The Roommate Checklist: This checklist provides a few items you should consider
before choosing a roommate and additional items we suggest you agree upon with your potential roommate before making a commitment.
This checklist provides
a few items you should consider before choosing a roommate and additional items we suggest you agree upon with your potential
roommate before making a commitment.
Following are items you should consider prior to ever interviewing
a potential roommate.
What
to charge, or what you are willing to pay for rent. If you're not sure what is a fair amount we suggest you look at other
like listings within this site, and consider your own financial situation.
Length of time your room will be available for rent, or length of time you plan to stay.
How many people (and/or pets) are you comfortable living
with? Will additional rooms be rented to others?
How
important is your future parking situation?
How
utilities will be paid (amount and when are payments due)?
Who's name will the utilities be under?
Will there be a security deposit, lease terms, receipts for payments?
Compatibility is important,
and we recommend you be aware of critical issues that will make living with your new roommate enjoyable. Following are a few
things to consider when interviewing your potential new roommate.
What is your level of importance of household and personal security? Do you lock the doors
while at home? Are you concerned if your roommate has not been heard from in over 48 hours?
How important is a clean household? How frequently do you expect your roommate
to participate in household cleaning?
Are
you OK with roommates borrowing your belongings or would you prefer they did not?
Are you OK with personal property being left in common areas?
Do you plan to share any household consumables or keep everything
separate?
Are there any concerns
about household clothing in common areas? Are you OK with you roommate walking around in their underwear?
What type of relationship are you looking for with your new
roommate? Are you looking for someone to hang out with or someone to just share the bills?
Are political or religious outlooks important to you?
What are your expectations of household noise? Are you a
night owl or an early bird?
Is smoking
an issue? Are certain areas off limits or designated for smoking?
What are your views on consumption of alcohol and/or recreational drugs?
Will family members be stopping by? How frequently and for
what length of time?
Is there a
"significant other(s)" that will be stopping over? How often? Will they be staying the night? How often?
Are there out of town friends/family that will be visiting?
Would you prefer them to stay in a hotel or at the household?
The best way to solve problems with tenants is to prevent those problems from coming up in the first place. And it starts with the tenant-selection process.
• Set clear tenant selection criteria that comply with regulations in your area. You want renters who are financially
responsible, show respect for your property, and are likely to keep renewing the lease.
•
Think about your ideal tenant and write an ad that will appeal to that specific person. Then, to make your unit especially
attractive to your ideal tenant, price it slightly under market rates.
• Hold an open house
to show the property. An open house saves time, interrupts current residents less, and can increase a sense of demand for
the property.
• Run a detailed background check on any applicants that you’re seriously
considering. Confirm their identity, call their previous landlords, verify their employment (we like to call the company they
work for AND get copies of their recent pay stubs), and check their credit and criminal history.
Using
the criteria you’ve established and all the information you’ve collected, you should be able to select a tenant
who will not only be trouble-free but will happily stay in the apartment for a good long time.
I have a room, in my Olathe townhouse, $500/mo
+ utlities
George Crawford
913-871-9437
Share
my GREEN-Engineered house--Look Around and Compare, You Must See--$$$$$$$---------------Fall is coming with the change of
seasons, the beautiful colors of the trees and plants, the sun set through my large west windows across the grass meadow
across the street is soothing as if I am on vacation every day, ------- in the country, with a country club life style
Mature professional woman wanted to rent room in my lovely home in Olathe
KS. The room is furnished and comes with cable and high speed internet. The bath would be shared with current roommate. Full
use of the laundry room, kitchen, family room with wood burning fireplace and patio with beautifully landscaped yard. My home
is just minutes away from I-35, 435, and K-10. I am located on the intersection of 119th and Ridgeview.
The
rent is $475 a month and that includes all utilities. There are no deposits or lease.
I prefer a lady
in my own age group of 45 or more.
