Choosing the right roommate is a big deal; it’s not like picking a girlfriend, a dog, or a couch. The biggest problem is that you don’t know the potential roommate. You don’t know if this person smokes, has a criminal background, uses drugs, or has mental problems. The professionals at the Local Records Office created a list of important questions you should ask your potential roommate before letting him or her rent out a room to avoid headaches.
1. Do You Smoke Cigarettes or Marijuana?
Being a smoker is a deal-breaker for many people who rent out rooms. Smoking cigarettes isn’t just a disgusting habit but it makes the entire house smell like a chimney. Not to mention if there are kids on the property, it can be a serious health risk.
Recreational marijuana is legal in many states including; Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C. Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, and many other states. Even though recreational marijuana is legal it is not legal nationwide. Many people still see marijuana as an illegal drug that might have neighbors complaining and even worst calling the police.
If you’re ok with a smoker you need to set rules on where he or she can smoke. For example no smoking inside the house, but it’s ok in the backyard and patio with the doors and windows closed.
2. Are You a Morning Person or a Night Person?
Morning people and night people don’t tend to mix well as roommates. The main reason is that you’re on opposite schedules. Night owls and morning birds don’t mix like chocolate cookies and orange juice. A problem that might occur is if one person works during the day and wants to have friends over in the evening but this is the time when the roommate sleeps.
3. Work Schedule
A good question to ask is if he or she works in the morning or at night. This will give you an idea of when you guys will see each other. Another reason to check each other schedule is to know when one will need the bathroom to get ready for work. This will cause a problem if there is only one bathroom in the house or apartment.
4. Pets
The majority of people like pets but some people can’t be around them because of allergy issues. In some cases, people can’t even be in the same room where a pet has been in. Other people don’t like to hear dogs bark, while others don’t want to have kids near large dogs. Knowing if a potential roommate has any pets before moving in will avoid future issues.
5. Working From Home in Los Angeles, CA
One of the biggest benefits of working from home is the peace, quiet and distraction-free environment. The last thing you will want is a person talking your ear off when you want to get work done. Working from home has its benefits but it can also be a distraction with the wrong roommate.
6. Are You a Party Animal on the Weekends?
If you enjoy pre-gaming before going out to a game or club and hosting an after-hour party at 2 am, rooming with a homebody can cause a problem. Even if you and the roommate have similar work schedules some people might not want to stay up late.
7. Do You Pay Rent on Time?
Living with a roommate that doesn’t pay rent on time will be a big problem. This can cause issues with the lease agreement and can lead to an eviction. Make sure to know when they will have the rent ready and at what time.
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