Advice on Roommates Needed...

[keltickat]

I’m not sure if this is the right place.

I need to cut expenses, I’ve been considering getting roommate. I’m not sure what the pros and cons of this would be.

I’ve never had a room mate before. I lived with my mom then I got married we got an apartment.

My house is 900sf with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. My son has the big bedroom and I have the second largest and I use the little one as my office. I’d be willing to use the little one for myself. The house is kind of a wreck I’m fixing stuff as I get money, actually at the rate things have been breaking I’ve been spending money I don’t actually have. It’s safe and quiet neighborhood, with a good school system.

My son is sixteen and I’m thirty-seven. I don’t have a lot of friends and those I do have are married. I have two clawed cats. I’m not a particularly neat person and I’m fairly grumpy.

I don’t know where to begin looking for a roommate unless I just place an ad in the paper. I have no idea what a fair rent would be. My mother keeps talking me out of this. I want to stay here for my son, he is doing really well in his school and I can’t get an apartment for any less than I pay for house, assuming I could sell it in this condition market being what it is.

I’m sure there all sort of things I haven’t thought of. Anyway any thought are appreciated.

[Tanya]

well... I would look for a GRADUATE Student if there is a uni around... they are a bit older and much more focused.... often as not they are a lot older and more flexible and willing to help out.
if there is a uni around.. advertise at bullitin boards...and in the campus newspaper.

any clubs or organizations you belong to might be another place to put up a flyer...

and my first thought.. was at a women's shelter...maybe you can find someone else restarting their life after some bad times who could really be a friend and partner to you there as much as a roomate.

really trust your gut on the applicants... and sniff hard (literally and figuritively for drugs.. you don't need that shit in your housw with a kid)

[keltickat]

Oh that is two ideas I hadn't thought of grad students and shelters. Either one is good for different reason. Thank-you :)

Drugs is one of my reservations.

[Stormwt]

If you google "flatmate finder" you'll find some pretty good sites where people looking for lodgers and people looking for rooms to rent post their own profiles and search the others. That way if there are any in your area you can get a price range and you can arrange to interview potential housemates before they moved in and choose them based on their profile.

I'd have searched it for you but my British Google just comes up with London and Manchester sites! lol

Good luck, let us know how you get on

Sid
x

[SilverClaw]

I do not have any advice on how to get one or look for one, but I can say that before you get a roomamte or even look set down ground rules write them down or type them and give them to the person who may contact you and state this is what you are looking for and what you will not allow... believe me it will help in the long run.


:hugz:

[Evinmeer]

I agree, Raven! And don't be stingy about them either: be sure to include anything and everything you can think of that might be an issue - who buys the food or how to split it, curfews (ie, no bouncing around the place after x:xx o'clock), how loud the TV or stereo is to be played, where you want them to park their vehicle, which door to use at what hr of the day/night, and the protocol for keeping in contact throughout the day or week in lieu of hectic schedules (usually a good idea to have some clue about where your tenant is, since you'll likely be contacted in the event of an emergency or a run-in with the law, god forbid!) I'm sure you'll think of other things than these, too, and I strongly encourage you to forgo any hesitation you might have about seeming too picky and write them down anyways. You don't have to post the whole list while you're looking, but make sure that they initial every last detail and sign & date it before you hand them the key. Believe me, it will make your renting experience much, much nicer if you do - and a whole lot easier should you have to kick them out later.

[keltickat]

Wow, I had no idea there would so many site dedicated to finding roommates. Thanks Stormwt :)

RavensEye and Evinmeer

you are absolutely right no matter where I find a roommate I need to make sure i set clear ground rules in writing. thanks :)

[BlackLili]

Might I also suggest that you phrase this more as a "Room for Rent" situation? It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on your housework and your patterns, but you just need help with keeping the mortgage and bills down. In this case, you could feel in a position of more confidence if you see yourself in the dominant position. The rules and suggestions of your boarders would be exactly the same as what everyone's said about your roommates, it's just a different way of looking at it that has a slightly different tone. That tone can make a lot of difference when you're "sniffing" people out, too. Remember, it's your house, you rule the castle! ;)

[keltickat]

Remember, it's your house, you rule the castle! ;)

LOL, I'm pretty sure the house is actually in charge at this point!

But that is a good point. When/if I publish an ad I will definitely use it. :)