I am looking to rent two bedroom in Olathe, home is furnished
with private bath, prefer female, no pets, rent for one room is $500 and if you rent both rooms - $750,
location 119st and greenwood 3 minute to jccc
If you have any questions. George- GACRealEstate@aol.com
Room
South of Olathe
I have a room for rent in my house located in Spring Hill, KS. It’s about 10 minutes
south of Olathe and only 17 miles from Lenexa to give you a bearing. I’m looking for $400 per month, no deposit
necessary, and all the utilities would be included. I would prefer no pets as I have two cats. I do smoke, but
have no problems smoking outside if it bothers you. I would prefer a responsible, female roommate as, based on my experience,
they are generally cleaner then men (as evidenced by my last roommate). The room is unfurnished, but you would have
your own bathroom. Full access to the kitchen, living room, and den are of course included. I have a two car garage
so you take the other half. I do not have much storage space though, but I do have some.
4 Bedroom, 3 bath house. Would like to
rent out one room with private bath. House has full kitchen, breakfast nook, family room, den, and formal dining room.
House has two extra unoccupied rooms if a divorced parent needs a place to bring their kids. Home is located on a 3/4
acre lot, 9 hole golf course in neighborhood, private neighborhood stocked fishing pond and private neighborhood playground.
3 car garage that one slot is available for renter. Would like a professional type individual. No drugs,
smoking ok in garage or outside. Pets are ok as long as they are house trained.
Will want you to do a credit check
on individual desiring to reside here. Thanks
4 Bedroom,
3 bath house. Would like to rent out one room with private bath. House has full kitchen, breakfast nook,
family room, den, and formal dining room. House has two extra unoccupied rooms if a divorced parent needs a place to
bring their kids. Home is located on a 3/4 acre lot, 9 hole golf course in neighborhood, private neighborhood stocked
fishing pond and private neighborhood playground. 3 car garage that one slot is available for renter. Would
like a professional type individual. No drugs, smoking ok in garage or outside. Pets are ok as long as they are
house trained.
Will want you to do a credit check on individual desiring to reside here. Rent $500/mo
House is
2900 square feet finished, 1300 unfinished.
House is partially
furnished, has cable, TV's, couches, etc. Tenant would have to furnish own bedroom. Tenants bedroom has private
bath, built in desk, etc. Very nice house with large rooms. Washer and dryer already here. 3 car garage,
Wolf Creek golf course, 3/4 acre lot, so very private.
I am looking for a male
roomate (really it's a house mate). Below is a brief description.
I have a nice
1 1/2 story home in a nice neighborhood with parks and shopping close by near 91st & Lackman in
Lenexa. The renter will have a large master bedroom along with a large private bath on the upper
level of the house. We will share the rest of the house including a washer/dryer, garage, and the bills.
Thanks, John
Room In Lenexa
Western Lenexa - 83rd and k7.
4 bedroom house, 3 full bath, fenced yard, I have two large dogs pretty friendly, neighborhood pool, 3 car garage, the house
is approx. 4 yrs old.
The
upper level has two bedrooms and a bathroom that I would like to rent out. I am looking for a female roommate between
20-35 with no pets or kids. Currently in the house is me (25yr old male), my girlfriend 23yr old, and another roommate 23yr
old male. I would like a female to keep things in somewhat of a balance. We all work fulltime and are quiet during
the week however we do go out on the weekends. The place for rent would be the two bedrooms and bathroom level so it
would be somewhat private.
Room for rent:nice duplex near 119th & Antioch. Christian
environment (no smoke/no drink/no drugs). Furnished $425/mo., $250 deposit, 4 mo. min. Very convenient to lots of stores
and shops. Available April 30. Email:don777@swbell.netor call 913-338-0129.
Awesome location in quiet neighborhood
Two bedrooms with a shared hall bath
are for rent in a comfortable (over 3,000 sqf.), furnished 4 bedrooms home. Located in Overland Park it has easy access to
shopping malls, restaurants and highways.
Tenant prospects must be drugs free,
smokeless, responsible and respectful companions. No pets are allowed. Pool, fitness equipment and game room are available
in the premises. Price includes utilities and wireless internet access. Telephone information and property pictures may be
provided upon development of strong mutual interest.
The price is $600.00 per room and includes all utilities. There is no
contract, this is a month to month deal and there are also NO deposit. The rent is due at the moving day and that will be
the due day for the coming months.
