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For many people, having a roommate is the best option, at least during these tough economic times, for cutting down on apartment rental costs. Payment due dates don’t seem as overwhelming when there's someone with whom to split the bills.
However, living with a roommate could easily spell trouble if one party is unprepared for it. Here are some ways to ensure domestic bliss while living with a roommate in one apartment.
1. Choose a roommate wisely
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It's best to choose a roommate with a personality similar to one's own, or at least has similar goals. A person who likes to study a lot will find living with an avid partygoer difficult, while an impulsive, outgoing person might not get along very well with someone with anger issues.
Before choosing a roommate, one should ask about the potential roommate's previous housing experience and determine if he or she is financially capable of paying the rent. If he or she mentions moving from place to place, or talks about leaving his or her last apartment due to a fight or unpaid bills, it might be best to move on to a better candidate.
2. Create a "roommate bill of rights"
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Establishing ground rules and defining boundaries are important in ensuring peaceful cohabitation. A "roommate bill of rights" outlines the basic rights every household member is entitled to, including the right to privacy and a clean house.
3. Make a list of chores
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One should write a list of all household chores, like vacuuming, dusting, and washing dishes, and assign each member of the household his or her share of the work. An alternative is to hire a twice-monthly cleaning service and split the costs with the other roommates.
Madera Apartments in San Antonio, TX provides quality and affordable housing for college students and young professionals. Subscribe to this blog for more tips on other aspects of apartment life.
