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Questions to ask a roommate before you agree to move in together

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  • Cleaning, and how often it's done, can be one of the most common issues that roommates argue about. Whether you're a clean freak who washes a dish immediately after use or someone who prefers to let your dishes soak for a few days, finding out if your potential roommate cares about cleaning on the same level as you do can help avoid major issues down the line. And as Lucier points out: Follow-up question: What is your least favorite household chore? ” data-id=”111972905″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/14721_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11972905″/>
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  • Whether you actually care about how this person spends their time or not is irrelevant. Follow-up question: Do you have any hobbies? ” data-id=”111972922″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/14724_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11972922″/>
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  • The answer to this question can offer insight on many levels, including finances, scheduling and travel. For finances, this provides the opportunity to discuss whether your potential roommate can afford to pay their share of rent. And while living with a roommate on an opposite work schedule than you can almost seem like you live by yourself for half the rent, it can also make communication difficult as well as present problems with noise levels at certain hours of the day.
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  • As Lucier explains: Follow-up question: What do you like to do in the evenings? ” data-id=”111972955″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/14726_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11972955″/>
    Photo Credit: iStock
  • Whether you're a smoker or a non-smoker, this is a deal breaker for many and should be asked about before move-in day to avoid any potential problems, according to Lucier. If you're a non-smoker who won't live with a smoker, then this should be at the top of your list when talking to a new potential roommate.
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  • Follow-up question: Are you considering getting any? ” data-id=”111973002″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/14730_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11973002″/>
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  • Having a boyfriend or girlfriend is not a crime, nor should it be grounds to dismiss a potential roommate. But no one wants a third roommate -- who isn't paying rent -- stealing the remote every night. Follow-up question: How often do you expect to have him/her stay over? ” data-id=”111973016″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20569_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11973016″/>
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  • Avoid passive aggressive notes on food items in your fridge by talking about this aspect of living together before you move in.
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  • Whether it's six months or three years, how long a potential roommate plans to stay in your apartment impacts your life as much as it does theirs. This can be especially important from a lease perspective.
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  • Give your potential roommate the opportunity to explain more about themselves without the pressure of feeling like they may or may not be answering a question the right way.
    Photo Credit: iStock

No matter your age, living with another person can be tough.

There are written and unwritten rules to living with a roommate and regardless of how well you may know them, you could still find yourself in an unbearable living situation.

amNewYork spoke with Kelci Lynn Lucier, a Harvard graduate with 10 years of experience working with colleges and author of “College Stress Solutions,” about the best questions to ask a potential roommate — whether you’re in school or not.

Save yourself a heap of trouble and consider these questions the next time you’re in the market for a new roomie.

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