Please let me know if you have any questions. George- GACRealEstate@aol.com
Hello, I'm Romar, 30 yr. old male that lives in a
duplex in Shawnee. There's an older couple (in their 60's) that is like family that I live with that
are moving out by November 1st and I'm looking for a roommate(s). Even though I could pay the rent myself, it would
be nice to split the rent and utilities in a fluctuating economy. I've graduated with my MBA last Feb. and I work
in the Insurance industry from 9:00 - 5:30, M - F in the Overland Park area in a stable, business analyst cube
job. I live right off of Shawnee Dr. so I'm close to I-35, Apple Market, and other necessities. The place
is in a good neighborhood and kids like to play in the street. The rent will be $400/month for one bedroom and we'll
be splitting utilities also. Since it's a 3 bedroom duplex, I'm looking for another roommate which which would
lower the rent to $300/month each and split utilities if the 2nd bedroom is occupied. I already have cable through
AT&T but will have to upgrade to wireless Internet to make accommodations for other computers. The place is not
big and will not have much; I don't have a TV, refrigerator (I have a mini for myself) but will
invest in a full-size one soon, washer/dryer (there's a laundrymat very close to where I live), and community furniture.
The place does have a microwave, stove, freezer, and a 1 bathroom on each floor (the other bathroom
is attached to my room). The other bathroom will have to be shared and is located between the other two bedrooms.
I'll be living on the bottom floor but the other two bedrooms that I'll be renting out are bigger than my bedroom.
We have enough room for 3 cars for the duplex plus a one-car garage. We also have a moderate sized pantry where the
freezer (washer/dryer should be) that can be used for storage. This would be a win-win situation if you're looking
to save money. Respond if interested in becoming a roommate. I also have a profile on www.myspace.com/romarstar
Month to Month Room at beautiful
duplex in Shawnee 3 bedroom, 2 bath New carpet All appliances work double glass windows new blinds Month to Month, Do not have to sign a lease Security Deposit Required
$400 Utilites included
Rent
to OWN
2625 W 47th Terrace, Westwood, KS 66205
It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow.
I have attached a flyer that shows pictures of the home.
We are selling the home for $125,000 or owner financing
for $5000 down and payments of $850/month.
I have a 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 car garage home that is very close to the Plaza.
It
is currently listed and will be available for rent Jan 1. I am would like $1,000 for rent and a $900 deposit. I am also open
to doing a lease option.
Available Now. 12/2010- I have a 3bdrm 2 bath. I am wanting to rent 2 bedrooms to
a mature, clean, responsible female for $625 with $450 deposit. All utilities are included plus cable
and wireless. The shared space will be 2 baths, kitchen, dining, living room, pantry, private drive, screened porch and
large yard. It is in a safe, quiet residential area. It is north of the river about 2 miles and off every
main highway in Kansas City. The bus route is 3 blocks away.
Room for Rent Blue Springs
We offer an area with a private bedroom, private living
room, private 1/2 bath and closet. We will share the kitchen and full bath. This comes furnished with a bed, dresser,
desk, bookcases, couch and tv. Washer and dryer also available. The rent does include all utilities. We are asking $425 a
month. Internet and cable available for an additional $25 a month. We are located in Blue Springs. One block from 7 &
40 hwys. 5 miles from 291 hwy and about 2 miles from I-70. 2 grocery stores one block away and another about 2 blocks away.
Lots of specialty stores and restaurants and a library in the area. Immediate availablility. We prefer no pets but
that is negotiable. NO LONGER ON MARKET
contact
GACRealEstate@aol.com
$550 All Inclusive...Utilities Paid (Kansas City, Mo. (NORTH))
Share 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. Your own bedroom and own bathroom. Share rest of house and garage.
All Utilities Paid. Cable and internet, also wireless available. Large fenced back yard. No smoking in20house..Smoking is
OK in garage and outside. I keep my house clean and neat and expect the same from you. Pets are negotiable. Deposit is negotiable.
Pool access in season. Quiet neborhood. Not looking for a party person or person with a lot of company and traffic.
female with no children only, pets are ok.
