If living expenses are eating up your budget, one of the most
popular solutions is to find one or more roommates to share
them. Rent for a multiple-bedroom apartment is usually not
significantly higher than that of a single bedroom or studio
unit. So actually, with a roommate to share the expenses,
you're able to live much more cheaply.
There are many places where you can find people who are also
looking for roommates. Check the classified section of your
newspaper and with acquaintances. Post a notice at your church,
at work, or, if you're a college student, on a bulletin board at
school. There are also several websites which focus on finding
roommates and living accommodations.
Choose Your Roommate Wisely . . .
You must keep in mind that you'll be living closely with this
person (or persons) so there are several things you should
consider when choosing your roommate:
* Make sure that your schedules and interests will compliment
each other. If you like a quiet life and your roommate loves
to invite people in for impromptu parties, it's probably not
a good mix.
* How you live is another issue that should be considered. If
you're a neat freak and your prospective roommate is a slob,
there will be problems.
* If you're a pet owner it's important to find someone who
shares your love for animals.
* Be sure and specify whether you wish to room with a smoker
or non-smoker.
* If you plan to share shopping and cooking responsibilities
choose a person who likes the same types of foods you do.
These are just a few of the issues that must be resolved if you
intend to live in harmony with other people. Take the time to get
to know a little about the person with whom you intend to share a
home. It will prevent a lot of difficulty later.
Agree On the Rules From the Start . . .
1. Choosing a location:
If you have already chosen a roommate, or roommates, and are
looking for an apartment, be sure you only consider locations
that are convenient for all of you.
2. All roommates should be included on the lease.
This will prevent anyone being left "holding the bag" if one of
the roommates decides to make other living arrangements.
3. Decide how the bills will be divided.
How the rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., will be divided is
extremely important. While heat, water and electricity are
usually divided equally, other bills can be divided according to
usage.
For example, if one roommate has a larger bedroom and a private
bath, while the others share a communal bath and have smaller
rooms, this should be taken into account when determining what
percentage each pays for rent.
And, while the basic cost of the phone bill should be shared by
all who use it, personal toll calls should be the responsibility
of whoever made them.
If there are Internet and cable bills, you can hardly expect
someone who doesn't use a computer at home to share the Internet
charges.
Be sure and put all of these arrangements in writing so there is
no question or dispute later.
It's a very good idea for each roommate to set up one of the
utility accounts (electricity, gas, etc.) in his/her name.
4. Decide how housekeeping chores will be divided and put it in
writing.
While this may seem like a lot to worry about, you and your
roommates will get along better if everyone knows what's expected
from the start. Take the time to iron these things out at the
beginning to prevent later dissension and hard feelings ~ you'll
have a much greater chance of living together happily and
harmoniously if you do.
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