Advise for having a Roommate

finsupnorth · Post by **finsupnorth** » September 7, 2005 2:09 pm

Hi there, looking for some advise...

My house in Wisconsin is now only occupied by my son and I for one week at a time, then we are gone for 2 weeks, etc etc....

To expand on my financial resources and have a little fun money again, I am thinking about finding a roommate to live at my house. The house is rather small with 2 bedrooms on the main floor. I am willing to give up my bedroom to the roommate - my son will still have his room and I will either sleep in the living room or upstairs when the weather permits. My house is fully furnished with new furniture and even though someone would have to deal with a child when we are home, they will have the place to themselves for 2 weeks at a time. (I think it is a good deal)...

Anyway, I am going to focus mainly on nursing students who come and go for the clinic in town. Looking for advise and things to put in the lease agreement so I make sure I am careful.

Also looking for advise on checking references, etc.

any thoughts would be great!

rednekkPH · Post by **rednekkPH** » September 7, 2005 2:13 pm

I dunno - handing the keys to a house full of your personal belongings to a complete stranger for 2 weeks at a time seems like a mighty risky proposition. They could clean you out and not even have to be quick about it. And remember, references are easily faked.

land_shark3 · Post by **land_shark3** » September 7, 2005 2:14 pm

I'll focus on some nursing students if you'd like.

Since you'll still be living there part time, just be sure its someone you can really trust. Why do I hear "Gypsies In The Palace" playing in the back of my mind?

finsupnorth · Post by **finsupnorth** » September 7, 2005 2:20 pm

I know, I know...although it is a small town and I do have good neighbors....

A lot of the personal belongings would be locked upstairs while I was gone.... but, yes...that is one of the biggest concerns....

ph4ever · Post by **ph4ever** » September 7, 2005 2:29 pm

This is a big step and there is a lot to consider.

You will be considered a landlord and as such you will have some legal responsibilities. It's best to find out what they are and also the responsibilites of your tenant.

How would you deal with a roomate from hell? You can't just kick them out - you'd have to evict them which can be very time consuming. Make sure "rules" are clear and concise and laid down from DAY ONE.

It would be best to run a background check on a prospective roomate. Looks can be deceiving and the criminal element is really good at deception.

Make sure you put everything in writing and that it is apporporate for the laws of you state.

Consider using a roomate service that would perform all the above.

12vmanRick · Post by **12vmanRick** » September 7, 2005 3:04 pm

ph4ever wrote:This is a big step and there is a lot to consider.

You will be considered a landlord and as such you will have some legal responsibilities. It's best to find out what they are and also the responsibilites of your tenant.

How would you deal with a roomate from hell? You can't just kick them out - you'd have to evict them which can be very time consuming. Make sure "rules" are clear and concise and laid down from DAY ONE.

It would be best to run a background check on a prospective roomate. Looks can be deceiving and the criminal element is really good at deception.

Make sure you put everything in writing and that it is apporporate for the laws of you state.

Consider using a roomate service that would perform all the above.

aahh.. Connie the always voice of reason

love ya..

ok and add this in.. try using a service that searches for roomies that (ya you may have to pay a fee) but they are the ones that do the whole "background" check for ya!

mermaidindisguise · Post by **mermaidindisguise** » September 7, 2005 3:10 pm

www.roommateservice.com

workedgreat for me - I was able to put that I have 2 kids and the other person would have to be OK with them coming over.... and so many other things about personalities..... when I left that roommate to help a "Friend" in need - and she was my friend before the roommate - I felt obligated to help her out - she turned out to be a NIGHTMARE and we are no longer friends.... Definitely should have stayed with the service - well worth it.

iuparrothead · Post by **iuparrothead** » September 7, 2005 3:33 pm

Also, remember that not everyone out there is a cheat or a loser. There are good people that need places to stay. Try not to go into the search being skeptical of everything. We've had to get new roommates twice since living in our apt. Besides the usual annoyances, they've worked out pretty well. We just took our time and interviewed a lot of people. But once you get a good feeling about someone. Go for it.

Most importantly, just be very fierce up front about how respectful they need to be about your family, your things and your home in general. You have a cat too, don't you?

land_shark3 · Post by **land_shark3** » September 7, 2005 3:38 pm

iuparrothead wrote:Most importantly, just be very fierce up front about how respectful they need to be about your family, your things and your home in general. You have a cat too, don't you?

Yeah, beat'em up the first day; show them who's boss.

Yes Ann, I know that's not what you meant.

finsupnorth · Post by **finsupnorth** » September 7, 2005 3:54 pm

Yes Ann, I do have 2 cats....they will be traveling with me though so they come with me when I am gone....

Might not have as many prospects in Marshfield as I would in Chicago, but with the hospital here, there is a great deal of decent people looking for places nicer than the nursing dorms to live at.... phins crossed...

I actually have an old co-worker living with me until she finds a job in the city she just bought a house in...it started out as a favor thing and has been working out so it really made me think that it would be a good idea to help pay my expenses and keep an eye on the place while I was gone at the same time....

Thanks for the website Meg - I know, I know...we need to talk still....