Craigslist is one of the biggest and most commonly used sites. As it’s free, it’s a great means to reach a wide audience. Sites outside of Craigslist, such as roomates. com, often come with fees. However, they also allow you to create a more customized profile and search for roommates based on specific attributes.
Remember that the qualities that make good friends are different from the ones that make good roommates. A disorganized party animal may be fun to hang out with, but might be hard to live with. On the other side of the coin, a quiet and organized person might get on your nerves if you’re the type to have frequently have friends over late at night.
Include the basics, such as the size of the apartment. Then, list any appliances the apartment has and the feel of the neighborhood. Include details about any personal habits that may affect the living situation. For example, if you work night shifts, make sure you choose a roommate who’s a sound sleeper and will not be bothered by you coming and going at odd hours.
For example, say something like, “I love sports and always follow football season. I’m also into cooking and baking, so I’ll be in the kitchen a lot. "
If you’re showing your apartment, meet up at a neutral location first before bringing over the potential roommate. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member in the apartment with you for safety.
Talk about your general lifestyle. Do you love loud music and having people over? If so, you may not hit it off with a quiet, introverted roommate. Hobbies and leisurely activities can also sometimes be an issue. For example, if your new roommate watches a lot of television, this could drive up the cable bill.
If you’re visiting an apartment to potentially move into, pay attention to whether it’s clean. If you notice a lot of dust, grime, and dirty dishes, this may not be the ideal place to live.
In addition to a decent income, make sure their work is steady. If your roommate is working a temp job, for example, they may not be able to make rent in a few months.
If someone objects strongly to a background check, this may be a red flag.
