Renting with roommates has its ups and downs. Yes, it saves you money on rent and living expenses. And yes, sometimes it means having a built-in best friend right at home. However, sharing a living space with someone also comes with challenges, and if you can’t join forces to conquer these obstacles, it can really strain your living situation.
To create a long-lasting, harmonious living situation with other renters, check out our best tips for renting with roommates and making the most of your shared living experience.
Find a Compatible Roommate
Successful roommate relationships all come down to compatibility. If you have similar lifestyles and living habits, you’ll find it easier to get along, cohabitate, and share responsibilities. However, knowing whether you’re compatible can be challenging when you have little information, which is where a roommate interview comes in handy.
Conducting a roommate interview
Interviewing your potential roommate is a great way to gauge compatibility. Though it may seem awkward and intimidating, it’s necessary before signing a lease together. This is your chance to ask all the important questions. Are you messy or clean? What’s your work schedule like? Do you like to have guests over? Ask about anything that may impact your day-to-day living.
Here’s a list of questions to ask during the interview:
- What is your typical daily routine?
- Are you more of a morning person or a night owl?
- How do you prefer to handle household chores and cleaning responsibilities?
- Are you comfortable with having guests over, and if so, how frequently?
- Do you have any pets or allergies?
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- Are you comfortable with sharing groceries or cooking meals together?
- What are your expectations regarding the apartment’s quiet hours and noise levels?
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements?
- Are you a smoker, or do you have any lifestyle habits that may impact our living arrangement?
- Do you have any specific concerns or preferences regarding our living arrangement?
Remember, this interview doesn’t have to be formal. It can be a casual chat over coffee or while walking in the park. You’re interviewing them as a roommate, not a potential employee, so keep things light, casual, and conversational.
Learn About Different Types of Lease Agreements
Lease agreements look a little different when you rent with a roommate. You’ll have a few leasing types to consider, each of which will offer different levels of liability for each roommate. These options will include:
Joint lease agreements
Signing a joint lease agreement means you and your roommate are co-tenants. This type of lease splits liability down the middle, meaning you’re both equally responsible for maintaining the property and paying utilities and rent. This option tends to be cheaper, but it can come with a cost. If you live with an unreliable roommate who misses rent payments, damages the property, or violates the lease, you could be held responsible for their wrongdoings. Regardless of whether or not you played a part, both tenants will always be held accountable for adhering to the lease.
Individual leases
Individual lease agreements provide more individual liability. Known as by-the-bedroom leases, these agreements attribute liability based on a tenant’s own space. This means that you and your roommate are only responsible for your respective bedrooms and bathrooms. You will not be held accountable if your roommate fails to pay rent or violates the lease. However, individual lease agreements are usually only found in student housing situations. Not to mention, they also come with a higher price tag.
Roommate agreements
Though not legally binding, roommate agreements are a great add-on to the lease-signing process. This is an agreement between you and your roommate rather than one between you and your landlord, and it’s used to outline living expectations and responsibilities. Some things you may include in your rental agreement are how expenses will be split, chores will be divided, and shared spaces will be maintained. Putting these rules in writing is great for setting boundaries and avoiding future conflicts.
Discuss Finance Management with Your Roommate
Navigating living expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, and household items, can look different for everyone. While some roommates may split everything evenly, others divide expenses based on income. It’s all about finding a system that works best for both parties and covers the following expenses:
Paying rent
Rent will be your and your roommate’s primary expense. So, it’s important that both parties contribute their fair share. Whether you plan to divide rent equally or split it based on income, make sure to find a plan that works for everyone. You might also establish a rent payment schedule, having each person take turns submitting the payment.
Splitting utilities
Utilities are another important action item for finance management. These will account for your household’s electricity, water, gas, cable/internet, and waste removal. Before signing a lease together, determine how you want to split utility costs. Will you divide them equally or based on usage? Who will be responsible for submitting payments? Establish your protocols before moving in to avoid disputes or confusion about these reoccurring expenses.
Sharing other expenses
Along with rent and utilities, you should also discuss groceries, cleaning supplies, and other shared household expenses. Decide how you’ll want to purchase these items, whether taking turns, splitting costs evenly, or just buying your own goods. Again, there really is no right or wrong way to manage finances with roommates, as long as you have a plan that works for both parties.
Establish Some Ground Rules
Setting expectations early is the key to a successful living situation. Whether written in your roommate agreement or verbally discussed during move-in, be sure to establish ground rules that everyone can agree on. Here are some topics you should cover:
Determining house rules
Regardless of whether your roommate is a stranger or your best friend, you should always establish a set of house rules. Doing so will ensure each tenant’s right to privacy, safety, and comfort in their home. Rules to consider include guest policy, quiet hours and noise levels, use of shared spaces, smoking policies, and guidelines for cleaning and maintaining the property.
Securing renters insurance
Pre-move-in discussions should also include talks about renters insurance. This will cover your personal property, such as electronics, furniture, and valuables, in the event of theft or damage. Typically, insurance companies will require roommates to have their own separate renters insurance policy. However, there are some cases in which you can have a joint policy. Though keep in mind that joint policies can complicate insurance claims and will require adjustments if you decide to part ways.
Mastering communication and conflict resolution
No matter how compatible you are with your roommate, conflicts will inevitably arise. To get ahead of these disputes, establish effective communication and conflict resolution methods from the start. Be honest and open, listen actively, and always work as a team rather than against one another. Setting this precedent will create a solid foundation for a positive living arrangement.
Why Renting with Roommates Is Common
Renting with roommates is common for several reasons — one of the biggest being savings. It’s no secret that living with another person lessens the financial load. Rather than taking on rent, utilities, and other living expenses all on your own, you can split with one or more individuals and get a bigger space for less money.
Let’s use New York City as an example. According to data from Apartments.com, the average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York is $3,859 per month, while the average cost for a two-bedroom is $5,233. A renter in this market could save over $1,200 monthly when splitting a two-bedroom apartment with roommates. This, in turn, grants you more disposable income for other things like groceries, savings, and entertainment, creating a better quality of life.
Additionally, renting with roommates is popular because people need companionship. Living with someone is a great way to build a lasting friendship and create a sense of community. Roommates also provide a built-in support system, someone to share experiences with, and help you adjust to living in a new place.
Find an Apartment with a Roommate on ForRent
Whether renting with a family member, a friend, or a complete stranger, sharing a living space can be challenging. However, with the right tips and resources, you and your roommate can join forces to create a positive and beneficial living experience. Just remember, careful preparation and open communication are key to successful cohabitation. With these tips, you can find the perfect roomie and make the most of this shared experience.
FAQs About Renting with Roommates
How does paying with roommates work?
When living with roommates, rent and utilities are typically split equally among everyone, unless another arrangement is agreed upon. Each person is responsible for paying their share on time, and it’s a good idea to have a system in place, like a shared payment app, to handle expenses easily.
How does a lease work with a roommate?
A lease with roommates means everyone living in the space is usually listed as a tenant on the agreement. This makes each person legally responsible for the rent and property conditions, so it’s important to choose reliable roommates and understand the terms of the lease.
Is it smart to live with roommates?
Living with roommates can be a smart choice if you’re looking to save money and share living expenses. However, it’s important to set clear boundaries, communicate effectively, and ensure compatibility to make the arrangement work smoothly.