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6 Red Flags Regarding Roommates

Belleview Roommates Arguing Over Dirty DishesIf you are contemplating sharing a Belleview rental home with a roommate, it’s really important to know what to look for. While it is true that unquestionably loathsome roommates are favorably rare, there are plenty of horror stories to make anyone think twice before sharing their home with a stranger. The opposite is also true: from time to time roommates turn out to be some of the greatest friends you’ll ever have.

Though conceding there are no guarantees, there are red flags you can carefully look for to help grasp what type of roommate any person might be. Here are several things you need to seek out that can be of use to you in spotting a troublesome roommate.

1.   Badly Written Ad

Not all of us are superb at writing ads, but really, a poorly written or incomplete ad may specify that the person who posted it is hiding something or isn’t willing to give much effort into even small tasks. Either way, an ad crammed with misspellings or one that is missing basic information about the rental situation may be an implication of real complications up 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 aware of is while asking questions about the roommate or rental arrangements. It’s very critical 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 wonders are vague or they seem unwilling to talk about it, it’s quite possible they were somehow at fault.

3.   Messy House

If you are responding to an ad for a roommate, follow through with the living conditions before committing to anything. Throughout the whole length of your visit, check for the cleanliness of the space – and not just on the surface. As much as possible, hunt for obvious signs that things are not being cleaned habitually, like for instance dusty ceiling fans or dirty dishes piled in the sink. If the rental house is disorganized, that’s a convincing 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 clearly about the potential roommate’s job and for at least two references. If they don’t seem to have a job or are hesitant to provide references, both are red flags that something isn’t right. Even while asking questions in terms of a person’s finances may feel awkward, it’s the optimum solution to stop getting trapped with a roommate that won’t be able to disburse their portion of the rent each month. By requesting an application for a rental through RPM Diversified, our screening process includes landlord references to carefully check prior tenant behaviors.

5.   Significant Other

Another necessary thing you should grasp is whether your potential roommate has a significant other and how much time that person spends in the house. From time to time, a roommate’s significant other will spend considerable time in the place where they practically live rent-free. This may not be an arrangement that you want to agree to, especially 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

Oftentimes, a person may seem to be an apt roommate on paper, but when you meet them, something feels off. That troubled feeling presumably your intuition telling you something is unacceptable, even if you can’t immediately see what it is. The best thing you can do is listen to your gut and continue your search elsewhere if you don’t feel comfortable.

 

Living with roommates can be a real complication, but finding the right one could 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 Diversified has an inventory of quality rental properties near you. But more importantly, 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.

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