Many people choose to rent homes or flat share with other people, such as a best friend, family or even acquaintances. In this blog, we’re letting you know how to find the right flatmate.
You might be finding a new place to live or looking for someone to share your current living space with. Either way, it’s important that you choose the right person to help make things a little easier.
If you’re finding somewhere new to live, it’s a good idea to start looking early. This can help you to find the most suitable property. You might find it useful to read our blog: what to look for in rental properties.
Top tips for finding the ideal flatmate
Consider what you’re looking for in a new roommate
It’ll be easier to find a flatmate if you have thought about who you’re looking for. You’ll need to place a lot of focus on the lifestyle that you live and the lifestyle of your potential housemate. It’s good if you have similar lifestyles.
You’ll also need to think about cleaning habits and other aspects. It’s good to try and find a flatmate who has the same level of organisation and cleanliness as you. Consider whether you are more likely to fit into the role of early birds or night owls and ensure that you are on the same page.
Although it might not be a deal breaker, it’s also good to think about the potential flatmate’s work schedule. Check that your work schedules will not impact each other.
Prepare early for potential flatmates
It’s not a good idea to leave finding a flatmate until the last minute. Instead, you should start the search with at least a couple of months before you plan to move in. This gives you more time to assess your options and decide what you’re looking for.
Use various platforms to find the ideal flatmate
Word of mouth can be helpful when finding flatmates but there are other options. You may be able to find local groups on social media but remember to be careful about the information that you are posting. Many people use Facebook groups to find flatmates.
Share accurate details
You’ll need to ensure that you are clear about details with the potential housemate. This can really help to build a good relationship between you both and increase trust. Failing to give accurate details could be one of the potential flatmate’s deal breakers. They will likely have a few questions to ask too.
Be open to negotiating
In some cases, it may be that one room in a property has more benefits than another. For example, one room may be larger or have an en-suite. In this case, it might be a good idea to pull names out of a hat or compromise on something else such as parking or rent amount.
Talk about finances with the new flatmate
You’ll need to deal with finances when living with someone, and it’s important to have these conversations early. It might be that one person is in charge of collecting the money for rent and bills or you might choose to open a joint bank account.
Splitting bills will also need to be discussed. Most people will choose to split the bills evenly but there may be circumstances where this is not appropriate. It’s good to share the costs of household items in the apartment.
Meet the potential roommate
You should definitely take the time to meet the potential housemate before it’s time to move in. It’s always a good idea to let someone else know where you are meeting them and what time you will be back home.
Set some rules regarding living habits
You’re not likely to have lots of rules, but it’s a good idea to suggest rules for house jobs, such as cleaning and recycling. This will help to ensure things are done correctly.
Make sure you take your time choosing a new housemate. It should be an exciting process but also one that is completed carefully. Good luck finding the perfect flatmate and enjoy living together!
You should also ensure that you are allowed to have roommates. You can check this with your letting agent or the property owner. These properties are likely to be labelled as ‘house shares’ and you may not be able to select the potential roommates.
Are you still looking for the perfect place to rent? We can help! Our letting team can support you with finding the perfect property for your requirements. Get in touch with us today.
