Living with a roommate can help save you money and, in some cases, provide some great company at home. It’s awesome to have a roommate who will whip up delicious meals or clean the apartment like a pro, but if you aren’t careful, your roommate experience can easily turn sour. Here are some things to consider along with some tips to help you when renting with a roommate.
How to Find a Roommate
When searching for a roommate, begin by asking your friends or family members for recommendations. This can be a great way of finding a trustworthy roommate that they won’t feel like a total stranger. Some apartment complexes, like off-campus student housing communities, offer roommate matching services. Similar to searching for an apartment online, you can use the internet to find a roommate. Along with posting on Facebook groups, there are multiple free and paid websites you can use to find roommates. As with anything on the internet, take precautions when using roommate finder sites to avoid being catfished by a potential roommate that you thought was your perfect match. Here are some tips for vetting a potential roommate:
- Always meet in person
- Conduct multiple interviews to determine compatibility and any red flags
- Ask for references, especially from a former landlord or roommate if they have one
- Ask meaningful questions about their rental history, lifestyle, and personality
- Be upfront about how much you expect to pay for rent and other expenses
- Be honest about your deal breakers such as smoking, pets, etc.
- Conduct a credit and background check (your property manager will do this, but this could prevent any surprises when you turn in applications)
Set Ground Rules Before Move-In
Even if you’re moving in with your bestie of 15 years, you and your roommate should set rules for each other. One of the most important things to determine is how to handle rent and other expenses. Decide how you would like to split the rent (this might vary depending on the type of lease you sign) and who is responsible for turning in rent each month. You should also determine who is responsible for each utility. To keep things fair and to save money, it’s a good idea for each person to have at least one utility in their name.
After finalizing an expense plan, discuss guidelines for living together. What expectations do you have for cleanliness? Will you share groceries, or will everything be separate? How do you feel about overnight guests, and how long are they allowed to stay? These are just a few considerations you can discuss with your roommate to ensure you are both happy. You don’t want your roommate to be that person who leaves passive-aggressive sticky notes because of dirty dishes, and you don’t want your significant other to overstay their welcome. Draft a written roommate agreement to avoid any misinterpretations and to protect everyone involved. A large amount of this agreement will not be legally binding (a judge won’t order someone to clean the apartment), but it can help if your roommate doesn’t pay for rent or utilities.
What to Look for When Apartment Hunting with a Roommate
Leasing Options
Once you begin touring properties, be sure to ask the property manager or leasing agent about the types of leases they offer. A lease is a legal contract, so you want to make sure you and your roommate(s) choose the type of agreement that is the best fit for everyone.
Joint Leasing
Joint leasing is the riskiest leasing option when renting with roommates. When you sign a joint lease, all tenants are responsible for paying rent on time, utilities, repairs, and maintaining the entire apartment. Since some apartment complexes charge more for individual leases, joint leasing might be the more affordable option. However, there are some potential consequences to be aware of when choosing a joint lease. If your roommate tells you they won’t be able to pay their portion of the rent, your landlord will expect rent to be paid. If your roommate decides to move out before the end of the lease, you will be held responsible for paying the rent until the agreement ends. If your roommate causes damage to the property, you could still be held accountable for repair costs upon moving out. Depending on the severity of the damage, your landlord can also evict you, so choose your roommates wisely!
Some property managers are flexible and are willing to only charge the tenant who caused the damage, but it’s wise to avoid this situation altogether, if possible. Joint leases are more common in one- and two-bedroom apartments, so this might be a great option if you have known your roommate for years and they have a reputation for being responsible and paying bills on time. However, recognize that even if you’re moving in with your best friend, money problems could lead to hostility in the home.
Individual Leasing
Also called a “by-the-bedroom” lease, an individual lease holds each roommate responsible for their own monthly rent. They will be held accountable for upkeep and damages in their room, bathroom, and any shared common areas. If your roommate violates the lease or is late on rent, you will not be penalized. You won’t be held responsible for any damage in their room or bathroom or if they move out early. However, in some circumstances, if a roommate moves out before the end of a lease, you might not have a say in who replaces them. It’s common for individual leases to cost more because it’s a higher risk for the landlord, but it might be a better option if you don’t know your roommate that well and don’t want to risk being charged for damage you didn’t cause or being stuck paying the entire rent.
Special Features
Furnished apartments
Furnished apartments can make renting with a roommate easier. Not only will you have less to bring on move-in day, but furnished apartments will save money because you won’t have to spend money furnishing the entire unit.
Floorplans
When touring apartments, determine if the floor plan is ideal for your lifestyle and preferences. Do you mind sharing a bathroom with your roommate? If you and your roommate love to cook, is the kitchen large enough to accommodate you both? Is there enough storage space? If you’re a light sleeper, do you want the rooms to be side by side?
How to Apply with a Roommate
Anyone over 18 years old will have to complete a rental application. Rental applications typically require proof of employment/income, rental history, and an application fee. The property manager will also conduct a background and credit check. If you’re applying for a rental through Apartments.com, you can simply add your roommate as a co-applicant and your applications will be combined.
What to Do if Your Roommate's Application Is Denied
If you or your roommate’s application is denied, all hope isn’t lost. The person who was denied can get a guarantor if the landlord allows. Reach out to the landlord or apartment community to figure out why the application wasn’t approved and recommended next steps. Unfortunately, if you or your roommate are denied after reapplying, you will have to find another person to live with or another apartment community.
Published July 15, 2020
