| Student Article - Priceless Tips on Picking the Perfect Housemate |
Ok so you need to find a new housemate for whatever reason here are ten top tips to avoid strife and stress in your household-written by an experienced landlady with lodgers!!!
Placing the advert:
1. Be clear- about the type of person you want living with you to avoid wasting your time showing around no goers from the outset. For example: student, professional, mature student-Catch my drift!
2. Be honest- about yourself and the household you live in - better this than having to go through the hassle of finding a new housemate in 2 months when the (not so) old one wants to escape the squalor or you lot want to escape the regular sessions of 1980s heavy metal.
Showing people around:
3. Tidy up any clutter so the person can see the space available but don't try to give a false impression that you are all like Monica from friends when the truth is you live in a pigsty.
4. Don't forget to show the prospective tenant all the good things that make life easier in a house e.g. dishwasher, microwave, power shower,fridge freezer and shed -they can be deal makers or breakers!
5. Desperation=Disaster-No matter how desperate you are do not accept someone who you do not feel comfortable remember you will be tied to them for the next twelve months!!.
Talking figures:
6. Be crystal clear about: the rent - (whether it includes bills, water rates, council tax, internet etc) the date of the month it has to be paid, how much the deposit is, and the length of contract - this is crucial information and if misunderstood can cause major problems whether you are the owner or not.
7. Have it clear in your mind whether you are willing to haggle or not and if it involves the other tenants take time to discuss it with them and ensure you all agree.
8. Don't advertise the house in different places for different amounts of money- prospective tenants are a canny and demanding bunch - you will be caught out.
Making the most out of your houseshare
9. Do not make promises you cannot keep. e.g. "The shower will be fixed", "We're getting a dishwasher." in the pursuit of filling the room- trust me it will only cause trouble in the long run.
10. Although it can be time consuming at least have a chat with people when they look around so you can have an idea of their character, likes and dislikes. Finally, enjoy the experience of meeting new people with different things to offer- you never know it may be the beginning of a great friendship and a fantastic house share.
-Good luck-
KXX
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