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Roommate Prospects in 2012

With the economy in slightly better shape than it was this time last year, you would think that there would be less need for people to share living quarters to save on expenses. Not the case. If we learned anything from 2011 it was how to be frugal and to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Posted on 1 January 2012 Read More...

Rooms for Rent

Looking for a place to stay? You've come to the right place!

It doesn't matter if you're homeless, unemployed or working. Check out our resources and find a place today!

Posted on 30 October 2011 Read More...

Communication-Key To A Good Roommate Relationship

Communication is the biggest key to any relationship, and roommates are no different.

Open up the channels of communication early: Talk frankly about how excited you are, if you are nervous, etc. Get it out; they probably feel the same way. Doing so will establish that you're both committed to making it work, even when the honeymoon is over.

Posted on 28 September 2011 Read More...

How To Apply For An Apartment

You and your roommate finally find that perfect apartment and you are ready to submit your application. What kind of information will you be expected to provide?

Most property management companies will need the following from you:

Posted on 28 September 2011 Read More...

Do You Really Need To Interview Prospective Roommates?

Whether you have known your prospective roommate since kindergarten, or whether you just met, it is important to set aside some time for an in-depth conversation to discuss your expectations. You should meet in person, perhaps over a cup of coffee. Campus is a great neutral ground. A telephone call just won't do for something as important as this.

Posted on 28 September 2011 Read More...

Shared Rental Agreement For Roommates

SHARED RESIDENCE AGREEMENTS

A roommate agreement is made by two or more people who are sharing living expenses. All roommates should have a clear understanding about their individual responsibilities for rent and other living expenses. Without a written agreement problems are more likely to arise. Few things could be more uncomfortable than sharing a house with someone with whom you have an ongoing disagreement about financial matters. It is always best to have such understandings in a written agreement.

Posted on 24 September 2011 Read More...

Things You Need To Know Before You Become A Roommate

The Lease

As a general rule, all adults living in an apartment should be named on the lease and should be co-responsible for payment of rent and maintenance of the unit. This means that each of you is responsible for making sure the entire rent is paid each month and that other obligations under the lease (maintenance, payment for damages, etc.) are everyone's concern. This also means that you are all protected under the terms of the lease.

Posted on 24 September 2011 Read More...

Things To Talk To Your Roommate About, Before You Move In

1. Who is going to bring what things to the room? Who is going to bring the television, VCR, refrigerator, etc.? How many of each of these do we need?

2. When will you be moving in? Will these be different times? Who is going to help you move in? Do we need to alternate times?

Posted on 24 September 2011 Read More...

How To Apply For A Rental With A Roommate

Steps:

1. Talk to your roomie-to-be before starting the application process. Find out if there's anything in your future roommate's rental history that would throw a wrench into getting approval for both of you.

2. Tell the landlord or property manager exactly how many people will be living in the property. Each of you will have to fill out a rental application.

Posted on 24 September 2011 Read More...

What to do about Roommates That Do Not Pay Their Lease

Wondering what to do if your roommate is not carrying their weight? Here are some tips if they don't pay their lease.

Whenever you move in to an apartment, you really want to make certain that the person you are rooming along with pays their part of the rent. If however they don't, you then will ask yourself what you should do. The first thing you have to look at is what they are under-going. Everyone knows that we now have economic hardships almost everywhere. Sometimes, when you are able discover this, you can find a common ground and get this on paper if you are planning to assist them to and possibly ask them to pay less.

Posted on 24 September 2011 Read More...

How to Deal with a Bad Roommate

We have all been there. Bad roommates can be seriously problematic, especially when renting an apartment with limited space. First, let?s talk about what a bad roommate does, and then we?ll discuss how to combat it. Also, this will help you make sure you are not the bad roommate!

Posted on 24 September 2011 Read More...

Two Can Live More Cheaply Than One ~ Consider A Roommate

If living expenses are eating up your budget, one of the most popular solutions is to find one or more roommates to share them. Rent for a multiple-bedroom apartment is usually not significantly higher than that of a single bedroom or studio unit. So actually, with a roommate to share the expenses, you’re able to live much more cheaply.

There are many places where you can find people who are also looking for roommates. Check the classified section of your newspaper and with acquaintances. Post a notice at your church, at work, or, if you’re a college student, on a bulletin board at school. There are also several websites which focus on finding roommates and living accommodations.

Choose Your Roommate Wisely . . .

You must keep in mind that you’ll be living closely with this person (or persons) so there are several things you should consider when choosing your roommate:

• Make sure that your schedules and interests will compliment each other. If you like a quiet life and your roommate loves to invite people in for impromptu parties, it’s probably not a good mix.

• How you live is another issue that should be considered. If you’re a neat freak and your prospective roommate is a slob, there will be problems.

• If you’re a pet owner it’s important to find someone who shares your love for animals.

• Be sure and specify whether you wish to room with a smoker or non-smoker.

• If you plan to share shopping and cooking responsibilities choose a person who likes the same types of foods you do.

These are just a few of the issues that must be resolved if you intend to live in harmony with other people. Take the time to get to know a little about the person with whom you intend to share a home. It will prevent a lot of difficulty later.

Agree On the Rules From the Start . . .

1. Choosing a location:

If you have already chosen a roommate, or roommates, and are looking for an apartment, be sure you only consider locations that are convenient for all of you.

2. All roommates should be included on the lease.

This will prevent anyone being left “holding the bag” if one of the roommates decides to make other living arrangements.

3. Decide how the bills will be divided.

How the rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., will be divided is extremely important. While heat, water and electricity are usually divided equally, other bills can be divided according to usage.

For example, if one roommate has a larger bedroom and a private bath, while the others share a communal bath and have smaller rooms, this should be taken into account when determining what percentage each pays for rent.

And, while the basic cost of the phone bill should be shared by all who use it, personal toll calls should be the responsibility of whoever made them.

If there are Internet and cable bills, you can hardly expect someone who doesn’t use a computer at home to share the Internet charges.

Be sure and put all of these arrangements in writing so there is no question or dispute later.

It’s a very good idea for each roommate to set up one of the utility accounts (electricity, gas, etc.) in his/her name.

4. Decide how housekeeping chores will be divided and put it in writing.

While this may seem like a lot to worry about, you and your roommates will get along better if everyone knows what’s expected from the start. Take the time to iron these things out at the beginning to prevent later dissension and hard feelings ~ you’ll have a much greater chance of living together happily and harmoniously if you do.