: How to Check References on Potential Roommates
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(403 Words)
It is very important to check references on potential roommates. First, it can help weed out anyone who might be dangerous, which is of course your number one priority. It can also help you find someone who is compatible with you. Although it is not foolproof, it can be a great tool.
First you will want to come up with some questions that you may ask someone when checking references. First you can ask about anything that might be a danger such as if they were at all uncomfortable with them or if they did anything that was dangerous. You may also want to include in your list of questions bad habits like drugs, smoking or drinking. Remember that you could get in trouble if something like drugs are found in your home, so these things can make a big difference to you. You can also ask about any potential habits that were inconsiderate such as leaving things a mess, having loud parties or damaging the furniture. You can also ask about general habits that may or may not be bad, but which can clash with your habits such as staying up late, playing loud music, having a lot of friends over, etc. Make sure that you pose these questions in a nice manner because you do not want to insult anyone or have it get back to your roommate, and then have things set off in a bad manner. You can write these down so that you will have them ready when you call people.
You then need to get a list of references from the potential roommate. If possible, they should be from prior roommates. You may not get an objective opinion from the person’s mother, of course.
You can then call the references. First find out about the exact relationship and when they lived with them. You can then ask the questions that you have prepared. You may also want to ask why they are no longer living together if you do not know the answer. You can ask them if they have anything else that they can tell you, which may be helpful.
If you are more comfortable, then you can check several references if they have been provided.
Checking the references of potential roommates is very important. It can help you find the person that is the best for you. Use the above tips to make this check.