You should be aware of the things to search for if you’re thinking of sharing a Tarrant County rental home with a roommate. Even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon, there are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing a home with a stranger. On the contrary, roommates can also become 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. Here are a few characteristics that will help you identify a problematic roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Ad copywriting is not everyone’s strong suit, but a poorly written or unfinished ad may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much work into even little actions. In either case, an advertisement that contains misspellings or lacks basic information about the rental situation may be a sign of impending trouble.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you ask questions about your roommate or lease arrangements, you should also be suspicious. It is essential to inquire as to why the previous roommate (if any) left or why the new roommate is moving in with you and why they require 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. During your visit, make sure the entire area is clean, not just the surfaces. Look for signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly, such as dirty dishes stacking up in the sink or dusty ceiling fans. 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. If they do not appear to have a job and are unwilling to provide references, this is an indication that something is amiss. The easiest approach to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to pay their share of the rent each month is to ask questions, even if it may feel unpleasant.
Significant Other
The existence of a significant other and how much time that person spends in the home with your potential roommate are key considerations as well. A roommate’s significant other can spend so much time in the flat that they essentially pay no rent. If they tend to be disruptive, you might feel less inclined to accept this agreement.
Listen to Your Intuition
A person could seem like the perfect roommate on paper, but when you meet them, something just feels off. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad sensation may be your intuition warning you something is wrong. 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 ideal housemate can make your life even better! Are you trying to find a rental house that you can share with one or more roommates? Real Property Management 360 offers a variety of well-maintained properties for rent 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.
