Vetting and Screening Housemates
If you’re looking to move into a new apartment or house with a group of people, vetting and screening housemates should be a high priority. It’s important to check for criminal backgrounds, verify income, and avoid bad rent situations. Vetting and screening potential roommates doesn’t have to be a complicated task, and there are several resources to help you get started.
Craigslist is a popular site for finding roommates. The website lets you search by area, price, size, and other factors. You can also use the site to browse apartment listings. However, you should take extra precautions before meeting someone on the site.
If you’re planning to meet with a roommate online, make sure you’re doing it in a public place. Also, be sure to bring a friend to accompany you. This way, you can be more assured that you’re meeting with a legitimate person.
Facebook is a social media site where people share information about themselves and their lives. If you’re looking for a roommate, it may be a good idea to join a local roommate-finding group on Facebook or create your own page. Once you’ve found a group or profile you like, you can post a status or ad about the type of people you’re looking for.
You can also find potential roommates through alumni associations. These groups often have websites, email lists, and other tools to help you connect with potential roommates. They’re a great option because of the common college experience. Moreover, these organizations usually have members who are willing to serve as references.
Another resource for vetting and screening potential roommates is a credit check. Credit reports provide evidence of financial stability and reliability. In addition, you can get an idea of a roommate’s history of debt, payment histories, and judgments. Make sure you’re comfortable with the background check before signing on the dotted line.
A third option is to use an online roommate finder. These sites are a great way to narrow down your options by asking questions about lifestyle and interests. Additionally, they allow you to do a free roommate quiz to see how well you and your roommate match.
Using an online screening application is a great way to save time and paperwork. Whether you’re looking for a roommate for an extended stay or a short-term rental, you can fill out an application and include your house rules. Some applications offer a list of references that can be used to verify a roommate’s background.
One final option is to hire a guarantor. Having a guarantor on your rental agreement can help to prevent rent delinquency. Using a guarantor can help you to pay your rent if you lose your job, fall ill, or simply don’t make enough money.
Vetting and screening housemates is important because you want to be sure you can trust your future roommates. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Your answers can help you to understand the other person and whether they’ll be a good fit for your lifestyle.
