Rentwise! Chapter One -- Roommates

WHAT ABOUT ROOMMATES?

It makes sense to share expenses with a friend, but it's not easy to find one whom you can count on for 12 continuous months. Potential roommates should frankly discuss:

Housekeeping and eating habits should be discussed in detail because differences cause such discomfort. Talk about cooking smells, cleaning the 'fridge, dirty dishes, the cat box, allergies, whether you like windows open, scrubbing the tub, garbage, and of course, pets. You may even want to put agreements in writing.

Students err when they select roommates based on personality or popularity rather than STABILITY AND RELIABILITY. Signing a binding legal contract with someone is serious business. Roommates who don't deliver their share of the rent on time will drive you nuts, and if one flunks out and flees for home, the remaining "lessee" is responsible for all rent, unless he/she can successfully sue the deserter. (Also see Living Together in Chapter Three.)

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