Finding a roommate can be frustrating, but sharing a space with someone can be both amazing and challenging. But… who would want to live alone? That's why we've created a guide for you to follow when choosing a roommate.

We'll dive into some tips on how to start the roommate search and find a good fit. After all, you'll be living with your roommate for at least six months to a year.

Make Your Conditions/Needs Clear

As much as this is very straightforward, it goes a long way! Make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers in a roommate, such as cleanliness, quiet hours, guests, smoking, etc. This will help you find someone who aligns with your lifestyle and living habits.

Find a roommate whose schedule aligns with yours. For example, if you're an early bird, it might not be ideal to live with someone who stays up all night. Determine your cleanliness standards. Some people are very tidy, while others are more relaxed about cleaning.

Lastly, determine if your ideal roommate is social or prefers privacy. It's a plus if you have common hobbies and interests that you can share from time to time.

Discuss Expectations and Responsibilities Upfront

Before moving in together, make sure to discuss important topics such as rent and utility payments, household chores, and noise levels. Doing this is like folding all your laundry right away without making it sit for days because it gets all the roles, distribution, and expectations out of the way. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts down the road.

Make sure you're both on the same page, and always keep a clear line of communication with your roommate. Address any issues as they come up to prevent misunderstandings.

Interview Potential Roommates

Before you say this is not a job position, think of how you're making a commitment to live with someone. This is why you need to make sure that you get all your questions and concerns out of the way by interviewing them and getting to know them better. The process can be as simple as setting up a call or asking to meet in person during their free time (to make sure they're a real person!).

Before meeting your roommate, prepare a few questions about their daily routine, work or study schedule, cleaning habits, and guest policies. Discuss their financial stability and how they plan to pay rent and utilities.

Use Resources to Find a Roommate Online

If you're wondering where to start and how to find potential roommates, there are many websites and apps with roommate listings that can help you find a compatible roommate, such as Facebook groups, Roomster, Roomies, Soulrooms, and many more online resources that can save you time and effort.

Create a detailed profile that includes your lifestyle, habits, and preferences. Look for similar profiles to gauge potential roommate compatibility.

Besides those apps, ask mutual friends if they know anyone looking for a roommate. Facebook groups also often have posts from people looking to find a new roommate.

Consider checking with alumni networks, as they might be searching for a roommate or know someone who is.

Trust Your Gut

As simple as this sounds, if something doesn't feel right about a potential roommate, trust your gut and keep looking. At the end of the day, finding a roommate is a critical process, and the outcome has to be ideal for you to have an amazing living experience.

If you don't know the person, it can be a good idea to ask for references from previous roommates or landlords, who can give you insights into their past living habits. Consider running a background check to ensure safety, especially if you're renting a place together for the first time.

You can try starting with a short-term lease or trial period to ensure compatibility. This can make it easier to part ways if things don't work out.

Practical Considerations

Discuss preferences for amenities, such as a walk-in closet, a fully furnished apartment, or a private bathroom. Ensure the shared spaces meet both your needs. You should also consider the layout of the apartment. In a two-bedroom apartment, make sure both rooms are a similar size, or you are paying the right amount of rent relative to your room to avoid conflicts.

If either of you has dietary restrictions or allergies, discuss how this will impact shared spaces like the kitchen.

Another practicality to consider is pets. If you or your potential roommate has pets, ask a few questions on how this will affect your living arrangements. Ensure you are both comfortable with pets.

Financial Considerations

Determine your budget and compare it to the average rent for similar apartments in your area. This will help you set realistic expectations. Discuss how expenses will be split, such as groceries, recurring bills, internet, and other costs, and ensure both parties can meet their financial obligations.

If you are looking for a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto or another major city, sharing it with potential roommates can help save money on rent and utilities. You should both agree on the best ways to save money and manage expenses.

When looking for a roommate and considering the financial aspect, you may want to draft a roommate agreement that outlines how much each person is paying per month for rent, utilities, groceries, and other important things. A roommate agreement should be in writing and can be the difference between a really good fit and having to deal with financial disagreements.

So, remember! A good roommate makes a huge difference in your living experience. Choosing the right one is the most important decision, so take your time to find the perfect match. Whether you're moving to a new city or moving down the street, these tips will help you with your roommate search.

Once you've found a great roommate and start paying rent, sign up for Chexy to earn rewards on rent payments.

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