Questions to Ask Potential Flatmates

Those who rent spend a considerable amount of time living with others, and it can be hard trying to find the ‘perfect’ flatmate.

The process of finding somebody to live with you can be particularly hard if you are picking from strangers, so here are a few things you might like to ask/consider before choosing whether or not you want to live with someone.

Gender
You might like to think about whether you would prefer to live with a male or female. Think about the gender of existing housemates and how a new male or female would fit into the group dynamic.

Age
Do you wish your new flatmate to be the same age as you or existing flatmates? Often different age groups have differing interests, opinions and living habits.

Smoking/Drinking Habits
A new flatmate’s smoking and drinking habits could affect your existing health and financial arrangements.

Personality
What do you expect from a new flatmate? Are you looking for a potential friend, or merely someone to assist in rent payments? Do you get on well with outgoing personalities or people who are a little more reserved? Will your new flatmate feel isolated if you make plans without them?

Similar Hobbies/Interests
Not necessarily a pre-requisite to a harmonious flatmate-ship, however it may be easier for flatmates to get along if they have some kind of common ground.

Personal belongings
Will you be expecting a new housemate to contribute to household furniture? How much space will you be allocating for their personal belongings? Consider the space available – if you are living in a small apartment, a potential flatmate with few belongings may be more suitable than someone who has a lot of furniture to store.
Questions you may like to ask flatmate candidates –

1. Why are you looking for a place to share?
2. Have you lived in a share house situation before?
3. How often do you like to entertain or have friends over?
4. Do you go out a lot, or do you prefer to spend time at home?
5. What kind of music do you like? Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
6. What are your preferred eating arrangements?
7. Describe your ideal living arrangement.
8. In your own words – what are your 3 worst habits?
9. What furniture/belongings would you be bringing with you?
10. How long are you looking to stay?
11. What are your future plans?
12. Could you provide references, if needed?

Asking the right questions before your potential flatmate moves in is the best way to guarantee that you are starting off on the right foot with similar expectations of each other, and hopefully this helps limit disagreements and conflict down the track.

Good luck and happy flatmate hunting!