: your roommates could end up being some of your closest friends. While there are no absolutes, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you figure out the kind of roommate someone might be. The following will assist you in identifying a problematic roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
A poorly written or unfinished advertisement may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is hesitant to put much effort into even little actions, even if ad writing may not be everyone’s strong suit. An advertisement that has typos or omits key details about the leasing situation could be a sign of problems in either case.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you ask questions about your roommate or the terms of your lease, that’s another warning sign to look out for. It is of the utmost importance to inquire as to why the previous roommate (if any) left, why they are moving in with you, and why they need a new place to reside. It’s possible they were at fault if their responses to these questions are evasive or they come across as unwilling to talk about it.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, have a look at the living situation before committing to anything. During your stay, inspect the hygiene of the entire area, not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly, such as dirty dishes stacking up in the sink or dusty ceiling fans. If the rented home is unclean, it is sufficient reason to leave.
Lack of Job or References
In addition to asking the potential roommate about themselves, inquire about their employment and request at least three references. A red flag that something isn’t quite right is when someone doesn’t appear to have a job or won’t give you references. Even though it could feel awkward, it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent each month.
Significant Other
You should also think about the presence and frequency of any significant others living with your potential roommate. A roommate’s significant other can spend so much time in the flat that they essentially pay no rent. If they are loud or obnoxious, you might not be inclined to accept this arrangement.
Listen to Your Intuition
When you meet someone, even if they seem like the perfect roommate on paper, there is something off about them. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad sensation may be your intuition warning you something is wrong. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.
Finding the appropriate roommate can improve your life even further, despite the challenges of sharing a space with another person. Are you searching for a home to rent that you and one or two roommates could share? Real Property Management Connection offers a variety of well-maintained properties for rent in your area. 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.
