Is It Time to Add a Roommate to Your Life?

Deciding on whether to add a roommate or not can be a difficult decision for many people.

With that being the case, where would you stand on such a call?

On the one hand, having a roommate can help you with your finances. The individual may also take some pressure off of you for upkeep of the home.

On the flip side, could you be inviting some drama into your home? And what if the person you have come in as a roommate turns out to have a criminal record?

Yes, there are definitely some things to ponder when it comes to adding a roommate.

So, what will your decision be at the end of the day?

Do Your Research First

Before you ever sign off on having a roommate, it is important to do some research first.

That said you could turn to the Internet and do a people search.

Such a search with a full name allows you to dig a little deeper. You can learn some information about those that may end up coming into your life.

When looking at a possible roommate, some of the things you’d want to know about them would include:

• Criminal record – Does the person have a criminal history you should have concerns on? If so, what crime or crimes did they commit? In the event it was something small, your worries are not going to be that great. But, if they committed a serious crime or crimes, don’t brush that under the rug.
• Financial record – Though everyone may have a story, you do not want to neglect looking at one’s ability to pay rent. That said find out what kind of financial history one has. Of most importance, do they work a steady job now? If they do not, how will they go about paying rent? Yes, some potential tenants may have money saved up and can be out of work for a period of time. For others, they could struggle with rent in only one month if not working. The last thing you want is someone stiffing you when it comes to money.
• Housing record – Last, does the one you may have as a roommate have a questionable housing record? This could include an eviction or two from past experiences. It is wise to ask to contact their most recent landlord if they had one. That person should be able to give you some good background on this individual. Find out if they paid rent on time and if they caused any trouble.

If You Do Get a Roommate

In the event you do move forward with adding a roommate, your well-being is of the utmost importance.

With that being the case, be sure to use that online research you do to your advantage.

As the hope is if dating you would want to know about a potential date you might have, the same holds true with any roommates.

By doing your research, you stand less of a chance of walking into any potential trouble.

Last, make sure you and any roommate you bring in are on the same page.

By having a good understanding of what to expect, you and a roommate can usually work through it.