Living in an apartment in a new city can be expensive, especially when you're a student or trying to find a new job. The best way to save money is to get a roommate. Roommates can help you share the costs of rent and other expenses living independently can incur.

However, finding a new roommate can be challenging. Moreover, it's even harder to achieve the perfect roommate compatibility. Therefore, when you are roommate hunting, you should prepare a list of questions to ask potential roommates. We'll help you create a roommate questionnaire that should help you screen potential roommates.

Questions To Ask Potential Roommates

1. Can you afford your share?

The first question to ask potential roommates is whether or not they have a stable source of income. No matter where they work, if they're earning enough to pay the rent, you don't have to worry about making ends meet. Just like the landlord, you can set a bar on your roommate's income. Furthermore, you will also get a rough idea about their daily schedule and work lifestyle.

2. Will you share the security deposit?

Before renting a new apartment, you need to talk about the security deposit with your potential roommate. A security deposit is a considerable sum of money. Therefore, discuss with potential roommates if they can help share the deposit amount. Furthermore, discuss what you would do about the deposit if either of you decides to move out before the lease ends.

3. How long do you plan to stay?

Breaking a lease can be a nasty thing. Hence, the next set of questions to ask potential roommates is all about how long they'll be staying and if they can help find a potential roommate replacement. If you want a long-term roommate, make sure to mention that in your listing. Furthermore, if your roommate decides to move out earlier than anticipated, they should help you find a replacement roommate.

4. Are you working from home?

The pandemic has normalized working from home. Depending on your lifestyle, this could be a burden, especially when you don't like having someone in your apartment the whole day. Therefore, you both must be willing to make a strict schedule, rules, and inevitable compromises.

5. What's your daily schedule like?

Daily schedules have a significant impact on roommate compatibility. Therefore, here are some questions to ask potential roommates about daily schedules.

• What time do you wake up?
• What time do you go to bed?
• Are you a morning person or a night owl?
• What time do you begin your work?
• Do you work on the weekends too?

6. Do you drink or smoke?

Living with a roommate who drinks or smokes may be a deal-breaker. Moreover, many apartments across various states have a smoking policy in place. Therefore, you must interview your roommate about their smoking or drinking habits. Furthermore, it would be best if your potential roommate asks you the same question, so you're both on the same page.

7. Is this your first time living with a roommate?

Knowing your roommate's shared living history can give you an idea of what you're signing up for. There are both pros and cons to having a rookie or a veteran-level roommate. However, asking your roommate about their previous experience and their relationship with their old roommate might give you an insight into what they are like. You'll get an idea of your roommate compatibility and whether they'll be a suitable roommate or not.

8. How do you feel about pets?

Here's another question that goes both ways. Pets are a great source of comfort for many people. Therefore, before either of you decide to adopt a pet during the tenancy, make sure you discuss whether you guys are okay with having a pet at home. Also, before asking this question to your roommate, you'll want to make sure your landlord allows pets in the apartment. Some apartments have a strict no-pet policy and bringing animals inside the property is illegal.

9. Will you have visitors frequently?

Before you move in, have a discussion with your roommate regarding the frequency of visitors. Here's a list of questions to ask potential roommates:

• How often will you have visitors coming over?
• Will you have visitors over mid-week or weekends?
• Will they stay in our apartment overnight?

10. Do you take social distancing seriously?

Concerned about COVID-19? Us too. Being on the same page about our safety is a bare necessity these days. Hence, it's crucial to ask your roommate if they're taking precautionary measures seriously. At the very least, you should ask them if they're dating anyone and how often they'll have visitors at the apartment.

11. Sharing The Chore Duties

Cleaning the apartment is one of the essential duties of roommates. Optimum roommate compatibility relies on both roommates doing their fair share of the work.

Here's a list of questions to ask potential roommates on chore duties:

• Do you do the dishes after a meal?
• How often do you do your laundry?
• How often do you cook?
• Shall we make a chore chart to clean the apartment?

Lastly, don't forget to mention your roommate requirements in your ad/listing. Prepare a list of questions to ask potential roommates. After all, you want a roommate with whom you can be comfortable and have fun during all the ups and downs of living together.