http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2929317Oh my.
Perhaps the wily primitive?
xultar (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:43 AM
Original message
Since the economy is about to tank, I've decided to look for a roomate.
How do you think I should go about doing that, safely?
mike_c (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:45 AM
Response to Original message
1. craigs list....
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/nyc/57941224.html
OK, not helpful, I know, but I couldn't resist. Not having had a roommate for a long time I don't have any useful advice, but good luck!
xultar (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:55 AM
Response to Reply #1
6. Yeah, just thinking of that lady who was murdered answering a craigs list for a babysitter.
thanks, but no ****ing thanks.
Wow, gracious answer to a distinguished college professor there, real class in that answer.
no_hypocrisy (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:46 AM
Response to Original message
2. Check both for a criminal record and credit history if it 's someone who isn't recommended.
Maine-ah (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:46 AM
Response to Original message
3. hell I thought it tanked a long time ago.....
xultar (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:55 AM
Response to Reply #3
8. It did. I'm just now really getting frightened.
Angela Shelley (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:48 AM
Response to Original message
4. Don´t provide your address at this forum, because you would need a second telephone line, you would have 24/7 dishes being thrown, your electric bill would be more than your monthly rent/mortgage payment, and you need someone in your house who doesn´t bring you into a mental hospital when you scream STFU at the screen.
Sounds like the wily primitive would be a good fit.
jojo54 (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:55 AM
Response to Original message
7. I know it would cost money....(what DOESN'T anymore) but maybe you should do this through a lawyer?
wtmusic (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 09:57 AM
Response to Original message
10. Find a rich one you can sponge off for awhile
j/k
Word of mouth is the only method I would rely on.
Angela Shelley (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 10:01 AM
Response to Reply #10
11. That´s a good idea, make sure he/she loves to cook!
femmedem (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 10:04 AM
Response to Original message
12. I found my best apartment answering an ad at a health food store bulletin board.
Nothing's completely safe, unless you're rooming with people you already know and trust. But rather than putting an ad in the paper, try free advertising at a bulletin-board frequented by like-minded people. Maybe there's a community center you like, a church, a coffee shop, a co-op.
Ask your friends. Odds are one of them knows someoone who's struggling financially and can't afford their own apartment.
And google everyone who responds. And check references.
I'm scared, too. (I have a sub-prime mortgage.) Good luck!
Edited to add: Don't say you're a woman. But say you are looking for a female roommate, if that's your preference. That way male strangers won't have an excuse to call you.
lurky (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 10:07 AM
Response to Original message
13. Ask everyone you know if they know anyone.
That's always the best, because if the person is part of your social network, then they have a big incentive not to screw you over. (Because all their friends will find out what a jerk they are).
If that doesn't work out, most universities have an off-campus housing office where you can list your room for rent. Graduate and professional students usually make good roommates because they tend to be quiet and responsible. Undergrads, on the other hand, I would be nervous about.
If that doesn't work out, there is always Craig's List. I would make sure to get a couple personal references, call their job to make sure they actually work there (and find out how long they have been there), and if possible talk to their last roommate to find out how long they lived there, why they are leaving, etc.
Above all, you need to be clear and specific with yourself and with them about what you want and expect in a roommate. Do you plan on hanging out and being friends, or will it be more of a cordial business arrangement? How do you plan on dealing with chores, sharing the kitchen and bathroom, overnight guests, etc? Do they have a gf or bf who will be spending a lot of time there?
Oh, and I would write up a simple agreement of how much rent they will pay, how much notice they need to give, how much of a deposit they need to put down, and so on. Having some kind of signed document could be helpful.
Good luck!
xultar (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 10:09 AM
Response to Reply #13
14. Thanks. I'm prolly gonna go the friend route first. Plus the rescue group I volunteer with because I think I'd love to have someone who is already in to Chihuahuas
fed-up (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 01:16 PM
Response to Original message
15. college students can sometimes make great roommates-just look for one not into partying
I live in a college town and most people looking for a room describe themselves in terms of whether they are 420 friendly and/or how much and where they do their partying
the good thing about some college students is that if they are working and going to school they are never home
get the NOLO Press Landlording book for helpful tips on rental agreements and amount you can charge for 1st/security and cleaning deposits or whatever you are legally allowed to get upfront
also make sure that how you store food is clear in advance
you also want to be clear as to how chores are to be divided and if they are expected to help with any yard work
I've tried to get a roommate since my son moved out last year, but noone wants to live at a former meth lab property
Ms. November (1000+ posts) Wed Feb-27-08 01:51 PM
Response to Original message
16. You can post your ad at local college campuses.
They do screening there. I found a good roommate that way, but we lived too far away from the campus for her to commute when she totaled her car. Oh well.
urbanhermit (138 posts) Wed Feb-27-08 01:58 PM
Response to Original message
17. roommates.com
I just moved to a new state and found my room mate through that site. I had also used craigslist.
I still think the wily primitive's worth considering.
