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Things to Look for When Screening Potential Roommates

Happy and compatible roommates taking a selfie on the patio of their rental homeIf you are considering a Wentzville rental home with a roommate, you should be aware of what to search 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. It’s also true that roommates can turn out to be some of your closest friends. Even while there are no guarantees, there are several warning signs you can look for to help you figure out who the potential roommate a person might be. You can spot a poor roommate by keeping an eye out for the following signs.

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 is misspelled or omits key details about the rental situation could, in any case, be a sign that trouble is on the way.

Vague or Inconsistent Answers

Another warning sign is if you ask about the roommate situation or the lease terms. 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

If you are responding to a roommate ad, have a look at the living situation before committing to anything. During your stay, examine the overall sanitation of the area, and don’t just look at the surfaces. Check for signs of inconsistent cleaning, 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 the potential roommate about themselves, inquire about their employment and request at least three references. Both the absence of a job or the refusal to furnish references are warning signs that something is off. It may be uncomfortable to inquire about a potential roommate’s financial stability, but doing so is the only surefire method to prevent ending up in a situation where one person is unable to pay their monthly rent.

Significant Other

Consider whether your prospective housemate has a significant other and the amount of time that person spends in the residence. It is possible for a roommate’s significant other to spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. You may not be inclined to acquiesce to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.

Listen to Your Intuition

A potential roommate may seem perfect on paper, but when meeting in person, a strange vibe may develop. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad feeling may be your intuition warning you something is awry. The best course of action is to trust your gut and seek out alternative accommodations if necessary.

Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the correct one can enhance your life! Are you trying to find a place to rent where you may live with one or two roommates? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management Three Bridges. 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.

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