Should I Get a Roommate?

Deciding whether to share space with one or more roommates isn’t always easy. Some people rent with responsible, respectful friends while others have horror stories of blaring music at all hours, dirty dishes piled sky high or unfortunate décor choices. When considering whether or not to rent with a roommate, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Can you afford to live alone?

Living alone can sometimes be a luxury few can afford (especially in expensive cities). See what types of rentals fit in your budget using tools like Zillow's Rent Affordability Calculator. If you are finding that you aren’t able to afford places in your ideal neighborhood, or you don’t love what’s available in your price range, then consider sharing the costs with a roommate. Although looking for a rental with another person can sometimes make the search more complicated, it can be a compromise worth making in order to find an apartment that checks off more boxes.

2. How important is having your own space?

When you have a roommate, it’s about more than living with that person and sharing common areas in your home. You’ll likely also be interacting with their romantic partners, relatives and circle of friends. Even the most social of butterflies likes to be alone occasionally, but if having a lot of people around your space sounds unpleasant, renting solo might be your best option.

3. Can you compromise on home décor?

If you love reading home décor magazines or gathering rental decorating ideas on Pinterest, chances are you like your space just so. So it may be tough for you to get a roommate’s input on, for example, what pictures should be hung in the living room. If this describes you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t get a roommate — just be sure to find someone who shares your aesthetic, or prepare to compromise.

4. Do you like a clean space?

The way you like to keep your space — both shared and private — should be in sync with your roommate. If you are the type who can’t sleep until everything is put away at the end of the evening or the type of person who hasn’t seen their floor in months, consider this when deciding whether to get a roommate or searching for a compatible partner. A roommate situation works best when both parties can handle each other’s occasional messes.

5. Do you enjoy living alone?

Determine whether you appreciate having your own space or whether you'd feel more secure or just less lonely with a roommate. Roommates can provide peace of mind at night or just someone to talk to at the end of the day.

Writing down a list of pros and cons may help you make the right decision. If you go the roommate route, establish ground rules and expectations to help you live harmoniously.