Finding the right roommate is just as important as finding the right apartment for rent. Great apartment plus bad roommate equals daily torment. Planning revenge is a full-time job you really don't want to take on. Great apartment plus great roommate equals life of ease - not to mention, half the utilities bills!

As in so many other facets of life, communication and consideration are the keys to a pleasant life together. It's not marriage, but it's as close as you can get without a honeymoon and diamond ring. Try these strategies to help navigate the hidden quirks even the nicest people can have:

All roomies sign the lease. Don't get stuck picking up the bill because roomie walked into the sliding glass door after too many beers during the Superbowl. You might be responsible for some of the cost, but you won't get stuck footing the entire bill. Think this could never happen? You're wrong. Don't learn from experience.

Agree to pay the rent BEFORE it's due. This way it's never late and you're never stuck with a late fee. Do you know how many meals you could buy with a year's worth of late fees? A lot. But who cares? It's wasted money. Enough said.

Discuss everyone's cleaning habits BEFORE they become an issue. Even use a chart to make sure no one gets confused about what chores they're responsible for and when. Roomie #1 prefers tidiness over cleanliness. Roomie#2 is ok with dishes in the sink or clothes in the living room but insists on a dust-free, weekly-vacuumed apartment. What a freak, but it's still manageable.

Compare your preferences and tolerances. Be considerate. No one likes coming home to a mess. You don't have to turn into your mother (god forbid) to keep your place livable and fun to hang out in.