© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Roommates
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Advantages of a Roommate
• Save money• Can meet new people• Shared responsibility• Safety• More (affordable)
space
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Disadvantages of a Roommate
• Limited privacy• Potential conflicts• Financial risk for their
portion of the rent• Difficult to get rid of a
“problem” roommate
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Minimum Roommate Expectations
• Neatness• Common courtesy• Pay rent on time• Safe living habits
– No drugs– Hanging out with a safe
crowd– Keeps doors locked– Doesn’t loan/copy keys
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Rooming with Friends
• Pros– Know the person– Trust the person
• Cons– Get on each other’s
nerves– Roommate conflicts
could damage friendship
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Finding a Roommate Safely
• Sources (to place or answer an ad)– Classifieds– www.craigslist.com
• Process– Accept or make calls
during set times– Interview candidates in
person• Include a friend or family
on the interview– Safety– Objective opinion
– Trust you instincts
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Sources for Finding a Roommate
• Friends of friends• Relatives & Coworkers• Scan bulletin boards of
reputable spots like:– University– Coffee House– Church– Bookstore
• Venue may indicate similar interests
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Basics
• Know the cost of utilities
• Building quirks– Eccentric or noisy
neighbors
– Challenging landlord
– Excessive heat or cold
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Lease Agreements
• Co-sign the lease• Arrange to split:
– Utilities, cleaning, cable bills, and the security deposit.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Sharing with a Roommate
• Who will bring what for common areas?
• What is for common use vs. individual use?– Computer
– Shared home phone or individual cell phones?
– Food
© 2006 Consumer Jungle
Dividing Household Responsibilities
• Who will clean what?– Setup a chore list and
divide evenly.
• How often?– Weekly– Bi-monthly
• Individual responsibilities– Dishes– Laundry