How to Find the Ideal Apartment Roommate

Living with a roommate can be a fun experience especially when it’s someone you enjoy and get along with. Not to mention, it can be much more financially feasible than being solely responsible for your apartment’s living expenses. Many people who choose to share a two-bedroom apartment with another person are often long-time friends or family. But for those who are looking for a fresh face to call their roomie, finding the perfect match can seem challenging (and maybe even a little scary). 

Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or searching for someone to join an existing lease, you’ll want to choose a roommate you can live well with. All too often, people rush the process and end up in a binding lease agreement with someone they just don’t mesh with. To avoid this scenario, it’s important to use the resources available to you and really take a number of things into consideration first. 

To make the roommate selection process a little easier, here are our tips for finding a perfect roommate for your two-bedroom apartment.

 

Beginning Your Search

Know What You’re Looking For

Knowing what you’re looking for in a roommate prior to starting your search is key. Before you can really move forward, you’ll need to identify what type of person you’d live best with and what your deal-breakers are. It’s important to find someone with similar living habits. For example, if you work a 9 to 5 job from home but your roommate works night shifts, chances are they’ll be home during the day while you’re trying to work, which can be disruptive. 

It may also be important that you and your roommate have a relationship outside of just living together. Try to choose someone who you could see yourself connecting with on a personal level. Whatever your criteria may be, take this into consideration once you start getting serious about your prospective roommates. 

Facebook Groups

Social media is no longer limited to sharing personal moments with friends. Platforms like Facebook and Reddit have evolved into larger communities with forums for city living and finding roommates in specific neighborhoods. These online networks offer valuable resources for those navigating the challenges of meeting new people. By tapping into these online communities, you can connect with others in your area who are searching for roommates. As always, be sure to exercise caution when meeting people online. 

 

Craigslist

When in doubt, you can always use the original roommate finder. However, we recommend proceeding with caution here as this classified site can attract scammers. Never share personal information or transfer money until you have a signed lease. Make sure to meet prospective roommates in person and in a public setting before finalizing any arrangements.

Other Roommate Search Websites

Websites designed for roommate matching – like Roomiematch.com and Roommates.com make the process a little more simple. Although you may have to pay a small membership fee, there’s a lower risk of scammers perpetrating these sites. You’re more likely to find a real person who’s dedicated to finding a roommate.

Ask Your Inner Circle

Even if living with friends or family isn’t an option, there’s a chance they’ll know someone reputable and reliable who is also looking for a roommate. You could even post on social media to let your network know you’re in the market for a roomie. Chances are, something will pop up!

 

Have a Few Candidates? Here Are Some Tips for Picking the Perfect Roomie

Now that you have a few prospects, you’ll need to make sure the roommate you choose checks all the right boxes. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice: 

Interview Prospective Roommates

Conducting casual interviews with potential roommates is important to get a sense of who this person is and if they’re someone you would want to live with. This process does not have to be formal; you can meet for coffee or grab a bite to eat while getting to know each other. Make sure you get all your questions answered and spend enough time with them to gauge if they would be a good roommate. 

Protect Your Personal Info

If you’re communicating with prospective roommates online, be careful of how much personal information you share until you’ve confirmed this individual’s identity and history. In any circumstance, never give out your bank account information or social security number. 

Do Your Research

Once you’ve chosen a roommate, be sure to do a background check and credit inquiry. While there may be a cost involved, it’s worth it to avoid potential issues. Be sure to check their criminal record in addition to their financial history. Even if it’s a soft credit check, this will give you peace of mind surrounding your future roomie’s fiscal habits.

 

Communicate Your Expectations

Be crystal clear about your expectations. It’s a good idea to make a list of “house rules” prior to signing your lease. If there are things you can’t agree on, this could cause some tension in the future. Be sure to have a conversation upfront to make sure your lifestyles, habits, and expectations align. Here are a few questions to consider asking:

 

• Are you okay with pets?
• What is your daily schedule like?
• How do you feel about having guests over? Are they allowed to stay the night?
• What are your expectations for cleanliness and chore distribution?
• Do you have any specific rules about noise levels, especially during certain hours?
• How do you handle shared expenses?
• Are there any restrictions or preferences regarding cooking and food sharing?
• What are your guidelines on pets, either yours or those of guests?
• How do you prefer to communicate about household issues or concerns?
• Do you have any rules or preferences regarding the use of shared spaces?
• What is your stance on smoking, drinking, or other lifestyle habits within the home?

Find the Perfect Apartment for You and Your Roommate With Greystar

If you haven’t found an apartment already, now is the time to start your search! Find a two-bedroom space that’s perfect for you and your roomie with Greystar.



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