Julia Anderson
Roommates aren’t just a college thing, as many of us get them right after graduation to cut costs.
While a roommate can certainly help you reduce your monthly expenses, you should proceed with caution before handing them the keys. Just like you’ll be interviewed to get your post-college dream job, you should do the same to your potential roommate.
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What’s the purpose of interviewing someone before moving in with them? To see if any red flags could put you in a financial bind if they don’t hold up their end of the bargain.
Here are the questions you should ask during that “interview” to make sure your roommate is the right choice:
1. How much money do you make?
It may seem like a very personal question, but you’ll need to know if your roommate makes enough money to pay the rent.
On average, you should spend a maximum of 30 percent of your income on housing expenses. Landlords will want to know your income, so a potential roommate with insufficient income could result in your application getting rejected.
By asking them now, you’ll save the headache of having to scramble to find another roommate later if their finances aren’t up to snuff.
2. What are your current financial obligations?
A hefty income doesn’t ensure someone will be able to pay their bills.
If they have loads of student debt, credit card bills, a considerable car note, or other obligations, they may still have issues with making the rent on time.
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3. What’s your job history?
Just because someone makes a lot of money now doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way.
Has this person jumped from job to job? They may jump again, leaving you with the entire rent if they can’t find other employment.
4. How’s your credit score?
Again, this is a personal question. Asking it can help you figure out if that person is financially responsible, however.
Credit checks will be run when trying to secure housing. It’s best to get it all out there in the beginning before you waste each other’s time.
If they tell you their credit score and it’s incredibly low, break free. They could stick you with the bill, just as they have with other accounts that caused their score to be so low.
5. How will we split the bills?
You should put both of your names on every bill associated with your home or apartment. This prevents one roommate from leaving unexpectedly, and you having to pay the full load.
If everything is equal, a 50/50 split of bills is reasonable. If one of you gets a larger room or a better view, another arrangement might need to be made.
Regardless, get both names on the bills and discuss a due date for when they should be paid. You don’t want any late payments on your credit history.
6. Will you leave the apartment as-is?
Shy away from a roommate that wants to make alterations. If they’re going to paint their room, add wallpaper, or make any other changes, you may be looking at extra expenses when moving out.
What can lead to extra move-out expenses besides paint or wallpaper? Having a pet or smoking. Be sure to ask if either pertain to them, so you’re not hit with sticker shock on cleaning fees.
7. What’s your home life like?
Will your roommate always have guests over? That could hike up your utility bills.
Do they like the thermostat set to frigid or hot temperatures? Any extremes could significantly affect your electricity bills too.
Did you know that asking certain questions can help you find the perfect roommate and prevent headaches when sharing your home with someone, whether they’re a stranger or a friend? These questions can also help ensure fair and reliable bill payments.
If you’re wondering where and how to find a good roommate, we’ve got you covered!
Check out websites like SpareRoom, Roomster, and Roommatch to find potential matches and learn more about their profiles. You can either apply your own profile or browse for someone interested in sharing a home with you.
We hope these 7 Questions You Should Make to Find A Perfect Roommate, can help you avoid financial issues with your roommate in the future. By asking these questions, you can ensure that you and your roommate share the responsibility of paying bills fairly and avoid any misunderstandings.
Luigi Dacumos
