How to find a compatible roommate?
The Indian economy is going through a tough phase and with the General elections going on, the turn in the economy is quite uncertain. With the high cost of living, people find sharing a house and expense an easy option. It not only gives them a partner to share the finances, but one with whom the experiences of life can be shared. So what is the key to finding a good roommate?
Finding a compatible roommate is quite difficult. It can be a hassle as there have been cases when seemingly good roommates later trash the place, refuse to pay their share of the bill and it is therefore important to know about the right roommate interview questions to ask to avoid roommate problems in the future. Research is the key to avoid any future hassles. One should be clear on the kind of roommate he/ she would prefer.
Decide on the major issues
Think about the following key areas and be sure about the proposed arrangements before discussing it with the potential roommates:
1. Rent: What should be each person’s share?
2. Space: Do you prefer a specific room? If yes, who will occupy which bedroom?
3. Household chores: Will the responsibility for cleaning shared? What will be the schedule?
4. Food sharing: Will food and cooking cost and responsibilities be shared?
5. Noise: When should music and/or TVs be turned off or be low ?
6. Overnight guests: Is it OK for guests to stay over every night?
7. Moving out: If one of you decides to move, what should be the notice period?
When you're interviewing potential roommates, consider these roommate discussion points:
Previous roommates
When meeting potential roommates, ask whether they have had roommates in the past and what sort of roommate problems have they come across. In case a person has never had roommates, he or she may not have realistic expectations of how to behave and compromise in a roommate situation. Asking about previous roommate problems discloses a lot about your potential roommate's personality and whether you're likely to get along with each other.
Daily Schedule
Be sure to check the potential roommate’s schedule and whether the same suits or clashes yours. If you are sharing a bathroom or simply trying to find someone who would come back home within a mutually decides time frame, be clear about the general daily activities that the potential roommate engages in. having clarity upfront helps in avoiding hassles like competing for bathroom space in the morning etc.
Rules about guests
This is a very important as well as sensitive roommate interview question. Many a times, guests and their stay over becomes a problem between the roommates. If you're looking for a person to share a small apartment, the last thing you want is someone coming in and bringing along a guest. Once in a while every roommate will have guests; however, make sure to discuss rules or guidelines that make you both feel comfortable regarding it.
Music should not become noise
Music, in particular, is a big point of contention for many roommates. Therefore, make sure to ask whether the person wanting to be your roommate plays any instruments or generally prefers loud/low music. The roommates have to be musically compatible else music for one becomes noise for other.
Shared responsibilities
Some roommates prefer to buy different type of food while others share all the food and take turns shopping. The same principal applies to household tasks. Before becoming roommates decide on whether the food and cleaning will be shared responsibility. Establish a common set of expectations for food purchases, cooking and everyday jobs. This is an area where roommate problems frequently crop up; therefore, be as specific as possible.
Other factors on which you might want to consider discussions in order to avoid future roommate problems include smoking and drinking habits, religion and pets. Sharing a home with someone outside the family can be difficult at times; therefore, take the time to do thorough research and don't be afraid to turn people down.