Knowing what to look in a roommate for is important if you’re thinking of getting a Pittsboro rental home. There are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing their home with a stranger, even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon. The opposite is also true: your roommates could end up being some of your closest friends. While there are no guarantees, there are red flags that can help you determine the type of roommate a person may be. 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 enquire about your roommate or your lease terms, that’s another cautionary 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 feasible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or if they come off as 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. While there, make sure the surroundings are clean, not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned frequently, such as dusty ceiling fans or a buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. If the rental home is filthy, that is sufficient reason to leave in haste.
Lack of Job or References
You should also inquire about the prospective roommate’s job and at least two references in addition to asking them about themselves. 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. 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
You should also think about the presence and frequency of any significant others living with your potential roommate. The significant other of a roommate might spend so much time there that they essentially pay no rent. You may be hesitant to agree to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or annoying.
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 can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy sensation can just be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. The best course of action is to follow your instincts and look elsewhere if something doesn’t feel right.
Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the correct one can enhance your life! Are you searching for a rental house that you and one or more roommates could live in? Real Property Management Impact has a selection of quality rental properties in your vicinity. 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.
