renting a room

[Michael Kovacs]

Thinking of renting a room in my primary residence. Could anybody share some tips/pointers. What extra precautions should be taken before hand?

[Account Closed]

First, no matter what, I'd do a month to month contract.  If it's not working out for either party, it's just 30 days notice to end the misery.

Next, if it was me (and I hate roommates), I would put a little fridge and microwave and maybe coffee maker in their room.  I'd tell them they have to keep their food in their own little fridge.  It would be good if it also had a little freezer section.  

Fighting over junk in the fridge or people stealing each other's food is a big problem with roommates.  So, if you give them their own fridge and say your fridge in the kitchen is off limits, it should eliminate the problem - or at least make it really obvious if they get into your food.  Then, you just kick them out.

If you have a separate garage with a freezer, I'd put a lock on it.  Never need to discuss it, but it's a just-in-case thing.

I'd put one of those locks on the thermostat so they can't change the temps for the entire house.  It would be good if you put an a/c unit in their room.  Best if you include utilities in their rent.  Otherwise, you'll be fighting over who is using too much heat/cooling, etc.

I'd say no guests.  That they have to go somewhere else to socialize.  If you price it right, this shouldn't be an issue.  Otherwise, the BF/GF will be there all the time using your utilities, etc.

Be clear on parking.

Be clear that they only rent their room and are not expected to hang out in the main house - unless that's okay with you.  But, from my experience, you could end up with them taking over the living room watching TV that you're not into.

If you share a bathroom, get a weekly cleaning lady and include that cost in the rent.  Fighting over cleaning someone's disgusting bathroom habits is no fun.  Pay someone to deal with it.  And for any other cleaning.  You'll fight over responsibilities to clean.  You're better off to hire a cleaning person and include it in the rent.  Don't tell them the bathroom that your guests use, is their bathroom and they are responsible for cleaning it.  Been there myself.  It's not fair and you'll have an argument on your hands.

Noise - tell them they are expected to listen to music and movies and TV or whatever - with headphones.

They must have their own phone.

Laundry - have laundry rules if you have laundry facilities.

Advertise for commuters, if you have a market for that - people who need a place to rent during the week for their job, but have a home they go to on weekends.

Advertise for med or law students  - they are quiet and just want a quiet room where they can study.

Another good roommate option is a fireman/woman.  They stay at the station so many days and then have so many days off.  So, they're gone a lot.

You might also consider advertising to traveling nurses.  They need short-term housing and are low drama tenants.

Maybe you'd have a market for AirBNB or vacation people.  They would be higher maintenance, possibly, expecting to be entertained somewhat.  But, you could check it out.

That's all I can think of for now.  I think the successful roommate situations, once you are out of the young college phase, are situations where someone just needs a quiet place to sleep and don't expect to become your BFF.  Good luck!