Many people find it financially more feasible to live off campus with one or more roommates. Such arrangements require a great deal of cooperation if they are to succeed. Therefore, roommates should be selected carefully, with such considerations as study habits, neatness, personality and attitudes towards smoking and drinking in mind. Some students have been upset to find that their roommate comes complete with a companion of the opposite sex; others are not bothered by overnight guests of the opposite sex. Thus, it pays to choose roommates with care.

Roommate relationships also involve certain commitments. Usually, only those who actually signed the lease are bound to its conditions. So, if a roommate who did not sign the lease moves out or refuses to pay rent, neither his/her roommates nor the landlord will be able to hold him/her responsible. Further, the tenants who do sign the lease are usually jointly responsible for compliance with its terms. In other words, even if a roommate signed the lease and moves out, the landlord may hold the remaining tenants responsible for the rent. Other financial transactions, such as payment of monthly bills and collective purchases of food, are also handled more easily if roommates are financially responsible.

Most people prefer to room with someone that they already know. This is often desirable, because the parties involved have some ides of their compatibility. It is best, for a variety of reasons, to determine who to room with before beginning the search for off-campus housing. First, roommates can work as a team in the search for housing.

Second, if roommates seek housing as a group, they are more likely to be individually satisfied with their collective choice. And, third, if roommates seek housing as a group, there is a greater probability that all will sign the lease, reinforcing in everyone’s mind the nature and terms of the contractual agreement, and the responsibility involved.

Be cautious! Choosing your roommate may be more important than choosing your rental unit.

If you have a new roommate, have him/her sign the old lease and have the landlord’s signature and date showing they have approved the sublease. Better yet, ask the landlord draw up a new lease.