5 Important Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate

It seems like every year, apartments near college areas are in high demand. With the cost of rent skyrocketing in many areas, it’s hard to find a place that is both affordable and close enough to campus. This is why it’s important to ask the right questions when choosing a roommate. By doing so, you can make sure that you are compatible with one another and avoid any potential conflicts down the road. Below are five important questions to ask a potential roommate.

1. What Are Your Living Habits?

This is a question that can help you determine whether or not you are compatible with your potential roommate. Do they like to keep the place clean and tidy, or do they prefer to live in a mess? Do they like to party all night long, or are they more of a homebody? It’s important to know these things before moving in together.

2. What Are Your Sleeping Habits?

This question is important to ask if you’re a light sleeper. Some people like to keep the house quiet and dark when they sleep, while others are fine with a little noise and light. It’s important to know what your potential roommate’s sleeping habits are so that you can both compromise on what is the best living situation for you.

3. What Are Your Pet Peeves?

It’s important to know what your potential roommate’s pet peeves are before moving in together. This way, you can avoid doing anything that may irritate them. For example, if they hate it when people leave their clothes lying around, make sure to put your clothes away after changing.

4. How Do You Feel About Sharing?

Some people are okay with sharing everything, while others prefer to keep certain things private. It’s important to find out how your potential roommate feels about sharing these items so that there are no disagreements down the road. For example, if one person is okay with splitting food expenses evenly, but the other prefers to pay for the bulk of the food, there could be a potential conflict.

5. How Do You Deal With Conflicts?

Conflicts are bound to arise. But it is important to find out how your potential roommate plans on dealing with these conflicts before moving in together. If one person prefers to communicate and work through the conflict while the other likes to ignore and avoid it, there could be a problem. Be sure that you and your potential roommate are on the same page when it comes to dealing with conflicts.

About one-third of all renters move each year. If you’re one of the thousands of college students out there who will be looking for apartments near college areas this year, be sure to ask your potential roommates these important questions. By doing so, you can avoid any potential conflicts and make sure that you are compatible with one another. If you are looking for apartments near college areas, call us today, and we will help you find the perfect place!

5 Tips to Ensure Your Get Your Security Deposit Back

off campus apartment

If you plan to live in an off campus apartment, you will have to put down a security deposit. It is unlikely that you can avoid it. Therefore, you want to do everything you can while living there to ensure you will get your money back once the lease ends. Review these tips to place yourself in an excellent position to get your security deposit back when living in an off campus apartment.

#1 — Review the Lease

This may seem silly to you, but most people do not read the lease before signing it. In 2016, roughly 27% of Americans rented their home and a portion of them did not read the lease. The lease provides you with the rules for living in your rented apartment. In addition, it tells you what you are responsible for upon leaving.

#2 — Document

Before you move in, walk around the apartment and look at everything. If there is any damage, document it in writing and take pictures. Often, the landlord gives you a document on which to do this. If not, create your own. You should give a copy to your landlord and keep one for yourself.

#3 — Understand the Rules

When living in an off campus apartment, follow the rules. This includes how long you are staying in the apartment. If you try to leave early and break the lease, you might give up your right to your security deposit. Also, there are rules about how many people can live in the space. For example, you want to be careful not to let your best friend move in if that is not allowed.

#4 — Know Your Landlord

If you can, establish a rapport with your landlord. Maintaining a pleasant relationship can help you substantially while living in the off campus apartment and when it is time to move out. For example, you could ask your landlord to do a walkthrough with you to ensure you fixed everything that might prevent you from getting your deposit back.

#5 — Clean

When you are ready to leave and remove your possessions, give the apartment a deep and thorough cleaning. You want it to look like it has not been lived in. Remove any stains on the carpet, wall scuffs, clean the windows and baseboards.

With these five tips, you will be much more likely to get back your security deposit. In addition, you’ll have a much better experience both as you live in the apartment and when it comes time to move out.