The best way to find a good roommate

A roommate is so much more than someone to split the bills with. If you’re lucky, they’ll be your Netflix binge-watching buddy, regular dinner companion and hopefully your friend!

But even if you don’t turn out to be the best of pals, living with another person means spending a lot of time together — that’s why it’s so important to choose wisely. So here are some guidelines about where to find a roommate for your apartment or home to help you save money on your rent and find someone that matches well with your current living situation.

Reach out to family and friends

Put the word out that you’re looking for a reliable roommate with the people you know and trust. Family and friends are a great resource for finding potential roomies. By looking to the people who know you best, you’re able to leverage their circle of friends to help find a good match for your personality and living situation.

Find a roommate online

Getting paired with a great roommate doesn’t have to be hard. Sometimes, all you have to do is put the word out that you’ve got a room for rent. A few moments later, you may be surprised to find you’re all set with a dependable contact who just happens to be looking for a place too.

Other times, you may not be as lucky. Take a look at these ideas to promote your cause online and find a roommate you can trust.

Use social media

Your social networks are just that — networks. So, make a post to tell your friends and family what city you’re moving to, when you’re moving and how many roommates you’re looking for. Odds are your friends on social media know someone who’s in the same situation who would make a great new roomie.

Use a roommate finder app

If you can’t find a roommate within your circle of friends, search for a roommate with a downloadable app. Roommate finders like CirTru and EasyRoommate can help you find someone dependable. Others, like Diggz and Circle of Roommates explore your friends on social media for leads and even leverage AI to prevent scammers from joining and marketing to you.

Best of all, most roommate apps and websites allow you to get to know your prospective roommates anonymously. Check out groups like Roomiematch to find someone based on your personality.

And others, like Spareroom, to set up a physical meet and greet where you can learn about potential roommates in person. If you don’t have the time to get face-to-face, Roomster will help you find someone through your existing Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account.

Meet your roommate in person

It’s key to get a feel for your new potential roommate before you let them sign a lease. Schedule a sit down or invite them in for a day trial. You’ll have a chance to learn about them, and they’ll get the same opportunity to see if you’re a good fit as well. Here are some ideas to help you make the most or your interview process.

Meet for coffee but ask for a resume. Before you commit to living with someone, take the time to meet them and talk about the basics — to make sure you’re compatible enough to share a home. By exploring their work history, you can get a feel for their ability to pay the bills on time, every time.

Learn about their education and job history. They’re committing to paying a portion of your rent — but make sure they can. Do they have a steady income? Do they plan to work from home? Are they able to pay for rent out of savings if they lose their job?

Discuss your creature comforts. Next up, find out if they like to share food or keep things separate. How clean are they? Are they an early bird or a night owl?

Questions to ask potential roommates

Because you’ll be sharing your living space — and everything you own that’s kept there — it’s important that you both feel comfortable with one another. Here are a few important questions to consider asking potential roommates:

• What time do you get up in the morning and go to sleep at night?
• What do you like to do on the weekends?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have any pets?
• What are you looking for in a roommate?
• Is there anything else that I should know?

Why your roommates need renters insurance

Sometimes, accidents happen. And it’s important that you and your roommate have a plan on managing problems when they do. Whether it’s you or the new roomie who left an iron face down that started a small fire in the bedroom, someone will have to pay for that smoke damage. By requiring each roommate to have their own renters policy — instead of sharing renters insurance policies — you’ll be able to better protect your individual finances and personal property if something happens.

Get in touch today with your American Family agent to talk about your renters insurance coverage options. They’ll help you to customize a policy that covers all the things that matter most to you. Moving in with a new person can be nerve-wracking, but with these tips you’re sure to find the perfect fit in no time. Happy searching!

Looking for more great tips and advice on being a renter? Head to our Renters and Apartment Resource Hub!

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We believe this information is accurate but do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.