Getting a roommate (or roommates) is a money move that can significantly reduce your housing expenses.
However, living with someone whos not a good fit can be disastrous.
You could be a victim of theft (stealing food counts!
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), be left on the hook for their share of bills oreven face eviction.
No matter how close you are, living together and sharing financial obligations is a whole different ball game.
Unsure of what questions to ask potential roommates?
Weve got you covered.
11 Money Questions to Ask Potential Roommates
Taking on a roommate is usually a financial decision.
If you cant afford to live on your own, getting a roommate is a natural choice.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
1.
How Much Can You Afford to Spend on Housing?
Experts say you shouldnt spend more than 30% of your income on housing.
Your landlord will probably use a similar budget percentage when reviewing your rental software.
Keep in mind that having sufficient income doesnt guarantee your roommate can afford the rent.
A large debt load and other financial obligations could be barriers.
So chatting about what they can comfortably afford is important.
Dont forget to factor in the costs of utilities, too.
Do You Have a Stable Job History?
Though you cant predict an unexpected layoff, a glimpse into your potential roomies job history can be revealing.
Did you know?
Working in a struggling industry or for a company that has been downsizing can also be of concern.
How Do You Want to Split the Bills?
How you split shared expenses is something youll want to square away ASAP.
Money-sharing apps like Venmo and PayPal make it easy to transfer money between individuals.
Youll also want to discuss whether youll split everything 50/50 or come up with another arrangement.
Will the person with the big master bedroom pay more in rent?
Whats Your Credit Score (or Credit Score Range)?
Thats why landlords often run credit checks before approving rental applications.
What Do (and Dont) You Feel Comfortable Sharing?
This includes furniture, appliances, household supplies and food staples.
Sharing items can help you save money.
(You really dont needtwovacuum cleaners in one apartment.)
However, disagreements start when everyones not on the same page about what belongs to whom.
Dont just ask your potential roommates about what theyre comfortable with sharing.
Do You Have a Pet?
Youll likely be charged an additional deposit or monthly fee (which should fall to whoevers the owner).
How Often Do You Expect to Have Guests Over?
Beyond your personal comfort level, your potential roommates answer to this question can affect your finances.
What Temperature Do You Prefer the Thermostat to Be Set On?
Does your roommate like to blast the A/C in the summer and crank up the heat in the winter?
The temperature you set your thermostat will affect your utility bills.
Avoid the thermostat wars.
What Do You Do For Transportation?
How your roommate gets around town could affect your shared living situation.
Some apartment complexes charge for parking spaces.
If your roommate relies on public transportation to get around, this could limit where you live.
And housing near a bus route or train station may be pricier than other options.
Do You Plan to Do Any Alterations to the Apartment?
Temporary wallpaper and peel-and-stick wall hooks are alternatives that dont cause permanent damage.
If your roommate insists on decor thats more long-lasting, however, prepare to face financial consequences.
Cigarette smoke tends to really set into furniture, carpet and even walls.
When considering sharing a home together, here are four other questions to address.
How Often Do You Clean?
Visiting their current place will show the reality beyond their claims.
Whats Your Daily Schedule Like?
Is your potential roommate an early bird or night owl?
Will they work from home and require quiet during the day?
Will you both need to be in the kitchen at the same time in the evening?
Discussing your daily schedules can also help you sneak in the awkward question about personal hygiene.
It stinks (pun intended) getting stuck with a roommate who barely ever showers.
Asking whether your potential roommate takes morning or evening showers is an inconspicuous way to broach the subject.
Whats Your Preferred Method of Communication?
Even the best of friends can have different communication styles.
you’re free to avoid awkward conversations or tense blow-ups by knowing how your roommate communicates best.
But someone whos uncomfortable with direct confrontation may appreciate that text.
Could I Talk to One of Your Previous Roommates?
Speaking to someone your potential roommate used to live with can help you finalize your decision.
Ask about their history of paying bills and how they got along.
Usecredit monitoringto confirm no one takes your personal information to open lines of credit in your name.
Getrenters insuranceto protect your belongings from damage or theft.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
