When Your Roommate is Also Your Landlord

Things can get tricky when you are renting a room from a friend who you are also living with.  The Move Channel.com has some things to consider before deciding to take the plunge with friends.

Make sure to set basic ground rules and that you are clear on how your roommate/landlord wants the property treated.  Also consider that if you live with a friend and you have friends in common, you may wind up socializing with the same people all the time.  

Decide how bills will be paid and split.  You can call your utility company to get an estimate for how much bills will be.  Be respectful of your friend and pay your rent on time.  They may be a little more forgiving if you're late, but don't sour your relationship by by chronically turning your check in past the due date.

If your landlord is a couple, make sure you have a contingency plan in case they break up.  Also, stay out of any arguments they may have and don't take sides.

Finally, if you are renting from a friend, you may not have a formal lease contract to sign.  Cover any questions you have and perhaps write them down and sign it so both parties are on the same page.

Need help finding an #apartment so you don't have to rent from a buddy?  Give Apartment Experts North a call today at 512-339-4411!

When your Roommate is Your Landlord

When your landlord is also your roommate, the relationship is a bit more murky than a clear tenant/landlord relationship.  The Move Channel.com has some helpful advice for successfully renting a room from a friend.  

Make sure you are aware of what the rules are for how your roommate/landlord wants the apartment treated.  Make sure you know exactly what you have access to, how food is shared or not shared, etc.

Ask how the bills will be paid and what the split for them will be.  Will your landlord/roomie pay the bills and then you'll pay them back?  Will there just be an allowance for utilities built into your rent?  Get clear on how things will work before you agree to move in.

Speaking of rent, don't fall into the trap of thinking it's your friend so you don't have to pay your rent on time.  They still have a mortgage and bills to pay, so turn in your rent payment on the day it's due.

If you're living with a romantically involved couple, make sure you have a plan for if they break up.  Also, don't get involved in any arguments they have and never take sides or commisserate with either party!

Lastly, if your friend is the person you are renting from, they may not give you a formal lease to sign.  At the very least, write down any questions you have and have both of you sign it so you can refer to it if there are any disagreements over particulars down the road.

Need help finding an #apartment so you don't have to rent from a friend?  Give Apartment Experts South a call today at 512-416-8100 for the latest on move-in specials, availability, and amenities at all the best Austin addresses!