© 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 – 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