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Roommate
If living expenses are eating up your budget, one of the most popular solutions is to find a roommate to share them. So actually, with a roommate to share the expenses, you’re able to live much more cheaply.

Agree On the Rules From the Start . . .
1. Choosing a location:
If you have already chosen a roommate, or roommates, and are looking for an apartment, be sure you only consider locations that are convenient for all of you.
2. Decide how the bills will be divided.
How the rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., will be divided is extremely important. While heat, water and electricity are usually divided equally, other bills can be divided according to usage.
3. All roommates should be included on the lease.
This will prevent anyone being left “holding the bag” if one of the roommates decides to make other living arrangements.
For example, if one roommate has a larger bedroom and a private bath, while the others share a communal bath and have smaller rooms, this should be taken into account when determining what percentage each pays for rent.
4. Decide how housekeeping chores will be divided and put it in writing.
Take the time to iron these things out at the beginning to prevent later dissension and hard feelings.
Choose Your Roommate Wisely . . .
• Make sure that your schedules and interests will compliment each other. If you like a quiet life and your roommate loves to invite people in for impromptu parties, it’s probably not a good mix.
• How you live is another issue that should be considered. If you’re a neat freak and your prospective roommate is a slob, there will be problems.
• If you’re a pet owner it’s important to find someone who shares your love for animals.
• Be sure and specify whether you wish to room with a smoker or non-smoker.
• If you plan to share shopping and cooking responsibilities choose a person who likes the same types of foods you do.
These are just a few of the issues that must be resolved if you intend to live in harmony with other people. Take the time to get to know a little about the person with whom you intend to share a home. It will prevent a lot of difficulty later.
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