My
name is Victoria. I have historical house with 3 bedroom on second floor with shower and bathroom and one
loft room. Living, dining family room, with bath, laundryroom and
kitchen on main floor. Tiles and hardwood floor with pocket doors. 2 car garage, new roof. This is for rent $950 for one family
and for 3 people $ 325 each.Deposit the same. also if some one want to buy or option to buy will have a tax cut for 10 years
and for another 15 years 50%.The sale price will be $199,000. House is in St. Joseph
Ultra Modern 4 Bedroom/3.5 Bath Home in Kansas City, MO, I-29 & Tiffany Springs Road, 1.5 miles from I-29, 1
mile from I-435. Quiet neighborhood.
Large Bedroom w/Walk-In closet
Large Private Bath
Drive-way parking (if your car does not leak fluids)
RR High Speed Internet
Washer/Dryer
Housekeeper for common areas
Ground level Patio
All utilities included except telephone
MUST BE GAY FRIENDLY
Easy going, fun
loving, sense of humor, responsible, clean guy here. I have a friendly, de-clawed cat, who thinks he is human. Must have references,
be responsible, considerate, and clean, but not a "clean freak".
Room for Rent to Mature-Retired Adult in North
K.C.
I have a lovely home, SFR in North Kansas City, and
am looking for a mature person, retired but probably semi-retired active person (who has clean habits – no smoking,
spitting etc?) you get my gist…? This is a Master Bedroom, with private bath, private parking in
the rear, pool and tennis across the street. Kitchen and laundry privileges, the price is 395 per month plus UT.
(about $75.00 depending on the individual) …
Gorgeous NEW
home for rent. This is a model home, (*$415,000) currently vacant looking for an executive tenant. Rent
is $2600 per month, style- reverse Ranch. Kansas City Mo.
I live in Eagle Creek Community TownHomes in Lee's
Summit, MO. and would like to rent one of my spare bedrooms.
A little about me: I am a 39 y/o SBF, no kids, no pets, no drama!! My home is 1700 sq feet, 3 bedrooms 21/2 bath.
The room for rent has a queen size bed w/night stand, walk-in closet, attached full size bath. Washer/Dryer upstairs
with bedrooms. I work as a full-time nanny (41/2 years), part-time telemarketer for All-State Insurance and I run my
own home-based business on the weekend. (Pampered Chef Consultant) I do not smoke, do drugs, social drinker (glass of
wine 2-3x's month), no criminal background. I am looking for someone between the ages of 30-45, female room mate
only, employed, no pets, no drugs, no wild parties, no over night guest. Race is not an issue for me. Preferably
no kids but would consider 1 kid under 2. Allergic to pets, so that is non-negotiable. The rent is $400/util incl,
satellite cable, high-speed internet access, access to the kitchen, unfurnished basement for storage and off street parking.
Nice, quite neighborhood....
If you have any questions. George- GACRealEstate@aol.com
One bedroom left to rent in a 4 bedroom house. Cute
home in Nice neighborhood. Share house with 3 other males in their 20's. 2 live upstairs and share a
full bath, the room available is on the main level and share one full bath. Plenty of off street parking.
Near I-435 and Hwy 71 in the South part of KC, MO. Full laundry and kitchen facilities. Bonus
sun room. Backs to park like yard for privacy. $325 per month includes utilities. Month to month, no lease
required.
I am looking for a long term 1 yr or more room to
rent. I would like to have internet access along with kitchen and laundry and common use areas. I would prefer a woman
landlord, non smoker house or apartment. Looking to pay no more than $500 a month in rent, maybe have off street parking
? Now to give you a little info on me/// swm 47 , employeed full time and I carry a gun due to my job, as a armored courior.
I work long hours and and enjoy my off time by walking and grilling on my gas grill. I am a non smoker and wine drinker,,I
do have sleep apnea so I tend to snore but use a machine. I would like to find a place in kc area close to downtownas in
westport, strawberry hill, north kc and on the hill of kcmo. I have been at my job since 2001, when I retired from the service
I
am looking for 1 BR apartment in Overland Park. Since my office is located at 130 st and Matcalf therefore I would prefer
the locations nearby this area. Other Important thing what I want to mention here that I dont wanna go for lease, I
am only interested in Month to month payments. I am ready to pay in advance in the start of every month. Price range I
am looking for is upto 600USD/month.
