Hi Davidinvegas,
I’ve just dealt with a problem roommate and thank God THE BITCH IS GONE! She doesn’t feel like she owes me a dime for the month of December because she did not spend the night here at my home since December 4th. Realize she told me on Tuesday that she was moving out the following weekend! I learned a lot that I think can serve you well with your next roommate. First if all, interview more than one potential roommate. Tell each one your dealbreakers, like no drinking, pay on time, late fee per day after the 5th, not allowing sleep overs, drugs or “borrowing” Of personal items, etc. WITHOUT ASKING YOUR PERMISSION FIRST. Maybe you don’t want to share food or anything so make this known before you offer for the person to move in.
If you could find a dependable roommate who could maybe help clean your home, help to transport you to appointments during certain hours and maybe cook, etc., you could offer the room for less rent. Get this all down in writing down to how many hours of cleaning you expect in return for so much discount in rent. Write down the consequences of failure to perform according to agreement between you. Maybe the roommate could help walk your dog, feed her, transport her to the vet and groomer, pet sit, etc. AGAIN GET IT ALL IN WRITING! Get a first and last month rent BEFORE the person moves in! All of these arrangements must be written down, discussed and agreed upon BEFORE the person moves in. Be very specific when you write up what you are 👀for in a roommate. Include MYST LIKE DOGS!
You have so many more options than you think. Don’t settle for anything or anyone. No drinking and paying on time could get you something many people you don’t want to live with. Write up an advertisement for your ideal roommate. Describe exactly who you are looking for and the situation that would work best for you. Express what you have to offer in lower rent in return for a certain amount of housekeeping, cooking, dog walks, etc. Put all the specifics and details in writing as part of the lease agreement, have the renter initial each item and collect the first and last month’s rent. You can even get as specific as male or female wanted, student for example, and services in the home sought in return for room for certain amount of rent. Describe exactly who you are seeking and the situation you are seeking. Put it out there and the person and situation will find you. Describe all the good perks you have the offer.
I see now that I did not expect enough from the roommate or enough rent $. Be as specific as possible about who you are 👀 for, your expectations, and the situation and arrangement you are seeking. Include the perks and positives of being your roommate. Having all the details in writing helps eliminate problems down the road. There may be a service that helps pair up roommates. We have an app. called Nextdoir where neighbors connect and share things for sale, situations sought, pets missing and found etc. Networking helps find someone who others can recommend. I think funding the right roommate can help
Change your situation.