If you’re thinking about sharing a Cuyahoga Falls rental home with a roommate, you should be informed of what to look for. Thankfully, truly terrible roommates are rare, but 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. While there are no absolutes, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you figure out the kind of roommate someone might be. Here are a few indicators to watch out for in a potentially bad roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Even if not everyone is skilled at writing advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete one may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much effort into even trivial tasks. 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
Another warning sign is if you ask about the roommate situation or the lease terms. 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. If their answers to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter, it is possible that they were at fault.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, make sure to look into the living situation before making any commitments. During your stay, examine the overall sanitation of the area, and don’t just look at 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 the potential roommate about themselves, inquire about their employment and request at least three references. It’s a warning sign that something isn’t quite right if they don’t appear to have a job or refuse to give references. 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. The significant other of a housemate may spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. You may not be inclined to acquiesce to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.
Listen to Your Intuition
A potential roommate may seem perfect on paper, but when meeting in person, a strange vibe may develop. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad feeling may be your intuition warning you something is awry. Trusting your senses and moving on if you don’t feel comfortable is the best course of action.
Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the ideal housemate can make your life even better! Are you searching for a home to rent that you and one or two roommates could share? Real Property Management Valor Team has a selection of top-notch rental homes 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.
