If you’re looking for a roommate with whom to share your Round Rock rental home, you might be thinking about how difficult it will be to locate the appropriate person. After all, a roommate will greatly affect your home life– for better or worse. However, there are steps you may take to aid in your search for a compatible roommate. By following these recommendations, you can select a roommate whose habits, values, and personality all add up to be the ideal match for you.
Start early. The most critical aspect of selecting a wonderful roommate is to provide sufficient time. If you are pressed for time, you may make poor choices that negatively affect your quality of life. If possible, begin searching for a roommate well in advance of the time when you will require someone to move in.
Ask your friends. While living with a buddy may not be the best option, you should check around and ask people you know if they know anyone looking for a roommate. Someone recommended by a friend, coworker, or family member may be an ideal roommate because you both know and enjoy similar individuals.
Use social media. Leverage the power of social media to spread the word about your search for a roommate. You can quickly create articles that describe your circumstance and the type of person you seek. Social media can also help you reach out to people outside of your immediate neighborhood. It’s possible that you’ll meet your new roommate when they relocate to your town from another city.
Do multiple interviews. After you’ve received a few applications, make sure to interview your top candidates multiple times. Prepare a list of questions to ask them, and then follow up with the candidates you like the best once the initial round of interviews is completed. Make certain to inquire about their employment situation and earnings. While it may seem inconvenient, you must be aware of these facts. This will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of each applicant and their fit with your criteria.
Know your deal-breakers. It’s also crucial to know exactly what you won’t put up with in a roommate. These are the “deal-breakers” that would make living with this individual intolerable. While everyone’s deal-breakers are different, recognizing yours might help you weed out those who aren’t a good fit (and communicate them to your potential roommate). No one wants to lose their security deposit due to a bad roommate.
Ask for references. It’s always a good idea to get many references from your potential roommate — and then contact them. If the applicant is unable to recall any names or if all of their references are family members, these are red flags to be aware of. As you chat with each reference, ask questions that will assist you to gain a better understanding of the applicant and their behavior at home. When applying for a rental through RPM Longhorn, we check landlord references for previous tenant conduct. This is included in our screening process.
Be upfront about costs and expectations. When interviewing prospective roommates, it is important to be honest about your expectations and living conditions. This covers the amount of rent the roommate is expected to pay, the manner in which and when payments are due, whether utilities are included and how much they cost, and so on.
Put everything in writing. Finally, every roommate arrangement must be in writing. A written, signed agreement will serve as a useful reference for both of you; it will also serve as a useful reference in the event that any future problems occur. Make your written agreement as precise and comprehensive as possible to your particular arrangement. All interested roommates should apply via our website in the case of a landlord-tenant relationship. Otherwise, this may be an instance of an unauthorized tenant, which would provide a reason to cancel your leases.
Are you in the market for a new rental home? Real Property Management Longhorn has an inventory of great listings that update regularly. Contact us or browse available properties 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.
