Living in the city normally means a higher cost of living. Most people choose to split an apartment with a roommate or two to keep costs down. While it can be difficult at times, it’s usually a fun experience and better than living alone. Set yourself up for success and keep these tips in mind when it’s time for you to rent an apartment with roommates.
Room with the Right Person/People
It’s critical to make sure you’re living with the right people. It’s imperative your roommates are trustworthy and dependable. Everyone wants to live with people they already know, but sometimes that isn’t an option. You are likely to find yourself in a position where you will need to room with someone you don’t know at some point in your life. When that time comes, you will have to do some homework and look them up on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. It’s important to learn about their lifestyle, exchange phone numbers, and have a phone call to see if you’ll be a good fit together. While money is always a tough conversation, you will need to speak about the monetary expectations of both you and them, such as how much rent and other bills are going to cost, what you each do for work and fun, work schedules, and how long each of you intend to live in the apartment. No one likes the idea of living with a stranger, so reach out and build a bridge!
Sign on the Line
Once you have found the people you want to share an apartment with, it’s time to get everyone’s name on the lease. It is mandatory everyone living in an apartment signs the lease so everyone can be held accountable equally. Failure to do so can result in a huge hassle should a roommate decide to break or terminate the lease before it’s up. You will have to decide who will be personally responsible for each bill. For example, one person might choose to cut the rent check each month while another person takes ownership of the internet bill, and the next the gas and electric bill. It is unlikely to be able to split the bills perfectly even, so you will have to communicate to your roommates each month how much they owe you for the bill you’re responsible for and vice-versa. You should never expect your roommates to remember to ask you how much they owe, so you will need to mention it politely. This is a good time to ask your roommates how much you owe them for their bill they’re responsible for. If you don’t have cash on hand, you can easily reimburse your roommates with Venmo or CashApp. Whichever way you split up bills amongst your roommates is fine as long as everyone living in the apartment is on the lease and understands what they will be held personally responsible for paying each month.
Clear Communication
Be available to communicate between your roommates. When everyone feels comfortable with each other, it’s significantly easier to talk about the tougher conversations such as money and bills. Even something as simple as having a guest stay over will be easier to discuss when you aren’t walking on eggshells with your roommates. It is extremely important each roommate is able to speak with each other.
Establish Rules
Establish rules right away to prevent petty arguments later on during the course of the lease. It will be necessary to cover cleaning schedules, when it’s acceptable to have guests over (and stay over), silent times, and ensuring all the bills are paid promptly.
Apartments Now Leasing in Chicago, Illinois
Do you know who you want to live with but not where you want to live? Check out some of these beautiful two-bedroom apartments now available in the Milwaukee area! You and your roommate will find perfect place in no time!
