- Each roommate should determine their own personal budget. Consider how much you can afford each month for rent, utilities, garbage, water, cable, internet, food, entertainment, etc.
- Roommates should discuss their collective budget. How much can roommates afford to pay in monthly rent collectively? Will roommates have their own room or share? How might this influence the rent each pays?
- Roommates should determine a process for resolving conflict. Before moving in together roommates should talk and create a Roommate Agreement. A Roommate Agreement is a written contract made between the residents of a rental unit. It outlines the terms and conditions of living together agreed to by the roommates such as cleaning responsibilities, having visitors over, noise levels, communication preferences, etc.
- Each roommate put at least one utility in their name to help build their credit. Having a record of making utility payments on time can help reduce or eliminate having to pay large utility deposits in the future.
- Practice good communication. Poor communication can often escalate problems. Communication plays a vital role in human life. It not only helps to facilitate the process of sharing information and knowledge, but also helps roommates, and people in general, to develop stronger relationships.