If you are considering a Jacksonville Beach rental home with a roommate, you should be aware of what to search for. Despite the very low number of truly terrible roommates, there are enough horror stories to make anyone think twice about sharing their home with a stranger. The converse is also true: roommates can become some of your closest friends. While there are no guarantees, there are some red flags you can look for to determine what kind of roommate someone might be. The following will assist you in identifying a problematic roommate.
Poorly Written Advertisement
Even if not everyone is skilled at writing advertisements, a poorly written or incomplete one may suggest that the person who placed it is concealing something or is unwilling to put much effort into even trivial tasks. In either case, an advertisement that contains misspellings or lacks basic information about the rental situation may be a sign of impending trouble.
Vague or Inconsistent Answers
When you enquire about your roommate or your lease terms, that’s another cautionary sign to look out for. Asking why someone is moving in with you or leaving their prior roommate (if there was one) and why they need a new place to live is vital. It is possible that they were at fault if their responses to these inquiries are evasive or they appear unwilling to discuss the matter.
Overly Messy House
If you are responding to a roommate ad, have a look at the living situation before committing to anything. While there, make sure the surroundings are clean, not just the surfaces. Keep a lookout for evidence that items are not being cleaned regularly, such as ceiling fans that are covered in dust or a sink filled with dirty dishes. A dirty rental property is justification enough to look elsewhere.
Lack of Job or References
Inquire about the prospective roommate’s job and at least two references in addition to getting to know them better. If they do not appear to have a job and are unwilling to provide references, this is an indication that something is amiss. It could feel strange to inquire about someone’s finances, but it’s the only way to prevent being stuck with a roommate who won’t be able to cover their share of the rent on a monthly basis.
Significant Other
If your potential roommate has a significant other, you should think carefully about how much time they spend together in the house. It is possible for a roommate’s significant other to spend so much time in the apartment that they effectively receive free housing. You may be hesitant to agree to this arrangement, particularly if they are noisy or annoying.
Listen to Your Intuition
A potential roommate may seem perfect on paper, but when meeting in person, a strange vibe may develop. Even if you cannot see what is wrong, that bad sensation may be your intuition warning you something is wrong. The best course of action is to trust your gut and seek out alternative accommodations if necessary.
While having a roommate can be difficult, the perfect one could improve your life. Are you trying to find a place to rent where you may live with one or two roommates? Nearby rental homes of high caliber are available from Real Property Management First Coast. Contact our office or check out our listings online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
