Knowing what to look in a roommate for is important if you’re thinking of getting a Los Banos rental home. Thankfully, truly terrible roommates are rare, but 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. There are several warning signs you may look for to assist you to figure out the kind of roommate someone might be, however, there are no guarantees. In order to spot a lousy roommate, keep an eye out for the following signs.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Though not all can write great advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete advertisement may indicate that the advertiser is concealing something or is unwilling to put forth much effort in even the most menial tasks. Either way, a rental ad with misspelled words or one that is missing key details could be an indication of risk.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you ask questions about your roommate or lease arrangements, you should also be suspicious. It’s imperative to find out why your prospective roommate—if there was one—moved out, why they are moving in with you, and why they need a new place to live. It’s possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to talk about it.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, be sure the living situation is suitable before committing. During your visit, make sure the surroundings are clean—not just the surfaces. Check for signs of inconsistent cleaning, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. A dirty rental property is justification enough to look elsewhere.
Lack of Job or References
Inquire about the prospective roommate’s job and at least two references in addition to getting to know them better. It’s a warning sign that something isn’t quite right if they don’t appear to have a job or refuse to give references. Asking about a person’s financial situation may feel awkward, but it’s the best way to avoid living with a housemate who cannot pay their portion of the monthly rent.
Significant Other
Consider whether your prospective housemate has a significant other and the amount of time that person spends in the residence. The significant other of a housemate may spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. In particular, if they are obtrusive or boisterous, you might not be inclined to consent to this arrangement.
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 can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy sensation can just be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. Trusting your senses and moving on if you don’t feel comfortable is the best course of action.
Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the ideal housemate can make your life even better! Are you searching for a rental house that you and one or more roommates could live in? Real Property Management Valley Wide has a selection of top-notch rental homes 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.
