Finding a roommate can be one of the most stressful parts of living in a city. In the best situations, you’ll find someone you know, but even then, it may end in broken promises and late rent. In 2017 nearly a third of Americans lived in a shared household, dealing with getting to know someone else’s good and bad habits while also trying to get along. If you want to set yourself up for success and find your perfectly matched roommate- follow some of these tips!
Try To Find Someone By Association
The best roommates are found by some connection to the people you already know. Having shared friends or acquaintances adds a level of accountability you don’t get from strangers. Tell your friends and family that you’re looking for a roommate, and want someone financially secure who lives similarly to you and has the same fundamental beliefs. With that much, you should have at least three to four different people brought to your attention. Interview them yourself, and decide what the best fit is for you.
Don’t Assume Best Friends Are Best.
Although you may love your best friend, and you might have known them for over ten years, don’t assume this will make you good roommates. Look at their personal and financial habits, and consider if you want that in your home. You may love their high-energy party attitude when you’re at bars or celebrations, but can you handle that day in and day out? Carefully consider what you want, and if you’re willing to risk your friendship on the bet, you can live with them.
Hold Yourself Accountable As Well
You may think you’re great, but you need to be honest about what’s going on in your life. Are you financially stable? Do you have an excellent working history? What are your cleaning habits, and what do you expect from those you live with? If you lie to yourself and try to overspend or overextend yourself, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Ensure you’re also a reliable person that your next roommate would be lucky to have. It would help if you didn’t lie, but instead, work on the behaviors that you feel might make someone question you.
List As A Last Resort
If you couldn’t find anyone through your personal or work connections, it’s time to make a listing online. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook, and even Airbnb have been used to locate a renter’s other half, but be aware of what information you’re putting out there. This is more than just looking at Phoenix real estate; you’re shopping for a person.
In your listing, make sure you allow some of your personality to show through and be honest about who you are and what you expect. Don’t lie and say you’re incredibly tidy if you know you’re messy: and don’t ask for things you know aren’t realistic. Meet in public, google the person thoroughly, and ensure that you take this seriously. A lousy roommate could kill your credit score and wreck your mental health.
