Finding a good roommate can lead to lifelong friendships, as well it make rent more manageable. The roommates you live with can be more important than the home you are living in, transforming your flat into a place where you feel like you belong. Here are some suggestions to help you out.
1. Decide how many people you want to share your house with, taking into account how much space you have and the rental restrictions from your property owner or strata. The more roommates you have, the more challenging it can be to coordinate kitchen time, laundry, cleaning, and visitors.
2. Make a list of house rules not limited to cleaning schedules, quiet time, visitor policy, parking regulations, pet restrictions, laundry restrictions. When you interview roommates, they will take you more seriously if you have a formal list of house rules. This can also help screen disobedient roommates.
3. Start the search by sending messages to your social or sports groups and clubs, posting an ad on bulletin boards, using social media. This will give you a higher probability of finding a roommate that you may already know. We live in the age of social media, posting a message on your profile will allow your friends to help connect you with a potential roommate. If those methods do not produce results. do not be discouraged. There are many classified and rental sites like Happipad to assist with shared accommodation. Post your ad with clear details of the property, house rules, and ideal personality. Be specific and honest with what you want in a roommate.
Example post:
One room to rent in my home located in (city, neighborhood). It is a beautiful area with parks, shopping, and recreation close by. There is street parking available for one car. The room is furnished with a pillow top queen size bed, large wardrobe and desk. House has wifi and cable TV, which are included in rent. Utilities not included are electricity and water which will be split equally. You will have a private bedroom; bathroom will be shared with one other person. Common areas of house including kitchen, living room and storage will be shared. House rules include quiet time between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, no overnight visitors without prior agreement from other roommates. Looking for someone long term (6+ months) who is a non-smoker with no pets. Ideal roommate would enjoy sports, cooking, movies, and keeping a clean and comfortable home. Rent is ($xxx per week/month), available (date available).
4. Screening potential roommates is very important, try to understand their personality, routine, what furnishings they have, make sure to get some references and do your own diligence screening them. Don’t be too eager to accept the first applicant, if it doesn’t feel right then wait for the right person.
5. When you find your ideal roommate(s) have them sign a rental contract including: cost of rent, utility share, and house rules. The system works best when everyone does their part, take accountability and don’t let things slide. If you notice the house is not being taken care of, bring it to everyone’s attention and remind them of the house rules they have signed.
Finding the ideal roommate is well worth the effort. Your roommates may begin to feel like family, creating a warming and welcoming home.
