If you’re thinking about sharing a Kennesaw rental home with a roommate, you should be informed of what to look 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. 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. Here are a few indicators to watch out for in a potentially bad roommate.
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. 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 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, inspect the hygiene of the entire area, not just 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 about the roommate’s background, inquire about the prospective roommate’s employment and request at least three references. If they do not have a job and are averse to providing references, this is a red flag. Even though it could feel awkward, it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent each month.
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. The significant other of a roommate might spend so much time there 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
When you meet someone, even if they seem like the perfect roommate on paper, there is something off about them. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad feeling may be your intuition warning you something is awry. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.
Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the correct one can enhance your life! Are you searching for a home to rent that you and one or two roommates could share? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management East Cobb. 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.
