The search for a good roommate may seem practically impossible – especially if you’re new to the area or you’re not sure where to look. After all, you’re looking for someone to share your space with – so you need to be compatible. 

And compatible is the keyword. You don’t necessarily need someone who’s going to be your best friend (although that may happen), but you do need someone who has a similar “philosophy” as you do when it comes to sharing a home. So, when it comes to finding a roommate, use these tips to make it a bit easier.

• Start the Roommate Search: The first thing you need to do is make it known that you are looking for a roommate. There are several ways you can go about doing this:
  • Ask friends – Reach out to your friends and see if any of them are looking for a roommate or know of anyone who would like a roommate. Sometimes referrals from friends can save you lots of time.
  • Craigslist – Craiglist is the largest online classified section and has a large area dedicated to finding a roommate. Share exactly what you’re looking for in hopes of finding someone who fits with your needs.
  • Padmapper – Padmapper (for those looking for an apartment) can help potential roommates find you when you list your place on Padlister (for those who have an apartment and want a roommate). It’s easily searchable by neighborhood – which is excellent for people looking to live in a certain locale.
  • Roommates.com – While you can set up a profile for free, in order to read responses, you will have to pay for an account. A 30-day account costs $19.99 and may be worth it to find people who match your qualifications.
  • Facebook – You can easily make a public post and ask your friends to share it in hopes of finding a roommate. Additionally, some of the garage sale groups within Facebook will allow you to post your roommate searches there.
  • Roomie Match – Roomie Match actually has real live humans who help to go through every listing – to get rid of scammers, bots, etc. The website is easy to use and walks you through everything step-by-step.
  • Other Networks – Think about other networks you may have where you could find a roommate. Perhaps from your job, university, or other business organizations.
• Interview Potential Roommates: If you get several people who are interested in being your roommate, it’s important that you take the time to get to know the applicants. Come up with a list of questions that are important to you and interview your potential roommates.
• And Then Interview Again: Once you’ve narrowed it down to 2-3 people, take the time to interview them again. Look for any red flags and ask any questions you may have forgotten to ask the first time.
• Share All Relevant Information: Once you have a potential new roommate, share any and all relevant information. Share costs and expenses. Talk about schedules. Food. The lease. Chores. You should share anything and everything related to the apartment.
• Don’t Hesitate to Ask for References: Be sure to ask for references. Talking with people who know your potential roommate will allow you to get to know them from a different perspective.
• Get Everything in Writing: Be sure you get a signed contract from your new roommate that spells out everything you’ve discussed. This can save you from problems further down the road.

Searching for a roommate may not be an easy task; after all, you probably have some specific requirements. But if you are straightforward and share what you are looking for, you can certainly make it easier. And then, hopefully, you and your new roommate will get along famously for as long as you live together.