"I could honestly write a war and peace length novel about my psycho roommate from hell, who I lived with for one semester. I try to always give people a chance, give them the benefit of the doubt, but I can honestly say this girl is in a class of her own." - Excerpt from the Experienceproject.com Roommate from Hell Blog
Living with a roommate is an inevitable position if you're in school or just graduated and started you first job. Living with a roommate is also a great choice if you're saving up for a down payment. The thing is, anything can happen when you are living with a stranger. I recently took over the lease of my apartment (because I love it) and through trial and error discovered somethings that I wish I had considered.
THINGS THAT EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW WHEN PICKING OUT A ROOMMATE
- Important question: Do you have the same lifestyle? Are you both party animals? Are you both homebodies? Are you both Eco-friendly? Do your personalities mesh? Personality issues (second to money issues) often out weight everything else.
- Will they help out with cleaning? Always be upfront with your expectations. Do you want to share chores? or do you mind doing all the cleaning? Propose a cleaning schedule.
- Do they have a stable job? Do they pay bills on time? You have the right to ask for a credit check. As nice as a person can be, paying your bills AND their bills when they flake out is not nice.
- How do you feel about guests? When is it okay to have guests over? how do you feel about overnight guests? how do you feel about parties? Establish the rules/what you feel comfortable and present them upfront. Be willing to negotiate on this one.
- What things are you willing to compromise on? Like I said before, you might negotiate having visitors only during the weekends (rather than no visitors at all) or who cleans what.
- Are they respectful of your property? I once had a roommate that broke the lid of my $150 food processor and didn't even offer an apology. Having said this - you should also determine what you're willing to share and what you want to keep to yourself.
- Every relationship needs boundaries. From experience I can tell you that it is best to be friendly but not befriend a roommate. You don't want someone to feel comfortable enough to not pay rent or break your dishes.
- Be positive, a 100% positive, that you want to live with that person. Trust your gut. Be assertive, be patient. Toronto is a renters city. Do your homework and you'll be okay.
- Ask for references and proof of employment. This is mandatory! I can tell you that I work as a secret agent, but can I prove it?
Experience Project - Roommate from Hell (just to laugh a little)
Viewit.ca
Craigslist
How to be a great Roommate (yes, it works both ways)
Roommate Conflict Resolution
Ontario Tenants Website (some laws you should be aware of)
And last but not least.... do you have any "Roommate from Hell" stories. Leave it below.
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Thanks for the advice! I'm going to be getting an apartment sometime in August, before I start my school year again. I'll be sharing with my cousin and her friend, but I have different lifestyles from them. Your list/important questions are good to know! Thanks again :)
I'm glad my advice is useful :)
As long as you can talk to each other and you all respect and try your best to co-operate with each other you should be okay. Good luck!
My last roommate had this crazy party over reading week while I was visiting my parents and completely trashed the place. Now I totally get the "same lifestyle" point. Roommates will never be perfect.