Seven Essential Questions To Ask A Potential Housemate

Moving in with a flatmate can be a smart financial decision, and make for a great lifestyle but it's important to choose the right person to live with. After all, you'll be sharing the space and potentially a close living arrangement. To make the best decision and ensure a happy household, it's crucial to ask the right questions before moving in together.

Asking the right questions can help you identify compatibility, lifestyles, and expectations, avoiding misunderstandings and potential conflicts down the line. The key is to find someone who you can live with comfortably, and who you can trust to pay their share of rent and bills on time. By taking the time to ask these questions, you can ensure that you make the best choice for your living situation and avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future.

Here are seven essential questions to ask a potential housemate before moving in together:

1. What's Your Cleaning Style?#

It's important to know how clean or messy your potential flatmate is and what their expectations are. Find out if they are a neat freak or more laid-back about cleaning. This can help you gauge if you'll be able to live together comfortably and if you'll need to set cleaning expectations or schedule chores.

2. How Often Do You Have Guests?#

Your potential flatmate may be someone who likes to have friends over often, or someone who rarely has visitors. Make sure that their habits match your expectations. If you prefer a quiet and private living space, you may want to choose a flatmate who doesn't frequently host guests.

3. What Are Your Financial Habits?#

Money can be a source of tension in any living situation, so it's important to know your potential flatmate's financial habits. Ask them if they're always on time with rent, how they handle shared bills, and if they're comfortable discussing money. You'll want to make sure that your flatmate is financially responsible and will be able to contribute to rent and bills on time.

4. What Do You Do for Fun?#

Living with someone means you'll be spending a lot of time together, so it's important to know what your potential flatmate enjoys. Ask them about their hobbies and interests and make sure they're compatible with yours. You may have different schedules or social preferences, so it's good to know if you'll be able to find common ground and activities to do together.

5. How Do You Handle Conflict?#

It's important to know how your potential flatmate handles disagreements. Do they prefer to talk things out, or do they prefer to avoid confrontation? Knowing how your flatmate handles conflict can help you prepare for and navigate any issues that may arise while living together.

6. What Are Your Expectations?#

It's important to know what your potential flatmate expects from the living arrangement. Ask them what they expect from you and if the arrangement is short-term or long-term. Knowing each other's expectations can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

7. Are You Comfortable With Pets?#

If you have a pet, make sure your potential flatmate is comfortable with that. Find out if they have any allergies or if they'd prefer that you keep your pet outside. It's important to respect your flatmate's boundaries and preferences, especially when it comes to pets.

8. Can I Have Rental References? (Bonus)#

As a precautionary measure, you may want to ask for rental references from your potential flatmate. This can give you an idea of how they've behaved as a tenant in the past and if they have any issues with landlords or previous roommates.

By asking these seven questions, you can ensure that you're choosing the right flatmate for your living situation. Good luck and happy hunting!