5 Tips to Roommate Bliss

Living in a Luxury Apartment is wonderful but not all of us can afford to live alone. I absolutely love my granite countertops and all the amenities at Camden Crown Valley in Mission Viejo, CA. But sometimes having a roommate is a mixed blessing. You can now afford this awesome apartment but can you afford to lose your sanity? Consider following these 5 tips to roommate bliss that I have laid out for you as a set of rules. There is no such thing as a perfect roommate. But, if you plan it out using the following tips as a guideline you might improve your experience.
 

Plan Ahead! I have listed this as number one because it is the golden rule of all the tips. The biggest reason we’ve all had roommate horror stories is we picked them in haste. There are some good characteristics of individuals that plan ahead. They are better at paying their bills, easy to get along with and considerate to those around them. Look at candidates that are looking for a roommate with time to spare! 

Listen to your gut! Do not ignore ANY red flags! Never dismiss any of these feelings. Your brain sends you signals of discomfort as a way to keep you out of danger. Spend some time getting to know your roommate before the big move-in date. Watch how they interract with others. Are they extremely impatient while driving and overall seem angry? If there is any behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable address it right away. 

Interview them & ask questions!  When you make contact with a potential candidate suggest meeting them at a public coffeehouse. Come with some important questions and suggest they do the same. This is your chance to dig in and find out if you are both compatible. Come prepared with some verbiage should you notice any resistance from a candidate. An example “We are both different people with different interests. It is important to me to make sure our schedules and how we live our lives are compatible. After we have touched on some important topics we can meet again and decide if we should move forward in the process. If either of us feel that this isn't the best match, we can part and wish each other good luck on our search.” Your candidate will know how you want this process to flow. They may also appreciate your detail to planning and feel comfortable telling you the truth about your compatibility.

Examples of questions - What is your work schedule?  Sleep schedule, social calendar, cleanliness? How often are you home? What are your work hours? How often do you expect to have visitors? Do you listen to loud music? How do you feel about sharing kitchen items? Do you like pets? What kind of foods do you eat? Are you sensitive to smells? Are you allergic to anything?

Check their history! Always do a background check and collect references. Previous landlord references should be a must! It has been my experience that someone may seem completely normal in the beginning and towards the end of your lease not only do their true colors emerge, but you find out they are a raving lunatic! Here are a few low cost websites to aid you in ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

• Rental Protection Agency $29.95 
• USA Criminal Background $14.95 
• Tenant Background Search $19.95-$29.95 

Review Costs & Exit Strategy!  If you have met with your candidate, you’ve asked them all the important questions. The background check is clean; and you have confirmed that you are both compatible. The last step is talking about MONEY and an EXIT strategy! Be clear how much you expect them to pay and when. Talk about what should happen if this isn’t working between the both of you. Even though EXIT strategy is number 5 on this list, it is still important! The last thing you want to do after putting up with a loud, inconsiderate, messy roommate is an uncomfortable exit. How much notice do you both want? What happens if someone doesn’t live up to the bargain? Maybe a signed agreement between the both of you will protect you and prevent any unnecessary squabbles. I used both of these sites that were easy to use and kept me legal.

• EZ Landlord Forms 
• Law Depot

I honestly don't know if there is such a thing as roommate bliss. Before you head out in to the depths of Roommateland, consider your own faults and short comings. You may have to alter your habits before sharing your dwelling. But keep in mind, if you do not own your home, condo, apartment always contact your landlord. They also have their own set of rules and regulations. If you have a current lease with a landlord talk to your landlord first before moving someone in. Your landlord may want to run a background check to ensure the protection of their other tenants. 

Good luck on your search, and for other apartment living tips click How do I know this apartment is the one?   Top Apartment Décor Accessories