Rent.com commissioned a new survey “Rent in Peace,” which asked 10,000 Americans about their worst rental stories. Here’s what they said were the worst qualities in a roommate:
35 percent: Leaves the living room or kitchen messy all the time
34 percent: Uses your things without asking
13 percent: Blasts music
11 percent: Their boyfriend or girlfriend is always there
6 percent: Eats your food
2 percent: On phone 24/7
Before you grab your roommate in a choke hold or get stuck picking up your slacker roomie’s rent this month, read these tips on handling annoying urban living situations by Peggy Abkemeier, president of Rent.com. Because no one wants bad energy in the TV room.
How do you get a messy roommate to clean without seeming like an OCD nag?
Communication is key. Some people are inherently tidier than others. If your roommate is on the messier side, be sure to discuss your expectations with him/her prior to moving in together. Talk about who will clean what, when and how often.
If you already live together, then have a face-to-face discussion about what is bothering you as soon as it’s an issue; don’t let resentful feelings build up.
How do you ensure your roommate isn’t using all your beauty products?
Is your roommate living under the false assumption of “What’s mine is yours” and “What’s yours is mine,” and could be angering you unknowingly? By discussing things openly, you two will be on the same page.
What are some things roommates should share?
Rent and utilities. Before moving in, decide how bills and rent will be paid and who will make the payments. When dividing utility bills like cable if one roommate insists on having an upgraded premium channel cable plan while the other roommate does not watch those channels, it would be a good idea for the roommate who wants the premium channels to pay the difference in price.
It’s also smart to pay for items such as groceries, beauty products, and other personal items separately.
What do you do when your roommate’s significant other is over all the time?
Discuss your feelings and how you two can compromise. Perhaps the significant other can come over three nights out of the week, but the other nights are reserved for quiet time.
What if your roommate is not paying their bills on time?
Have a legal lease or sublease in place when you have roommates, no matter how well you know them. By signing a simple document, your roommate is then liable for his/her share of the rent and utilities. This protects you in case your roommate isn’t paying in time or if they decide to move out before the lease is up. If it becomes a real problem, then tell your landlord or management company, who might decide to take legal action.
What should you do when you are entering your building and there is someone waiting to get inside?
“Your safety should be top priority at all time,” says Abkemeier. “Regardless of whether you live in a doorman building, a walk-up or a single residence rental, you should always be wary of strangers lurking outside. No matter how nice or ‘put-together’ they appear to be, do not let anyone in unless you recognize them.”