5 Potential Roommate Issues

When most students think of potential roommate issues, they usually think of the problems that occur once in the apartment (cleaning up the apartment, partying, etc.). However, there are several issues that roommates need to discuss together and check on with the leasing office before moving in.

There are a number of reasons why students consider finding their first off-campus college apartments instead of staying in the dorms. It can be to find a better place to study, to save money or to have a bit more freedom to come and go as they please.

No matter why you’re hunting for a college apartment, the first decision needs to be whether you even want a roommate. If the decision to find an apartment is a financial one, then sharing your apartment makes sense most of the time. A two bedroom apartment, with the utilities and rent split two ways, can often be much more affordable than a one bedroom or even a studio apartment.

To save even more money, you might want to consider apartments designed to have two students per room. Four people sharing a two bedroom apartment is definitely cheaper, but there are some things to verify first.

5 Roommate Issues

1. Check with the leasing company to verify how many people can legally live in the space.
2. Make sure you and your potential roommates are all in agreement regarding the utilities. If one of you likes the air conditioning set on 65 degrees, you need to know and discuss this before you sign the lease.
3. Ask the leasing firm how they handle it if one tenant gets behind on rent. Are you as roommates responsible for his share of the rent?
4. Determine if the apartment community has rules regarding visitors, especially those who want to stay overnight.
5. Talk with your roommates about the utilities and who pays for what.

What is the biggest roommate problem you ever had? Please share it with us so we can help other students avoid your pain.