Could use a few suggestions...

Jaylee

Jaylee

New Member
I need to find a roommate to split expenses with. I tried the usual places online (Roomster, Senior Homeshares, Roommates.com, Craigslist, etc.), but the only place that provided even marginal results was Craigslist. As it stands, I'm getting nowhere. Does anyone have any advice on how to connect with another senior - one who's happy to live a quiet life (at half the price)? I'd really appreciate a few pointers.
 

Jaylee said:
I need to find a roommate to split expenses with. I tried the usual places online (Roomster, Senior Homeshares, Roommates.com, Craigslist, etc.), but the only place that provided even marginal results was Craigslist. As it stands, I'm getting nowhere. Does anyone have any advice on how to connect with another senior - one who's happy to live a quiet life (at half the price)? I'd really appreciate a few pointers.
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If you're looking specifically for a senior, I suggest you go to a Senior Center or something similar where seniors go to socialize. You can post a note on the board and ask people to spread the word and let the office staff know you're looking. I wouldn't trust Craigslist for anything like that.

EDITED; I would have a questionnaire for when you meet the person (there if posssible) with things that are important to you for a roommate, like rules that you're adamant about. And before moving in, have a copy ready for both of you to sign so that there's no misunderstanding about those rules ("I don't remember you telling me I couldn't do that!")
 

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Also, learn the laws in your locality regarding eviction, if it ever becomes necessary. Sometimes, you can't evict when you want to. You also need a good rental agreement that a housing attorney can do. Imagine the nightmare if it doesn't work out and if you haven't worked out problems in advance. Think of it like a pre-nup!
 
Get everything in writing. Make a list of all of your house rules. Get any prospective roommate to sign off on everything you list, everything you want followed. Draw up your own rules for evictions. Make sure you check laws/ordinances in your area, so you're not out in left field on the way you want to handle things. You don't need an attorney for any of this, unless you feel you do.

I was a successful landlord for over thirty years, several houses. I wrote all of my own legal documents/leases. I never needed an attorney, and I evicted a handful of tenants, my way: 24 hours and gone! Make up a background check sheet. Have each prospective roommate sign off on allowing you to check references, job histories, bank accounts, FICO scores, etc. Do NOT fail to check everything on those sheets. You'll be very sorry if you do fail to do so. CL is full of con people and scammers, plus violent criminals. I strongly urge you to avoid using it for finding roommates.
 
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Wow. 🥰 In one hour, you all gave me pretty much everything I need. Thank you all!

I'll heed the warnings about Craigslist, by the way. Thanks for that, too. I especially like the suggestion about visiting a senior center - I never thought of doing that. (y)
 
If you're a churchgoer, ask your pastor. Senior centers. Local council on ageing (or whatever yours is called). Friends of friends. Do your due diligence and stay far, far way from advertising on any sites like Craig's List. By all means have a contract and a written agreement about what each of you can/can't do. And even if you interview somebody with whom you think you instantly connect, keep your wits about you. There are lots of people out there who've lived long enough to be experts at conning their way into and out of a lot of situations.

Be patient. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs. And good luck.
 
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I just had another thought. Once you've gotten some leads, maybe arrange to meet them for lunch or for coffee. I know I'm suspicious, but geez, in this day and age, you really can't be too cautious. I'd be leery of giving a stranger my address without having met first. And maybe have a friend or relative present when you meet and again when they come to your home.
 
GeorgiaXplant said:
I just had another thought. Once you've gotten some leads, maybe arrange to meet them for lunch or for coffee. I know I'm suspicious, but geez, in this day and age, you really can't be too cautious. I'd be leery of giving a stranger my address without having met first. And maybe have a friend or relative present when you meet and again when they come to your home.
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Thanks. PVC is right: Best in the U.S. :cool: That's excellent advice.
 
GeorgiaXplant said:
I just had another thought. Once you've gotten some leads, maybe arrange to meet them for lunch or for coffee. I know I'm suspicious, but geez, in this day and age, you really can't be too cautious. I'd be leery of giving a stranger my address without having met first. And maybe have a friend or relative present when you meet and again when they come to your home.
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Excellent advice! It proves that several heads are better than one. This website is the best! 💝
 
RadishRose said:
There's so much more to consider; smoking, drinking, cleaning, parking, guests, boy/girlfriends, pets, grand children's sleepovers, yard work.
I know I'd go nuts if I came home one night to a mess in the kitchen; sink full of dishes, greasy stove. I would have a fit!
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I could never have a roommate, I envy people that can, so much cheaper to live. I'd rather skimp on everything than have to live with someone.
 
RadishRose said:
There's so much more to consider; smoking, drinking, cleaning, parking, guests, boy/girlfriends, pets, grand children's sleepovers, yard work.

I know I'd go nuts if I came home one night to a mess in the kitchen; sink full of dishes, greasy stove. I would have a fit!
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Yup. All of the above, not to mention what's off limits (for both), division of chores, what's common space, what's private. Share cooking and groceries? But it can all be worked out in advance so that there are no surprises, no resentment.

And do you want a roommate who's also there for companionship or who's only there to do/pay for half of everything? Will roommate furnish own room? I know I'd want my own "stuff" around me.
 
GeorgiaXplant said:
Yup. All of the above, not to mention what's off limits (for both), division of chores, what's common space, what's private. Share cooking and groceries? But it can all be worked out in advance so that there are no surprises, no resentment.

And do you want a roommate who's also there for companionship or who's only there to do/pay for half of everything? Will roommate furnish own room? I know I'd want my own "stuff" around me.
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Hey, Georgia...did you ever watch "The Big Bang Theory"...he had his famous "Official Room mate Contract"...that spelled everything out exactly? Not a bad idea.
 
The church idea a good one and also some kind of agreement that both of you can iron out before moving in together it would also be very helpful to get to know the person before making this decision.
 
I agree with one pf the other post - I would not trust Craigslist. There are a lot of seniors that are looking for a roommate. The hard part is finding the right one where you both get along with each other. I would have a simple application for them to fill out. I would check references, possibly background check (you never know). As one of the other post suggested, make sure you get to know the person. Talk on the phone a few times and definitely check references.

If it came down to me needing or wanting a roommate - God forbid if anything happens to my husband, I have a few people in mind. My brother in law will be one of them.. he is up in age, he lives in another State but I would trust him to rent a room in my home.

The best to you in your search.
 
Jaylee said:
I need to find a roommate to split expenses with. I tried the usual places online (Roomster, Senior Homeshares, Roommates.com, Craigslist, etc.), but the only place that provided even marginal results was Craigslist. As it stands, I'm getting nowhere. Does anyone have any advice on how to connect with another senior - one who's happy to live a quiet life (at half the price)? I'd really appreciate a few pointers.
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Have you tried at your Church.
If you have one...or ask at hairdressers place. Try Nextdoor in your state.
 
Liberty said:
Do you have a local church you could reach out to? Perhaps they have well known members that may be also looking for room mates?
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Sometimes I wish I had a church home, but no, I don't. I just don't do well in churches. :(
 

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