How to Pick a Roommate

Written By Olivia Komoroski

Since it is PRE-LEASING FOR ALL OUR LARGER UNITS RIGHT NOW, We thought it would be a good idea to run this article.

When choosing a roommate, compatibility is more important than friendship. Most roommate conflicts arise from mismatched expectations regarding money, cleanliness, and social habits.

Here are the key things to look for, along with red flags to avoid:

1. Financial Stability

Since you are legally tied to them via a lease, their ability to pay is your biggest concern.

  • What to look for: A steady job or a reliable source of income (grad students should have a guarantor or bank statement).

  • What to ask: "How do you prefer to handle rent and utility payments—apps like Splitwise or Zelle?"

  • 🚩 Red Flags: Evasiveness about their job, a history of moving frequently, or asking to pay the security deposit after move-in.

2. Cleanliness Standards

Mismatched "cleanliness thresholds" are the #1 cause of daily friction.

  • What to look for: Someone whose habits match yours (e.g., if you can't stand dishes in the sink overnight, don't live with someone who "cleans on weekends").

  • What to ask: "What is your kitchen and bathroom cleaning routine?" or "How do we handle shared chores like taking out the trash?"

  • 🚩 Red Flags: "I'll clean when I feel like it," or visiting their current home and seeing excessive mess/clutter.

3. Lifestyle and Daily Schedule

Your home environment should be a place where you can sleep and work comfortably.

  • What to look for: Similar sleep cycles (Morning Person vs. Night Owl) and work habits (e.g., do they work from home and take loud Zoom calls all day?).

  • What to ask: "What does your typical Tuesday look like?" and "Do you use headphones or speakers for music/TV?"

  • 🚩 Red Flags: A "raging day party" attitude or a schedule that completely clashes with yours (e.g., they play instruments late at night while you work early).

4. Guest and Social Policies

A "part-time" roommate (a partner or friend who is always over) can quickly drain utilities and crowd common spaces.

  • What to look for: Agreement on how many nights a week guests are allowed and a "heads-up" policy for gatherings.

  • What to ask: "How often do you have friends or significant others stay over?"

  • 🚩 Red Flags: They already have a partner who "basically lives" with them, or they believe "the more the merrier" at all times without asking.

5. Conflict Resolution Style

Living together requires communication, not passive-aggressiveness.

  • What to look for: Someone who is willing to talk through issues directly rather than leaving notes or letting resentment build.

  • What to ask: "How have you handled disagreements with past roommates?"

  • 🚩 Red Flags: They describe all their past roommates as "crazy" or "psychos." Usually, if everyone else was the problem, they are the common denominator.

    If you haven’t reached out to us about RENEWING please do so quickly! You can reach out to us at ccreathens@gmail.com

Expert Pro-Tips

  • Trust Your Gut: If something feels "off" during the interview, it usually is. Moving.com suggests that if you have even an inkling of doubt, keep looking.

  • Get it in Writing: Even with a friend, create a Roommate Agreement that outlines chores, guest rules, and bill splitting to avoid future "he-said, she-said" situations.

  • Check References: Ask to speak with a former roommate or landlord. This is the most honest way to verify if they pay on time and respect shared spaces.

 

Olivia Komoroski
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Renters Insurance 101