So, it is time to rent out the 4th bedroom in this over priced house. I am working on a 2nd career and also on fees for my daughters senior year and University to follow shortly.

So, I am very serious and don't really need all the horror stories.

What would you look for in a roomate and what points would you place in an add?
[Edited 2/14/07 13:26pm]

t&a

I would stress maturity, personal responsibility and require at least two very solid references from previous landlords.

Good luck sweetheart.

abierman said:

yep I agree

FunkMistress said:

How does that work out? I mean, do people really give you real refrences?

oldpurple said:

We are renting out a room not the two of yous!

Muse2NOPharaoh said:

Well, I would think it requires some research. Google the landlords' names, see if you can get info on whether they're legit. It'll probably be an exhausting process, but definitely worth it if you'll be sharing your home with someone.

perhaps there is a foreign student that would be attending these schools or universities?
they would probably be quiet and respectful and thankful of the room (and board?)
so i guess not so much advice on what to put in the ad but perhaps a thought of where to place a poster.

or do you want an adult?

I think a willingness to get drunk and put out would be a prerequisite.

bkw said:

Heres another upside your head!

get maddy to move in.

evenstar would tell you that they need to be at least 65!

2the9s said:

they're 50-something and 61, actually. the older one smokes. my apartment smells like an old motel room all the time now! fucking awesome!

roommates SUCK, muse, don't do it!

evenstar3 said:

you live with old people?????

abierman said:

yup. two of them, and another 20 year old who's awesome (unlike the older two). wasn't my choice, the housing authority at my college is horrifically evil and has a non-age discrimination policy.

evenstar3 said:

you share bathrooms with them????

abierman said:

yeah, why? that's not what bothers me about it.

I have two roommates. All they do is suck up food and heat.

evenstar3 said:

ewww.....

ok

evenstar3 said:

Ok so no smoking!

I need a better landlord!

INSATIABLE said:

:hand: Pick me!

Just got this and it looks good.....



-----


I used roomates.com for my last 3 roomates and have gotten along with them famously.

The important thing is to set expectations up front. With all my roomates, I seek people who are full time students (on the nerdy side), or I look for people who are at least in their 30s who work alot.

I also tell them up front that it's not a friendship, I insist on a month-to-month arrangement where either of us can cancel at anytime, and I lay out the ground rules for privacy.

My current roomate I've had for 3 years, I barely see him cuase he works two jobs, and he never brings more than one guest over. He's extremely repsectful.

If you live in a house, a roomate is very easy to find cuase of the garage (Added security), washer/dryer hookup in the house.

I charge one flat rate that covers electrical, and cable T.V. If they want to use the phone line, I insist they get their own. That way they take care of the bill and it doesn't apply to me. Secondary phone lines are easy to set up with the phone company and you can have it under your roomate's name.

As for Internet, they simply use my wireless router on their computers. I also tell them straight up from that it's all a courtesy, and that though I respect their privacy, I don't want anything illegal taking place with any of those services.

I treat having a roomate strictly as a business arrangement, and my roomates react accordingly. Never get too friendly with them. Don't seek a "friend" to live with--it's very bad business.

Muse2NOPharaoh said:

I SO would rather live there than here!

But I'd need to find work, pronto!

I used roomates.com for my last 3 roomates and have gotten along with them famously.

The important thing is to set expectations up front. With all my roomates, I seek people who are full time students (on the nerdy side), or I look for people who are at least in their 30s who work alot .

I also tell them up front that it's not a friendship, I insist on a month-to-month arrangement where either of us can cancel at anytime, and I lay out the ground rules for privacy.

My current roomate I've had for 3 years, I barely see him cuase he works two jobs, and he never brings more than one guest over. He's extremely repsectful.

If you live in a house, a roomate is very easy to find cuase of the garage (Added security), washer/dryer hookup in the house.

I charge one flat rate that covers electrical, and cable T.V. If they want to use the phone line, I insist they get their own. That way they take care of the bill and it doesn't apply to me. Secondary phone lines are easy to set up with the phone company and you can have it under your roomate's name.

As for Internet, they simply use my wireless router on their computers. I also tell them straight up from that it's all a courtesy, and that though I respect their privacy, I don't want anything illegal taking place with any of those services.

I treat having a roomate strictly as a business arrangement, and my roomates react accordingly. Never get too friendly with them. Don't seek a "friend" to live with--it's very bad business. Did this twice with best friends--NEVER again!

Muse2NOPharaoh said:

DEFINITELY no smoking if you don't smoke. even if they agree to only do it outside, their belongings & whatnot always have that lingering smell.

INSATIABLE said:

guess who sent me the document?

Muse2NOPharaoh said:

It's not hard to figure out.


That said, all good advice. The ad is important, meeting them will be way more so. Interview them on their living habits and give your expectations. If it's not a good fit, don't be afraid to say so.

CarrieMpls said:

How does one inquire about living habits?

INSATIABLE said: