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Choosing the Perfect Roommate >
DIRTY, MESSY, INCONSIDERATE, and even sometimes PSYCHOTIC….
It's easy to think of the characteristics of a bad roommate, but what makes a good one, and where can you find them?
Whether you’re looking for a place to live, or an extra person to move in, there are many things to consider when choosing someone to live with, but the golden rule is: assume nothing and discuss everything. The following are 6 guiding principles, which one should always bear in mind while looking for a roommate in Toronto.
When you're interviewing for a roommate, take it very seriously.
Ask the tough questions right from the beginning. Ask about your potential roommate's work and rental history; try to get to know them before you decide to live with them. Once you've decided, note their contact details and driver's license number in case there are any unforeseen problems in the future.
1) The Search
It can be reassuring to find a roommate who comes with a personal recommendation, so ask friends, family and colleagues if they know anyone who is looking to share. Also, search myhood.ca for roommate listings or numerous roommate-focused websites. Looking online allows you to get to know your potential roommate via email, which can be more secure than other methods.
2) The Check Up
Meet your potential roommate on neutral grounds for an interview. Not surprisingly, references could be a bit of a joke, so use your common sense and ask a lot of questions. Check where they last lived and where they work. Don't just assume that everything is legitimate just because they’re nice.
3) The Ground Rules
A harmonious household requires a few guidelines, and it's important to set these from the start. Who gets which bedroom? How will the rent be split? How often will a partner be staying? What's the breakdown of housework? Other factors that may cause conflict and need to be discussed prior to moving in include smoking indoors, pets and sharing food.
4) The Money
Don't accept anyone until his or her first and last month’s rent has been handed over and deposited. Decide how you will divide up the bills and don't put them all in your own name. Indeed, checking on your roommates' employment history might help to clarify whether they're going to be able to pay the bills on time.
5) The Bitter End
If things go wrong with your roommate, get advice on how to handle the situation from the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.
6) Assume Nothing! Discuss Everything
Having a roommate in Toronto or any other city or town certainly has its pros and cons. While the presence of a roommate might infringe upon your privacy, it adds an element of safety with the added benefit of just having someone around to hang out with. Most importantly, rent costs are halved. However one needs to be very careful while choosing a roommate. Several happy roommate relationships have been known to break down over issues like expenses and housekeeping. Discussing and planning all of these things in advance can help to make sure these problems do not happen and you have an amazing roommate experience.
Choosing the Perfect Roommate
Choosing the Perfect Roommate >
DIRTY, MESSY, INCONSIDERATE, and even sometimes PSYCHOTIC….
It's easy to think of the characteristics of a bad roommate, but what makes a good one, and where can you find them?
Whether you’re looking for a place to live, or an extra person to move in, there are many things to consider when choosing someone to live with, but the golden rule is: assume nothing and discuss everything. The following are 6 guiding principles, which one should always bear in mind while looking for a roommate in Toronto.
When you're interviewing for a roommate, take it very seriously.
Ask the tough questions right from the beginning. Ask about your potential roommate's work and rental history; try to get to know them before you decide to live with them. Once you've decided, note their contact details and driver's license number in case there are any unforeseen problems in the future.
1) The Search
It can be reassuring to find a roommate who comes with a personal recommendation, so ask friends, family and colleagues if they know anyone who is looking to share. Also, search myhood.ca for roommate listings or numerous roommate-focused websites. Looking online allows you to get to know your potential roommate via email, which can be more secure than other methods.
2) The Check Up
Meet your potential roommate on neutral grounds for an interview. Not surprisingly, references could be a bit of a joke, so use your common sense and ask a lot of questions. Check where they last lived and where they work. Don't just assume that everything is legitimate just because they’re nice.
3) The Ground Rules
A harmonious household requires a few guidelines, and it's important to set these from the start. Who gets which bedroom? How will the rent be split? How often will a partner be staying? What's the breakdown of housework? Other factors that may cause conflict and need to be discussed prior to moving in include smoking indoors, pets and sharing food.
4) The Money
Don't accept anyone until his or her first and last month’s rent has been handed over and deposited. Decide how you will divide up the bills and don't put them all in your own name. Indeed, checking on your roommates' employment history might help to clarify whether they're going to be able to pay the bills on time.
5) The Bitter End
If things go wrong with your roommate, get advice on how to handle the situation from the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.
6) Assume Nothing! Discuss Everything
- Where have they lived previously?
- Do they have a stable job?
- What hours do they keep?
- Do they have friends over a lot?
- Are they in a band?
- Do they have a pet?
- Do they smoke?
- Are they tidy?
- If they have a partner, how often will they visit?
Having a roommate in Toronto or any other city or town certainly has its pros and cons. While the presence of a roommate might infringe upon your privacy, it adds an element of safety with the added benefit of just having someone around to hang out with. Most importantly, rent costs are halved. However one needs to be very careful while choosing a roommate. Several happy roommate relationships have been known to break down over issues like expenses and housekeeping. Discussing and planning all of these things in advance can help to make sure these problems do not happen and you have an amazing roommate experience.