© 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