{"id":1177,"date":"2020-02-04T04:54:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-04T11:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentfaster.ca\/blog\/?p=1177"},"modified":"2023-06-22T12:10:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T18:10:04","slug":"finding-a-good-roommate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentfaster.ca\/blog\/finding-a-good-roommate\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a Good Roommate"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

A common method of reducing living costs is to have a roommate share the cost of your home or apartment. Not only is having a roommate great for sharing the costs of living, but it can also provide individuals with company. This a good idea for post-secondary students, those leaving home for the first time, and those who are new to a city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When planning to have a roommate who will share expenses, how do you first decide who the lucky person is? Even if you are friends with, related to, or know of this person, do your homework\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0they move in. You make think you know them, but living with a person is a very different situation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Choose a reliable person who will be financially and ethically responsible. Can they pay their share of the costs? Do they have a regular income? Will they respect the property and share maintenance? Who will do what household chores? How will space be used and divided? Thinking about a “day in the life” situation to help you consider all the implications of that individual living with you is imperative. Don’t assume anything. Talk about all the important details before choosing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If your intention when renting\/leasing a home is to have a roommate to share the costs, make sure your landlord has authorized having another person in their rental unit\u00a0before<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0signing the rental agreement or a roommate agreement. Landlords will require the details and have the right to know all persons who will inhabit the rental unit. You should ensure that the roommate’s name is on the rental agreement or lease so that they are responsible for the payment of rent and repairs. Go into a roommate arrangement knowing the facts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act<\/a> does not include tenants’ obligations to each other. It has to do with the landlord and the tenant signing the Rental Agreement. Unless you and your roommate are both signing the Rental Agreement, a Roommate Agreement should be implemented between you, and your new roommate. Included in this agreement are items such as:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n