Finding the right roommate can make or break your living experience. Whether you’re moving into a shared apartment for the first time or replacing a former flatmate, asking the right questions will help you avoid misunderstandings and create a peaceful, enjoyable home. Here are 20 essential questions to ask a potential roommate before signing that lease.
Finding the Right Roommate
Platforms like www.spareroom.com are great for finding roommates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and anywhere else in the US. Their platform makes it easy to filter results based on what’s important to you, helping you find your perfect match. Safety is a top priority, with a team of moderators working 7 days a week to vet content and listings.
Whether you’re posting an ad or searching for one, it only takes a few clicks to get started. The SpareRoom mobile app and website make searching on the go incredibly convenient. Plus, their customer service is refreshingly accessible – most calls are answered within three rings, and email replies come within 24 hours. If you’re serious about finding a compatible roommate, SpareRoom is the place to start.
Just make sure you have the following questions handy:
20 Questions to Ask Potential Roommates
1. What’s Your Daily Routine Like?
Understanding how a potential roommate structures their day helps set expectations. Are they early risers or night owls? Do they work from home or commute? Their answers can highlight compatibility in schedules.
2. Do You Smoke?
Whether or not they smoke might not be a dealbreaker, but it’s good to know upfront. Clarify where smoking is acceptable, if at all, and how often they do it.
3. Do You Have Pets or Plan to Get One?
Pets can be wonderful companions, but they come with responsibilities. Ask about allergies, pet behavior, and cleaning habits to make sure you’re on the same page.
4. What Are Your Cleaning Habits?
Cleanliness is often the root of roommate conflicts. Discuss how often they clean, their definition of “clean,” and whether they’d be open to a cleaning schedule.
5. How Do You Feel About Guests?
Some people enjoy having friends over frequently; others prefer solitude. Find out their stance on hosting friends, significant others, or family members.
6. What Are Your Expectations Around Shared Expenses?
Establish who will handle shared bills and groceries. Talk about budgets and whether you’ll split costs evenly or keep things separate.
7. Have You Lived with Roommates Before?
Their past roommate experiences can give you insight into how they handle shared living. You can ask what went well and what didn’t.
8. Do You Cook at Home or Eat Out?
Someone who cooks daily might use the kitchen more often, while someone who eats out may not mind you having more fridge space. It’s good to align on kitchen expectations.
9. What Kind of Noise Level Do You Prefer?
Whether it’s loud music or TV volume, ask what level of noise they find acceptable. This helps prevent future friction, especially in shared spaces.
10. Are You Comfortable Sharing Household Items?
Some roommates prefer communal everything; others label their milk. Ask how they feel about sharing kitchenware, cleaning supplies, and even streaming accounts.
11. How Do You Handle Conflict?
Living with someone means disagreements are bound to happen. Find out their communication style and how they approach resolution.
12. What Are Your Work Hours?
If they work late shifts or early mornings, it could affect how you structure your own routine. Understanding each other’s work life promotes mutual respect.
13. Are You in a Relationship?
Significant others often become unofficial roommates. Knowing if a partner will be around frequently helps set boundaries from the start.
14. How Long Do You Plan to Stay?
It’s worth asking if they’re looking for something long-term or just temporary. This ensures your housing timeline aligns with theirs.
15. Do You Have Any Allergies?
Whether it’s food, cleaning products, or pets, being aware of allergies can help avoid health issues and awkward situations.
16. How Do You Like to Spend Your Free Time?
Shared interests can build bonds, while very different lifestyles might require more boundaries. It’s not about agreeing on everything, but about understanding differences.
17. Are You Financially Stable?
It may feel awkward, but it’s essential. Ask how they plan to cover rent and bills. If they have a stable income or backup plan, it gives you peace of mind.
18. What Are Your Dealbreakers?
Get their take on what would make living with someone unbearable. Sharing yours too will make sure you’re aligned from the start.
19. How Do You Feel About House Rules?
From chore rotations to quiet hours, check how they feel about house rules. Are they willing to follow them, contribute to creating them, or do they prefer a more flexible setup?
20. What Are You Looking for in a Roommate?
This open-ended question reveals what matters most to them. Their answer can be telling — are they looking for a friend, a cohabitant, or something in between?
Final Thoughts
Choosing a roommate is more than just finding someone who can pay rent. It’s about ensuring your living environment is peaceful, respectful, and even enjoyable. These 20 questions will help you uncover compatibility and set expectations upfront, saving you from future headaches.
