If you are considering a Philidelphia rental home with a roommate, you should be aware of what to search for. Despite the very low number of truly terrible roommates, there are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger. The converse is also true: roommates can become some of your closest friends. Even while there are no guarantees, there are several warning signs you can look for to help you figure out who the potential roommate a person might be. You can spot a poor roommate by keeping an eye out for the following signs.
Poorly Written Advertisement
A poorly written or incomplete advertisement may indicate that the person who placed it is hiding something or is loath to put forth much effort in even the smallest of tasks, even though not everyone has advertising skills. An advertisement that is misspelled or omits key details about the rental situation could, in any case, be a sign that trouble is on the way.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
Another warning sign is if you ask about the roommate situation or the lease terms. Asking why someone is moving in with you or leaving their prior roommate (if there was one) and why they need a new place to live is vital. It is possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter.
Overly Messy House
Before committing to anything, investigate the living conditions when responding to a roommate ad. During your visit, make sure the entire area is clean, not just the surfaces. Keep a lookout for evidence that items are not being cleaned regularly, such as ceiling fans that are covered in dust or a sink filled with dirty dishes. If the rented home is unclean, it is sufficient reason to leave.
Lack of Job or References
In addition to asking about the roommate’s background, inquire about the prospective roommate’s employment and request at least three references. Both the absence of a job or the refusal to furnish references are warning signs that something is off. It may be uncomfortable to inquire about a potential roommate’s financial stability, but doing so is the only surefire method to prevent ending up in a situation where one person is unable to pay their monthly rent.
Significant Other
Whether your potential roommate has a significant other and how much time that person spends in the house are key considerations as well. The significant other of a roommate might spend so much time there that they essentially pay no rent. You may not be inclined to acquiesce to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or disruptive.
Listen to Your Intuition
On paper, a person may appear to be the perfect roommate, but upon meeting them, something just feels wrong. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad feeling may be your intuition warning you something is awry. If you do not feel comfortable, the best course of action is to follow your instincts and seek elsewhere.
Living with roommates can be difficult, but finding the correct one can enhance your life! Are you trying to find a place to rent where you may live with one or two roommates? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management Tri-State Area. Contact our office or check out our listings online.
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.
