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FACTSHEETS - Considering a Roommate?
From the Nolo.com Landlords & Tenants CenterSome Things to Consider Before You Move In Together
IMPORTANT: Make sure that you receive a copy of the lease or rental agreement with your name on it. If the landlord does not know about or has not approved your tenancy, there is a risk to you if the roommate situation doesn't work out.Location & Property
- What neighborhood is it located in?
- Is it a house, condo, townhouse, duplex or apartment?
- What street is it on? What is the nearest cross-street?
- Is there parking, or if applicable, where is the nearest bus line?
- Is it close to your service providers, doctor or job?
Does the household have:
- Cat(s), dog(s) or other animals? Do you?
- Child(ren)? If so, how old and how many?
- How many people will be living here?
Money Matters
- When will the room become available?
- Will it be month-to-month or is there a lease?
- Do you pay rent to your roommate or to the landlord/property manager?
- What is the monthly rent?
- Is there a security deposit?
The Room
- Will you have a private bathroom?
- Is the room furnished or unfurnished?
- Is there a cable TV jack in the room?
- Is there a phone jack in the room?
- Is there adequate closet space?
- Is there a private entrance?
Telephone Etiquette
- Will you be required to get your own phone?
- Will there be a shared answering machine or service?
- How will the bill be paid? Will it be made out to the phone company?
Household
Who is responsible for paying utilities or are they included? Factor into the cost of the room the following possible expenses:
- gas
- electricity
- water
- garbage
- cable TV
- telephoneWhat kind of person/people can I live with?
My ideal roomate:
- Male
- Female
- Transgendered
- Doesn't matter- Gay
- Straight
- Bisexual
- Doesn't Matter- Smoker
- Non-smoker
- Smoker who only smokes outside- Dog is OK
- Cat is OK
- Child is OK
Compatibility: Rate yourself and your potential roommateCleanliness
- slob
- messy
- average
- tidy
- very tidy
- doesn't matterAlcohol
- drink a little
- drink occasionally
- drink rarely
- never drink
- 12-stepDrugs
- use a little
- use occasionally
- use rarely
- never use
- 12-stepNoise Levels
- very quiet
- somewhat quiet
- moderately noisy
- blast the stereo
- doesn't matterOvernight Guests
- every night
- every other night
- 2 times a week
- occasionally
- never
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Disclaimer of Liability:
The information contained in this material is for the sole purpose of providing general information only, and must not be construed as legal advice, or take the place of competent legal counsel. Do not rely on these materials without consulting an attorney concerning your situation. The dissemination of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not seek to represent you based upon your visit or review of this information.
Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in the material is current. However, the law does change and the general information contained within may become dated. You should seek the advice of legal counsel for specific situations and advice to the "then existing" status of the law.