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Things to Look for When Screening Potential Roommates

Happy and compatible roommates taking a selfie on the patio of their rental homeKnowing what to look in a roommate for is important if you’re thinking of getting a Ventura rental home. Even though genuinely terrible roommates are thankfully uncommon, there are enough horror stories to make anyone reconsider sharing a home with a stranger. It is also possible for roommates to become some of your closest friends. Even while there are no guarantees, there are several warning signs you can look for to help you figure out who the potential roommate a person might be. In order to spot a lousy roommate, keep an eye out for the following signs.

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. In either scenario, a rental ad that is misspelled or lacking key details about the situation could be a sign of trouble to come.

Vague or Inconsistent Answers

Asking about your roommate or the terms of your lease is 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 possible they were at fault if their responses to these questions are evasive or they come across as unwilling to talk about it.

Overly Messy House

If you are responding to a roommate ad, investigate the living conditions prior to committing to anything. During your visit, make sure the entire area is clean, not just the surfaces. Dusty ceiling fans and a mountain of dishes in the sink are telltale signs that things aren’t being cleaned regularly. If the rented home is unclean, it is sufficient reason to leave.

Lack of Job or References

In addition to asking the potential roommate about themselves, inquire about their employment and request at least three references. Both the absence of a job or the refusal to furnish references are warning signs that something is off. 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

You should also think about the presence and frequency of any significant others living with your potential roommate. A roommate’s significant other can spend so much time in the flat that they essentially pay no rent. You may not be inclined to acquiesce to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.

Listen to Your Intuition

When you meet someone, even though they might seem like the perfect roommate on paper, something just feels off. Even if you can’t immediately see what’s wrong, that uneasy sensation can just be your intuition warning you that something is amiss. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.

Finding the proper roommate can make your life even better even if sharing a space with others can be difficult. Are you searching for a rental house that you and one or more roommates could live in? Real Property Management Limitless offers a variety of well-maintained properties for rent in your area. Contact our office or check out our listings online.

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