Advice on renting one room in an apartment

[Nicole Grenier]

Hi All,

I own a two family home where I rent the bottom unit and I live upstairs.  I am looking to get a roommate to live in the extra bedroom I have in my apartment.  This will cover the rest of my mortgage and allow me to save again after the purchase and renovation of the property.

-Does anyone have any advice for finding a roommate in your own apartment? I don't know anyone who is looking to move.  This feels different from advertising a whole unit.  Where should I advertise?

-What kind of tenant might I attract soliciting one room in a fully furnished apartment?

-I am nervous about the trust aspect of having a roommate I do not know. I also travel for work and have 2 cats. I would need to trust that a person would not steal my things or harm my pets.

The ideal situation would be to not have a roommate but financially it would help me out a great deal. Has anyone been in a similar circumstance?  Any Advice?

Thank you!

Nicole