About me, I am a telecom engineer by profession. I keep my living place
very clean and peaceful. Most of the time I am on work.
If I had a Million $ should be changed to 'If I took home $5 Billion/yr in 2008- the new standard' and 'I need
back pay for every second since I earned my MS BS EASY A+ IN ECON...... DROP THEM"
Out Side of the Kansas City Area
Room for Rent Atlanta
Georgia
HUGE BEAUTIFUL HOUSE* A MUST SEE… VERY CLEAN, QUIET, & CALM* 1 Rooms
Available for Move-In
Here you will enjoy: - Nicely furnished living room, dinning room and eat in
kitchen - Use of kitchen - Use of washer and dryer in the house - Your room has a nice size closet - Your bedroom is large enough to hold bed + dresser + desk + entertainment - This is a 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom house - The room that is available does share a bathroom
- The house
is conveniently located... - 5 minute drive toI-20 - 20 minute drive to Downtown
Atlanta - 10 minute walk to MARTA bus stop
PLEASE ----> NO PETS! NO SMOKERS! NO ILLEGAL
DRUG USERS!
- Rent is $400 Per Month - Utilities included (Gas, Electric, water and Cable) - Professional
biweekly cleaning - $200 refundable DEPOSIT Required! - No Credit check -Background check re quired - Overall, an Extremely CLEAN, CALM & NEW place to live.
If you need extra cash, you may be able to turn to your home for help.
Renting out a spare room can provide very good income -- perhaps $450 to $600 per month, though this varies by region and
room quality. First step: Check the rooms-for-rent listings in your local newspaper classifieds or online
at Craigslist.org to find out how much other home owners are asking in your area. Though renting out a room is a potential income
source for any home owner, it’s most likely to pay off if...
You can offer a room with a private bathroom and/or private entrance.
Your home is located near public transportation.
Your region has employers that hire temporary and/or seasonal employees, such as colleges and universities.
SELECTING A TENANT
Renting out a room means inviting a stranger into your life. The wrong tenant could make
you feel uncomfortable... rob you... or fail to pay rent. Strategies for finding the right tenant... Work
with a nonprofit home-sharing organization. These local organizations match home owners with room renters, usually
for free. They have experience spotting potential problem tenants and even might conduct background checks on prospective
tenants. Links to home-sharing organizations can be found on the National Shared Housing Resource Center’s Web
site (www.nationalsharedhousing.org). Click the "Directory" link, then search for programs in your region coded "MU," for "Match-Up
Program." Contact employers in your region. Companies that hire temporary employees or that
transfer employees to the region from other branches for temporary assignments sometimes keep track of local housing options.
Contact local universities’ housing departments. They might know of graduate students or visiting professors in
need of rooms for a semester or longer. Contact school principals. Schools sometimes hire temporary replacements from out
of town when teachers take maternity leave. Contact hospital human resources departments. Hospitals often hire temporary nurses,
sometimes from overseas. Contact local houses of worship. Ask if they know any trustworthy people
in need of affordable housing. Insist that a potential tenant supply proof of stable income, such
as pay stubs. Also get his/her employer’s contact information so that you can get a reference. And be sure to get at
least two other references, including one from a previous landlord. If you want to avoid tenants who have criminal histories,
lean toward applicants in fields such as teaching or nursing, where background checks and drug tests are the norm. If you
want to conduct your own check, search online for "background check" to find a company. Be sure to have the renter’s
Social Security number so that you are checking the right person. To see if the person is a sex offender, go to www.nsopw.gov/core/publicregistrysites.aspx. Don’t wait until the last minute. Home owners often wait until their financial situations
become desperate before renting out a room. This desperation forces them to accept almost anyone who knocks on their door.
Better to advertise your room for rent several months before your financial situation becomes tight so that you can be selective.
