Finding a roommate is like choosing a lease-long boyfriend or girlfriend, but you can’t break up with them if something bad happens. It’s a great idea when the cost of rent is high in your neighborhood like most of the houses for rent in Indianapolis and you’re literally splitting everything in half. Financially, it’s one of the best things you can do if you have a lower budget. It’s also great since you’ll always have a buddy, and won’t get that loneliness when you come home from college or work. 

Just because they seemed like the perfect roommate over that brunch or coffee doesn’t mean they have hidden habits you’ll likely notice after the first month. Here’s how to find your perfect rental roommate.

Don’t Focus on Your Best Friends 

Just because you have that soul mate of a best friend doesn’t mean you’re going to be a match for living together 24/7. Oftentimes, you realize that they have some pretty weird, quirky home habits that you’re going to realize you can’t stand after one month of living with them. This will lead to a bad friendship over time, and it isn’t worth the headaches in the end. Instead, use social media and look for someone outside of your immediate friend circle. 

Worst case scenario, things don’t work out with that person, but at least you’re not losing your best friend. 

Ask the Most Important Questions

You want a roommate who has a lifestyle that is pretty similar to your own, so ask the questions that mean the most in a living situation:

  • What’s your work schedule like?
  • Are there any health concerns that I should know about?
  • Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs excessively?
  • Are we going to share household items and food in the refrigerator?
  • What time do you go to bed on a work night?
  • Are you a partier, or like having lots of guests over?
  • Do you have a good financial history and credit score?

In the grand scheme of things, it’s not about finding “the new perfect best friend.” It’s about finding the best match for you to live with every day.

Find Out the Expectations

Decide what your possible roommate expects out of you, and what you expect from them. Will you split grocery bills every week? Will you have separate sides of the fridge and just share common things like butter and other condiments? Is he or she a messy person and never does the dishes? You” want to know what to expect and address sooner rather than later. This way, you’ll know what you’re going into ahead of time and there won’t be any surprises.