Living with a roommate can be an effective way for renters to save money. Cutting your monthly rent in half enables you to put more money in the bank and frees up funds for other living expenses. However, this isn’t to say that every roommate you live with is going to be a good fit. There are a number of reasons cohabitation situations go south, and in the absence of the proper precautions, roommates can quickly grow to hate one another. Apartment residents entertaining the idea of taking on a roommate can keep conflict and awkwardness to a minimum with the help of the following pointers.
Confirm the Person Has Financial Security
Since saving money is the primary goal in taking on a roommate, any roomie you choose should have some measure of financial security. More often than not, this means possessing stable employment and a steady paycheck. Additionally, if someone is currently unemployed but can prove that they have ample savings, they may be worth considering. Taking on a roommate without a job or significant savings is practically asking for trouble. No matter how charming this person is or how convincing a story they spin, if they’re unable to pay their half of the rent, there’s no point in sharing a residence with them.
Make Sure You’re Able to Get Along
Although being able to afford rent is one of the most important qualities to look for in a roommate, it’s far from the only trait you should consider. For example, if you and your roomie are unable to get along, your apartment is going to be a very tense and uncomfortable place to live. With this in mind, limit your options to people with personalities, demeanors and schedules that are compatible with your own. This isn’t to say that you should set out to find a roomie who’s exactly like you – but rather, someone you can see yourself comfortably cohabitating with.
Come to an Understanding Regarding Pets
Few things can drive a wedge between roommates like pets. In some instances, allergies can cause considerable conflict between roomies. In others, one party simply not wanting animals in the residence can lead to arguments and heightened tensions. This is why it’s imperative for you and any potential roomies to reach an understanding on pets early on. In addition to making each other aware of any allergies, you’ll need to bring any pets you already own or hope to adopt to each other’s attention. Furthermore, if either of you already owns a pet, make sure to reach an understanding regarding where that animal is allowed to go and who’s responsible for its care before committing to cohabitate. Omaha residents in the market for pet-friendly apartments can click here to find an abundance of options.
For anyone looking to reduce their monthly expenses, taking on a roomie is liable to seem like an attractive prospect. However, while some roommates become lifelong friends, others can barely stand the sight of one another. As such, it’s important to do your homework before entering a roommate situation. A little bit of prep work can go a long way in preventing you from being trapped with a roomie who’s impossible to live with.
