Looking for Roommates - what questions should I ask? (San Francisco: credit, apartments)

[monti]

Hi guys -

I am getting ready to talk to some potential roommates who have apartments in Presidio, Inner Richmond, and downtown San Francisco.

What kind of questions would be good?

I was thinking along the lines of: Asking about what kind of lifestyle (ie smoking, partying etc.) Price (obviously), whether or not they work day or night job, and if the utilities are included in the price.

Any other things I should be aware of (I will only be living there for 6 months)

Thanks guys

[sonarrat]

How much of a deposit they need, lease conditions, terms of separation. Even if they don't run your credit, if you have no written lease agreement that's a very bad idea, just as much for you as them.

[jscore]

To get some ideas, read some of wanted postings on craigslist

[ladysrodgers]

Originally Posted by monti

Hi guys -

I am getting ready to talk to some potential roommates who have apartments in Presidio, Inner Richmond, and downtown San Francisco.

What kind of questions would be good?

I was thinking along the lines of: Asking about what kind of lifestyle (ie smoking, partying etc.) Price (obviously), whether or not they work day or night job, and if the utilities are included in the price.

Any other things I should be aware of (I will only be living there for 6 months)

Thanks guys

Who does the clean up. How often does the cleaning get done. How does it work with food and not having your own food eaten by others. Is there a washer/dryer to use. How many bathrooms are there. Do they have any animals. Do they have jobs. Do they do drugs. How many people live there.

[vitalove]

Check out ehow. They have some articles there.

[jscore]

Just ask things that are important to you. obviously everyone would ask different things.

[music7lover]

In addition to lifestyle ( partying etc), ask what their policy is for overnight guests. There is nothing more maddening than a live in boyfriend / girlfriend who doesn't contribute to the rent.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by jscore

Just ask things that are important to you. obviously everyone would ask different things.

That's what I was thinking, since I'm fine with things that others would hate (smoking - both kinds , pets, night owls, etc.). As for the legal stuff, make sure you see their ID, and do a credit & background check... also ask for references, which you don't necessarily have to check, but it's always good to have. Oh, and I agree with the comment about overnight guests, since I've had that situation before - mega annoying!

[gizmo980]

Wait - I just realized you'd be moving in with THEM, so my legal suggestions don't really apply (but expect to be asked for those things). With that in mind, just ask about the issues that are important to you... if you're an early riser, make sure they aren't noisy all night; if you're clean, ask how they handle chores, etc. Also inquire about the parking situation if you have a car, and what the neighborhood is like - noisy, quiet, safe, local businesses, neighbors, and that kind of stuff.

[monti]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

smoking - both kinds

Gizmo, you rascal!

I noticed a certain often recurring smell while walking the streets of downtown...

Anyways~
Thanks guys, looks like I might be moving in near Bakers beach

!