Roommates
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Finding a Roommate By Kyle Thomas Haley If you are searching for a roommate as a means to lower your apartment living expenses, you’re in luck. Web sites and classifieds advertise plenty of people with apartments looking for roommates for the same exact reason. But be careful, as there are many pitfalls associated with finding an acceptable roommate. It’s not vital to share the same interests as a potential roommate. It is, however, important that the individual you are considering sharing an apartment with doesn’t possess characteristics you can’t live with. These would include smoking preferences and pets. Prior to agreeing to become someone’s roommate, you should ask to see and study the lease. If at all possible, you should be added as a tenant and meet the landlord. This is to ensure that your new roommate can’t tell you to move out before the end of your agreement. The landlord might even want to replace the existing lease with a new one. Any utilities that you will be required to share payment of need to be outlined. If there are expenses you wish not to share, such as Internet connection, make that known ahead of time. Once you decide to pursue the arrangement, find out all you can about this individual you are considering rooming with. Ask for letters of reference and if neighbors are approachable try to meet them. Determine what kind of schedule each of you are on and set parameters for when and how many visitors each of you can have. About the author: Kyle Thomas Haley of Durham North Carolina has been creating and administering Apartment Renting Sites such as Apartment Finding Net for STANZEEKAY Inc. since 1999. Copyright © 1999 - 2007 STANZEEKAY Inc. |
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To Roommate Or Not To Roommate
by: Dan The Roommate Man Making the Decision Do you want or need to live with a roommate? What are the pros and cons of having a roommate? What should you consider when looking for a roommate? And what issues should you get settled before you move in? On this page we'll look at the pros and cons and some tips to consider; later, we will look at the some of the issues you should get settled before moving in with roommates and how to get them in writing. The Pros of Roommates it's often cheaper as costs (rent, utilities, food) are split household chores are a shared responsibility you can often afford a bigger apartment with more living space if you split the costs a roommate can assuage loneliness The Cons of Roommates a perceived (if not real) lack of privacy someone else's problems can become yours you're relying on someone else honoring their obligations (to pay rent, to pay utilities, etc.) there's always the potential for disputes, even with a friend Some Considerations Just because someone's been your best friend since elementary school doesn't mean he or she will make a great roommate. Often living together can destroy even a close friendship. It's a good idea to know going in what you want in a roommate and what you won't tolerate. Will you accept a roommate who smokes? What about one with a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend? Will you live with someone of the opposite sex? What about someone of a different sexual orientation? What about cleanliness? Pets? Morning person vs. night owl? If you're looking for a room sharing situation (rather than looking for an apartment with a friend), you need to start looking as early as possible. It can sometimes take longer to find an acceptable rental share situation than just to find an apartment. As with any apartment search, make sure everyone you know knows that you are looking. You never know where the perfect lead will come from, but often people are your best source. And people who know you well will probably also recommend things they know you'll like. Ask questions. If you're looking at apartment share situations, you want to know as much as possible about the people you'll be living with, right? Make a list of questions ahead of time, and get them answered. Answer questions. Be as honest as possible with potential roommates and put your best foot forward. Don't expect that your new roommate will be your new best friend as well. While the two of you may, indeed, become good friends, it isn't a prerequisite for sharing an apartment. Be prepared to compromise. Sharing an apartment or house with someone else usually requires some adjustment. Chances are you can no longer have your friends over all night every night, watch whatever you want on the living room TV, or let the dishes sit for weeks. by Dan The Roommate Man About The Author Dan The Roommate Man has been helping people find rooms or roommates since 1989 info@roommateexpress.com Additional articles of interest for roommates: Are You Ready for a Roommate? You come home after a bad day at work to an apartment full of people. The music is blaring, the people are loud, and they don't look like they're leaving any time soon. .......read entire story After you find a roommate. Then what? COLLEGE ROOMMATES 101 Things you need to know before you become a roommate Things to talk to your roommate about. Signing a Roommate pre-nup. How to apply for a rental with a roommate. How to adjust to life with a roommate. Communication - Key to a good roommate relationship. |
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Updated 8/11/2007
Atlanta Apts
Texas apartment rentals
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