What do you look for in a roommate?

Regular income
No pets
Hot friends

I have a 19 yr old roommate who drinks, smokes weed, plays loud music at 7am every single effing day, puts out his cigarettes in the bathroom sink, takes all the cups and plates from the kitchen and leaves them in his room when he's done, leaves his garbage bags in the hallway like if he has some sort of maid to take them outside for him, doesn't do the dishes, takes things without permission, always has people over that are always rude and I even encountered two young guys walking around our house without their shirts on.

I so wish I could kick him out, BUT its not up to me, and he's the roommate [the one who's name is on the lease]'s brother, who coincidentally is my boyfriend's best friend. Go figure.

Oh! And since he's family, he doesn't pay rent even though he makes like $1,000 every 2 weeks. SOB.

A wise person once told me that the only kind of roommate worth having is the kind that you sleep with... :bigsmile:

Common interests and respectufulness! I have four roommates and we all get along really well.

Just look for someone with a similar lifestyle. One thing that you should discuss is having girlfriends staying over. If they stay all the time and aren't contributing, that can become an issue between roommates.

Contrarian is right. Ive been in a couple of bad roommate situations and prolonged guests played a role.

I have a home and I rent out two bedrooms to renters. Both guys have lived with me for 1 1/2 years. I recommend doing a month to month lease with 30 days notice. That way if things aren't working out either party can go their separate ways. One thing that's nice but not mandatory is if you work opposite schedules. If you work days and your renter works nights or graveyard you will have the house to yourself. You will also have a little more respect for each other when it comes to noise levels. Also, different states have renters rights. Find out what yours are. When you post an ad for your room, make sure you don't post any discriminatory standards. Race, sexual orientation, etc. You are allowed to discriminate just not in your ad. You can read the fair housing act for more info.

hope this helps

I agree with the posters who want specific, but flexible renter's agreements. Double check state law, first, though.

When interviewing, ask about their friends, hobbies and stuff. Ask follow ups, but nothing probing. Something like, "Oh, you play hockey? That's pretty cool. Where do you play?" If the person starts to say negative things, "I play at Bob's Rink, and it kinda sucks because the ice isn't icy enough," I'd be wary. It's difficult to live with someone who complains a lot. Also in the interview, I'm wary of people who have no questions or concerns for me. "Really? The place is great, and I'm great? Flattering, but the place isn't perfect, and neither am I." I find it better when people come into a roommate situation knowing a bit more about the pluses and minuses of the place. It prevents disappointment and conflict later.