12 Questions everyone should ask their potential housemate(s)
Meeting and getting to know a potential housemate is an exciting experience, that should be viewed as an opportunity to asses your compatibility with one another. When it comes to moving in with someone, it is best to clarify certain things right off the bat in order to avoid any future misunderstandings. Being open and honest with someone you may soon be sharing a roof with (and maybe even your supply of Barry’s with!) will start your relationship off on the right foot.
The following questions are ones everyone should know about the person(s) they’re considering living with.
1. What’s your name?
Things could get real awkward, real fast if you have to keep saying “You there” or “Girl with the brown hair” each time you need to get your housemate’s attention 😉
2. Are you employed?
If a housemate doesn’t have a steady source of income— be it from a job or other financial support outlets—it could be problematic when it comes to things like paying the rent on time, chipping in for shared items, etc. Additionally, a housemate without a job might naturally spend more time within the house, which—depending on your own schedule—could be bothersome. If they are employed, it is also a good time to find out if they will be working from home.
3. Do you have pets?
Obviously, it could be an immediate deal-breaker if a potential housemate you’re interviewing happens to have an animal you’re allergic to, don’t want, or isn’t allowed by the homeowner/landlord.
4. Do you smoke?
It’s important you determine whether or not this potential housemate plans to smoke indoors. It may be prohibited by the landlord, and could also be a habit you’re not willing to put up with.
5. Do you have children?
If someone has kids, chances are they will either be living with them or visiting them frequently. Some people may not appreciate having children in their home, so it’s important to know about your potential housemate’s family situation. Additionally, if kids do come to your home, you may have to child-proof and take additional precautions.
6. Do you have a significant other?
People with a boyfriend/girlfriend are likely to be having their partner over or staying at their partner’s place from time to time. Depending on what you want in a housemate, this could be an irritation.
7. How often do you plan on having guests come over/stay over?
If you’re the type of person that likes to keep a quiet, private house, it could be problematic if your housemate expects to frequently host friends or facilitate gatherings.
8. How often do you travel?
Sharing a home with an avid traveler could be a delight or a deterrent. Maybe you dislike being alone in the house for long periods of time. Perhaps you feel most comfortable when you know someone you trust is in the next room. If this is the case then you may not want a housemate whose lifestyle or job often takes them away from home.
9. What is your daily routine like?
If you’ll be sharing a bathroom or common area with your housemate, it’s important to know whether or not their schedule is a good match for yours. If you both like to shower at 8:00 each morning, you’ll have to adjust, and so on. This is when you’ll also determine whether they’re early-birds or night-owls. If you like to be in bed by 10pm but your housemate plans to be up using the kitchen or watching TV into the early morning hours—you’re likely to have an issue.
10. Are you a clean person?
Let’s face the facts: a neat freak and a slob do not a compatible housemate-ship make! If you’re a very organised, clean person, than living with someone messy is probably not a good idea. This is also a good time to bring up the topic of house duties and whether they’ll be completed on a clean-as-you-go basis or on an alternating preset schedule, etc.
11. Do you have housing references?
Having references means your potential housemate has been in a shared living situation before, which can be a huge plus (provided the references are positive!). Speaking to referees will also give you a better idea of what you can expect from your potential housemate, which is valuable information during the decision-making process.
12. What’s your stance on sharing food and/or basic necessities?
Some people may prefer to keep everything separate, whilst others may expect to take turns buying the milk, toilet paper, washing powder, etc. Knowing what your potential housemate expects will ensure there’s no confusion later on.
Feature image via popsugar.com
