Finding the right roommate can be a lengthy process — and for good reason! The typical housing contract lasts for twelve months, and that time should be spent with a roommate who shares similar interests, has compatible living habits, and who won’t cause any financial hiccups down the road. Sounds nice, right? Discovering that perfect roommate will make apartment living that much easier, and to that end, the good people at Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, have provided twelve questions that will help streamline the hunt for an ideal roommate.
Ask potential roommates these questions and after finding the perfect fit, consider checking out our Gainesville, FL, luxury apartments. Get in touch with us today to schedule a tour of one of our many properties!
Open with a light-hearted question to break the ice. Finding out about your potential roommate’s hobbies will give you an idea of what they’ll spend time doing around the apartment. Are their interests and hobbies similar to yours? Great! You may become quick friends.
This question is important to ask upfront, as for those with allergies, pets can be a dealbreaker. Not to mention, if both parties have pets, it’s important to ensure the animals are acquainted before move-in day.
If they have a car, no worries, however, if they don’t have reliable transportation, make sure to discuss how they plan on getting places. Nobody wants to end up as a roommate’s chauffeur.
If you value a clean home, you’re going to want a roommate who will help keep things tidy. Alternatively, if you’re a little messy, avoid moving in with a clean-freak. While things will eventually need cleaning in your apartment, it’s important to find a happy medium between all potential roommates.
Interrupting each other’s sleep will be sure to cause contention between roommates. If you prefer sleeping in, and they tend to get up early, consider finding a different roommate.
For people with asthma, a roommate who smokes can cause serious issues and should be avoided. If both you and your roommate smoke, taking outdoor smoke breaks can be a great way to bond and learn about each other.
Knowing your roommate’s allergies will help you avoid bringing anything that could cause a reaction into the apartment. Additionally, if you’re allergic to nuts and those are their favorite snack, maybe consider finding a different roommate.
Asking this helps to avoid clashing personalities. Before signing a housing contract, ask your potential roommate if they’re someone who enjoys frequent house guests or prefers to spend their time alone, as you want to ensure your lifestyle meshes well with theirs.
Fighting over the A/C is all too common among roommates and changing it back and forth will cause your utility bills to skyrocket and tensions to rise even higher. If you’re someone who likes to keep the inside cool or you prefer to save money and live without constant A/C, find someone who does as well.
Sharing old roommate gripes will help you act as better roommates to each other and paying attention to pet peeves they list will help you ascertain if their gripes are over the top or valid issues. Creating a roommate agreement before signing a housing contract can help ensure both parties understand what to expect before living together.
Are you looking for someone to spend time with on the weekends or are you just hoping for someone easy going to split the monthly installment with? Depending on your answer, you’ll want a certain kind of roommate, so take some time to figure out your expectations.
Finally, close by letting them speak freely about what they’d like to — and listen attentively. They may share something you didn’t anticipate that helps you decide whether or not you’re truly compatible.
Searching for a new place to call home? Consider our luxury apartments in Gainesville, FL — or for students, check out our apartments by UF! Both options feature lavish amenities and spacious floor plans that you and your roomie are sure to love.