HOUSE RULES
Home owners should explain the house rules to would-be tenants before agreeing
to let them move in...
Identify the sections of the house and grounds that are off-limits to the tenant.Example: The
master bedroom, den and the garden on the east side of the house are private areas.
Explain if and where smoking is allowed.Example: Smoking is not allowed in the home,
but it is permitted on the back patio.
Explain whether pets are allowed.Example: Cats and dogs are not permitted, but smaller
pets confined to cages or aquariums are acceptable, subject to the home owner’s approval.
Describe where the renter can park.Example: The renter can park a vehicle on the driveway’s
left side, leaving room for other vehicles to pass.
Explain whether overnight and daytime guests are allowed.Example:Daytime guests are permitted
in the renter’s private room but not in the home’s common areas. Overnight guests are not permitted.
Lay out the tenant’s access to the house TV and other electronics...the refrigerator... the washer/dryer...
and the house phone. Example: The tenant can use the TV and stereo between 10 am and 10 pm if they are
not being used by the home owner. One shelf will be made available in the refrigerator for the tenant’s use. The tenant
has the right to do two loads of laundry per week. The tenant cannot use the house phone without specific permission from
the home owner.
Set certain hours as "quiet time."Example: The tenant agrees to keep noise
down between 10 pm and 8 am.
Explain whether the tenant has any right to change the thermostat...and, if not, at what temperature the
home will be kept. Example: The home will be heated to at least 68° in the winter and cooled to stay
below 75° in the summer. The tenant cannot change the thermostat without permission.
List any restrictions on food storage, preparation and consumption in the tenant’s private room.Example: The
tenant can eat in the kitchen or in his private room, but all food will be stored and prepared in the kitchen. No hot plate,
microwave or refrigerator is permitted in the private room.
Explain who is responsible for household utility bills.Example: All utility bills will
be paid by the home owner. (Room renters generally prefer the certainty of a fixed charge.)
ROOM
RENTING AND THE LAW
Five legal considerations... Landlord law. A long list of
state and federal laws govern the landlord/tenant relationship. Examples: Many jurisdictions have laws
restricting a landlord’s right to evict a tenant or enter a tenant’s room or apartment... limiting security deposits
and fees... and requiring the disclosure of lead paint and other health risks. The Web site of the US Department of
Housing and Urban Development offers details for federal fair housing laws and links to sites that cover state laws (www.hud.gov, click "Rental Assistance" under "Topic Areas," then read the sections under "Your Rights and Responsibilities").
Exception: If you are renting out a room in your own residence, you are not subject to
the same strict federal antidiscrimination laws that other landlords must follow. You could choose to rent only to someone
of your own gender. Zoning laws. Some towns and neighborhoods have rules limiting the number of
unrelated people who can live together under one roof. These rules typically do not prevent home owners from renting out one
room to one unrelated roommate, but it’s worth checking with your town offices. Taxes. The
rent your tenant pays to you is income that should be reported to the IRS. However, you likely can deduct a portion of your
home’s depreciation... home repair and maintenance costs... utility bills... and homeowner’s insurance premiums
from this rental income. See IRS publication 527, Residential Rental Property, for details. You can download
it at www.irs.gov. Insurance. Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to make sure that your policy will
not be voided if you take in a tenant... and that you will be covered if the tenant causes damage to the home or is injured
on your property and sues. Contracts. Prepare a written lease to be signed by both you and your
tenant. Suitable forms can be found in do-it-yourself legal guidebooks... or downloaded from law Web sites, such as Nolo.com, typically for $10 or $25. This lease should spell out each party’s responsibilities, including the house rules...
the amount of rent and the day of the month on which rent is due... whether a security deposit is required... and the terms
under which the lease can be ended. Room-rental agreements typically allow either party to terminate the lease with 30 days’
notice.
Bottom Line/Personal interviewed
Jacqueline Grossmann, copresident of the National Shared Housing Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for consumer information
about shared housing programs. She also is homesharing coordinator of the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs,
a nonprofit organization serving the north suburban Chicago region. www.interfaithhousingcenter.org.
You can offer a room with a private bathroom and/or private entrance.
