Suggested Questions for Roommates

Tip: Most off-campus properties won't let you move to another unit or get out of your lease if you have roommate conflict.

What is your budget?
If rent or utilities must be paid with one check, how will you manage that? What happens if someone is late with a payment?
If an apartment has rooms of different sizes, or some people share a bedroom and some have individual rooms, how will rent be divided?
How far or close to campus do you want to be?
Do you have a car or need parking?
Is it important to you that you have your own bedroom and bathroom, or are you comfortable sharing?
How important is household and personal security to you? Do you lock the doors while at home?

How important is a clean household? How frequently do you expect your roommate to participate in household cleaning?
Are you okay with personal property being left in common areas?
What are your expectations of noise? Are you a night owl or an early bird?
Are political or religious outlooks important to you?
What are your thoughts on clothing in common areas? Are you comfortable with your roommate being in common areas wearing only underwear or a towel? What about guests?

Do you have dietary restrictions or preferences? Do those restrictions or preferences limit how food is stored or consumed?
Is smoking an issue? Are certain areas off limits or designated for smoking?
What are your views on alcohol?

What do you believe is a reasonable limit on guests visiting and/or staying over?
Are there people (family members, significant other, friends) you expect will be stopping by frequently or for an extended period of time? How often?
If the apartment allows pets, would you be comfortable if one roommate brought a pet(s)? What kinds of pets and how many?

What type of relationship are you looking for with your new roommate? Are you looking for someone to just hang out with or someone to just share the bills?
Do you want to share any household consumables or keep everything separate?
Would we share possessions like a television, cookware, or furniture? If so, what would the policy be for sharing these items?
If we were to disagree on something, what do you think is a good way to work through conflict?