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Tips for finding a roommate you can live with

Have you moved out on your own but found that paying for both rent and food are not in your budget? Did you enjoy living in the dorm, except for the whole sharing a room part? Have you moved out of your parents' house but you miss being yelled at for not cleaning up? Maybe it's time to find a roommate. Here are some tips for finding a roommate that you can live with.

Before you begin searching, decide what you're looking for in a roommate. Do you want to live with a man or a woman? A smoker or nonsmoker? Also, contact your property manager to determine the procedure for adding a new person onto the lease.

You can view and place ads on online sites that specialize in roommate searches. Fees vary on the sites so be sure to read the procedures. Use a general location, like crossroads or apartment complex name, instead of your exact address in the ad. Create a separate email address to respond to inquiries. Make sure to ask questions about lifestyle and personality. While opposites may attract in love, living with them can be difficult. Be prepared for questions from respondents and be honest. The truth will come out very quickly when you start living with them. You may want to consider running background and credit checks on serious applicants.

You can view and place ads on online sites that specialize in roommate searches. Fees vary on the sites so be sure to read the procedures. Use a general location, like crossroads or apartment complex name, instead of your exact address in the ad. Create a separate email address to respond to inquiries. Make sure to ask questions about lifestyle and personality. While opposites may attract in love, living with them can be difficult. Be prepared for questions from respondents and be honest. The truth will come out very quickly when you start living with them. You may want to consider running background and credit checks on serious applicants.

Many of these questions can be covered in an initial phone call or email. If you decide it won't work, politely let them know. If you feel uncomfortable with someone, eliminate them as a candidate immediately. You don't have to give candidates to multiple chances to make a good impression.

Once you've found someone you think you can live with, it's time to move to the next step. Set up an in person meeting with them without telling them you've decided to room with them. For the first meeting, you may want to meet them someplace public close to the place where you'll be living in case you get that psycho vibe from them that you didn't get over the phone. Where you meet depends on your comfort level. Don't let someone come to your place that you don't feel comfortable having there. The meeting in person will allow you to learn more about the person. Go over any questions you may not have covered and use this as an opportunity to determine if this is someone you could live with or if you will want to poison their Frosted Flakes after the first month.

Once you've selected your new roommate, several things should be finalized before moving in together including sharing commons spaces and housework. Consider putting decisions in writing to avoid future arguments.

When choosing a roommate, choose someone you think is compatible. You don't have to become best friends but you should be able to sit in the same room without resorting to physical violence. Living with a friend may seem like a great idea, but remember you may be friends because you don't live together.