This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
You can't afford to live WITHOUT roommates, but can you live WITH them?
Increase the odds of getting along by looking at these 7 key factors.
1. Neatness Level
Before renting a place together, have an honest talk about your own cleaning habits and messiness levels.
How much mess can you handle, and how much cleaning are you willing to do? Be honest with each other from the start.
Did you know?
Your landlord might come in to do maintenance as needed. Generally, you won't have much notice or time to clean up first.
2. Party Time
How much partying can you handle?
Everybody loves a party, right?
Not this guy trying to sleep in the next room...
Quiz
Benji likes his quiet time. He has four roommate options. Who should he choose?
Dionn's once a year party sounds reasonable. Bri, Lee, and Alex sound like they party more than Benji could tolerate happily.
3. Alcohol And Substance Use
Make sure you're on the same page with drinking and other substances.
If your idea of breakfast is coffee from Starbucks, and theirs is rum and coke, you may have a compatibility problem.
Did you know?
4. Privacy
Make sure you share the same limits on privacy.
There is such a thing as too much sharing. Have a discussion before signing the lease.
5. Together Time
Are you both looking for some together time, or does one of you prefer to be alone?
Everyone needs SOME alone time, but how much?
Overall, you'll mesh better with someone who has the same ideas about the amount of time you will spend together.
6. Pets
Do you:
love pets?
hate pets?
have pets?
want pets?
What about your roommate? Are you both ready to be pet parents?
Quiz
Jamie is allergic to cats, but his friend has two. He is considering renting an apartment with them. After all, the friend promises to do all the pet care and to keep them in their own room. What should Jamie do?
Jamie should think hard before jumping in. How serious are his allergies? Can he tolerate any cat dander in his living space? His friend may mean well, but if they work late, will Jamie have to feed the cats? Will the cats really be able to stay in one room all the time?
7. Money, Money, Money
Does your possible roomie have the funds to pay their half? Rent, utilities, pizza?
Make sure you know how they plan to pay their share.
Take Action
Don't get stuck in a lease with someone who isn't a good fit!
This Byte has been authored by
Juli Heaton
Attorney and Learning Designer