Finding a good roommate can be a big challenge. At the end of the day, how can you know if you will get along well with somebody after meeting them only once? However, you can do things to raise your odds of getting a roommate whom you would want to share a Fort Worth rental house with. While there are important traits that you can discover in any potential roommate, the most important factor is whether you will get along well. To find that person, start using some or all of the following strategies.
Advertise Selectively
Where and how much you advertise should signify the kind of roommate that you wish for. It is mainly accurate that personalities who share things in common tend to get along better. This covers sharing a particular life stage or situation. For example, if you are a college student or a young professional, you may distinguish that communicating with someone going to school or starting a career is a great match. On another note, a mid-career professional or retiree may be more comfortable with someone at the same life stage. Concentrate your advertising on venues that will reach the people you’d like to have as roommates.
Ask Good Questions
Before you accept a single application, screen anyone who responds to your ad in that first phone call. This will save you a lot of time and effort sooner or later. Describe your rental situation and your ideal tenant, and introduce yourself. Then ask questions. It is desirable to have a list of questions prepared so you don’t miss anything. It would be best to ask about the caller’s source of income, major expenses, whether they smoke, if they own pets, what their work schedule is like, and if they are dating anyone. That last question may seem to be a personal one, but it is necessary to discover whether or not a significant other might be spending the night at your place. Once you’ve explained your concern, make sure you allow them to ask a question on their own.
Check All References
Once you’ve done the screening phone call, be sure to collect information about your potential roommate’s past rental experience– as well as references. Employers, former landlords, and friends can give you a clear overview of who the applicant is and how they relate to others. Don’t forget to contact every reference and ask the necessary questions about the applicant. It’s also advisable to have a background check completed for all prospective roommates. You don’t want to be shocked by your roommate’s criminal record once they have relocated to your house.
Don’t Rent to Friends and Family
Recommending your place to a friend or family member may sound like an excellent idea, but living with someone you already know isn’t always the best choice. While certain people can make it work, there are more possible issues with signing a friend or family member on as a roommate. You can learn things about the person you don’t like, which can bring about resentment and even ruin your relationship. It’s also challenging to enforce a lease agreement with someone you care about, especially if subtle reminders to wash their dishes or clean up their messes aren’t working. Additionally, if a friend or a family member falls behind on their rent, you’ll be in a very stressful situation. Whether you attempt to get them to pay or you ask them to leave, the odds are high that your relationship will never be the same – even if they seem to be understanding at the moment.
Even though it may need some effort, it is worth it when you find a roommate that you prefer. After all, you’ll surely spend a lot of time sharing the same room, that is why you need to pick someone who can make it as pleasant as possible.
Whether you are a tenant or owner, Real Property Management Meridian takes the stress out of the roommate hunt. Our Fort Worth property managers incorporate a rigorous screening process to ensure quality tenants. For more information, contact us online or call us at 817-678-8787.
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.
