Whether you're looking for someone to fill an empty bedroom in your house, or looking for a place to rest your weary head that's not your parent's basement, possibilities abound to find a roommate. But as the ability to find a roommate has gotten easier, it has not gotten any easier to find the perfect roommate. So here are some tips from ApartmentGuide.com on finding (and keeping) a good roommate:
Use some of the profile tools found on Web sites such as Roommates.com to help find people of similar interests to yours. Profile tools help reduce that chance of disagreements due to personality conflict (see: "The Odd Couple").
When contacting the potential roommate, have your list of questions already prepared. This really is an informal interview, so be prepared to be grilled on your sleeping habits, the hours you work (and play) and your lifestyle in general. If moving into someone else's place, be sure to have your references ready also.
If you're moving into an established property, check it out first. It may not be conducive to your way of living (no convenient public transit, for example), or not in a location you'd enjoy living. And definitely explore your options - you never know what may be out there.
Be sure that when you move in, you sign a formal lease. Without a lease, you have no legal right to the residence, or to the money you put up for deposits. And if your new roommate sublets to you without the landlords permission, which is illegal, more than likely both of you will be forced to move out.
When you move in, set up a written contract to cover issues such as rent (who is going to pay it and when), space (who gets the swank bedroom with the fireplace, who is sleeping in the butler pantry), cleaning (is there set schedule or not), food (will it be Romper Room or 'touch my milk and die'), guest, noise and moving out. Defining these items ahead of time, in writing so you're both protected, can save a lot of grief later.
Living with someone can be difficult, but with communication and clearly defined rules, it can be made much simpler.