If you are considering sharing a Midwest City rental home with a roommate, it’s significant to glean and understand what to look for. Even while downright terrible roommates are thankfully rare, there are countless horror stories to make anyone certainly think twice before sharing their home with a stranger. The opposite is also true: From time to time, roommates can become truly some of the most treasured friends you’ll ever have.
Even supposing there are no guarantees, there are red flags you can watch for to help you have a clue about what type of roommate any person might be. Here are definite things you should look out for that can help you to spot a horrifyingly bad roommate.
1. Badly Written Ad
Not all of us are great at writing ads, however, a poorly written or incomplete ad may convey that the person who posted it is hiding something or isn’t willing to contribute much effort to even small tasks. Either way, an ad packed with misspellings or one that is missing basic information about the rental situation may be a real indication of possible trouble ahead. Keep in mind that Real Property Management does not advertise on Craigslist. Always apply directly from our website.
2. Answers to Questions are Vague or Inconsistent
Another red flag to be prepared for is while asking questions about the roommate or rental arrangements. It’s specifically significant to ask why the last roommate left (if there was one) or why they are moving in with you and why they need a new place to live. If their answers to these issues are vague or they seem unwilling to talk about it, it’s imaginable they were somehow at fault.
3. Messy House
If you are responding to an ad for a roommate, pay close attention to the living conditions prior to committing to anything at all. In the course of your visit, observe closely the cleanliness of the space – and not just on the surface. Whenever possible, look for obvious signs that things are not being cleaned regularly and consistently, such as dusty ceiling fans or dirty dishes piled in the sink. If the rental house is in disorder, that’s an essential reason to walk away. Nobody wants to lose out on a security deposit because of a bad roommate.
4. No Job or References
Along with asking the roommate about themselves, ask with regards to the potential roommate’s job and for at least two references. If they don’t seem to have a job or are unwilling to provide references, both are red flags that something isn’t completely right. Conceding that asking questions about a person’s finances may feel awkward, it’s a reliable method to stay away from getting trapped with a roommate that won’t be able to consistently pay their portion of the rent each month. Though if you’re trying for a rental through RPM Elevate, our screening process includes landlord references to determine prior tenant behaviors.
5. Significant Other
Another important thing you should understand is whether your potential roommate has a significant other and how much time that person spends in the house. Most commonly, a roommate’s significant other will spend extended periods of time in the place where they practically live rent-free. This may not be an arrangement that you are well-disposed to agree to, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.
In the case of a landlord-tenant relationship, a significant other should ALWAYS submit an application. Otherwise, this may be a case of an unauthorized tenant which may be grounds to terminate your leases.
6. Listen to Your Intuition
In some cases, a person may truly feel like the perfect roommate on paper, but when you meet them, something feels off. That feeling is most certainly your intuition telling you something is amiss, even if you can’t immediately see what it is. The best thing you can do is to actually listen to your gut and look elsewhere if you don’t feel comfortable.
Living with roommates can be an absolute challenge, but finding the right one could truly make your life even better! Are you on the lookout for a rental home that you could share with a roommate or two? RPM Real Property Management Elevate has an inventory of quality rental properties near you. Moreover, you’d be glad to know our thorough tenant screening process helps eliminate red flags. Browse our rentals and apply online today.
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.
