Finding the Perfect Match: How to Pick the Perfect Roommate

February 26, 2026

These days, choosing a roommate that you actually enjoy living with can feel similar to dating! It’s more than just sharing common rooms and splitting rent. You want your apartment to feel like home, and finding the perfect match for that is essential.

 

Picking the wrong person can make things get miserable pretty quickly. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or looking to save some money by getting a roommate, you’re in the right hands. Our leasing experts at Hornig Companies have some helpful tips to make choosing a housemate who jives with you easier! 

Many of us have been in positions where we suddenly have a change in our household. Maybe you’re going through a breakup, or your roommate found a job out of state. Suddenly, you are left with the responsibility of filling that role. You may need to find a new place altogether, or another person to help with the cost of living.

 

We suggest treating finding a roommate similarly to finding a job. Write down a list of questions, responsibilities, personality traits, etc., to narrow down who you want to live with. Always meet in a public place when interviewing potential roommates and leave it to your property manager to give them a tour of the property. While you may find someone overnight, it may take some time for the right person to come along.


Ask Around

It’s safe to say you trust the people you’re closest to in your life. In that case, ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know of anyone looking to move. If you belong to any groups or organizations, this is another excellent resource.

 

For example, if you’re part of a pickleball team, one of your teammates may be in need of a new place to call home. And the best part? You already have something in common! Because we live in the age of social media, there are groups online, many city-specific, where you could market your available room for rent.


Interview Questions

Now that you’ve found a few candidates, what questions should you be asking to make sure you choose the ideal person? Here are some questions we suggest: 

  1. Why are you looking for a new roommate?
  2. What did you like and dislike about your last living situation?
  3. What are the five most important qualities you’re looking for in a roommate?
  4. What’s your daily work schedule like?
  5. Can you tell me about your cleaning habits?
  6. How often do you cook?
  7. When do you generally get up and go to bed?
  8. How much time do you spend at home on average?
  9. What are your hobbies?
  10. How do you like to spend your weekends?
  11. How often do you tend to have visitors over? (If their significant other practically lives with them or they have big dinner parties most weekends, that’s good to know.) 
  12. How social do you like to be with your roommates?
  13. Do you smoke?
  14. Do you have pets or allergies to pets?
  15. Do you work from home?


Hang Out With Prospects

Alright, now that you’ve interviewed people and you have a few in mind that feel like they could make great roommates - spend time with them! Whether you meet for coffee, go for a walk around Lake of the Isles, or do a hobby you both enjoy, this can really make sure you two are compatible! See why we said it’s a lot like dating?


Go Over Logistics

You’ve found the one! Now it’s time to go over the logistics of it all. Will the utilities remain in your name? How will you split bills? Do you already have furniture, or if your last roommate moved out, did they take it with them?

 

These are just a few of the things you’ll want to consider. Lastly, make sure they fill out an application with your property management company. The last thing you want is an unauthorized person living in your unit, which can lead to further issues. Once they’ve applied, their application is approved, and their lease is signed - you’re set!


Final Thoughts 

We hope these tips and tricks help you if you’re in need of a new roommate. Many people learn from experience that not everyone is a perfect match in terms of living together. Find someone who is compatible with your living situation, financially stable, and has mutual respect for you and your home. 

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At Hornig Companies, we believe there's nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, cozy layers, and pumpkin-spiced everything create the perfect backdrop for getting out and exploring all our beautiful state has to offer. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, October is packed with events that capture the spirit of the season - from harvest festivals and haunted hayrides to corn pits and Oktoberfest celebrations. Here are some of the top fall happenings around Minnesota this month—grab your flannel and discover the autumn fun waiting just outside! Jack‑O‑Lantern Spectacular - 🎃 September 26 – November 2, 2025

Easy Tips to Make Your Home an Autumnal Paradise

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As we welcome the month of September, it’s time to say goodbye to the warm breeze of another Minnesota summer. Whether you live in a townhome in St. Joseph, a cozy walk-up in St. Paul, or a brownstone apartment in Uptown or the Minneapolis Lake Loop, the changing leaves and cool temps mean one thing: it’s time to make your space as cozy and welcoming as a mug of hot cider from the St. Paul Farmers' Market. If you’re renting, you can easily bring autumn into your apartment with a few thoughtful touches. Fall in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a whole vibe - apple orchards, cozy bookstores, leaf-strewn bike trails - and your home can feel just as charming. Grab your favorite flannel, a latte from your favorite coffee shop, and let’s turn your apartment into a content autumn hideaway. Start with a Deep Clean

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Although many of the buildings in Hornig Companies’ portfolio have rich histories, what if we told you one of them is home to one of the most notorious gangsters in America? 3252 Girard Avenue South may be a beautiful apartment building today, but it once housed an individual that quickly became a household name. You may already know his infamous name. John Dillinger was a notorious American bank robber and criminal during the early 1930s, often regarded as one of the most famous figures of the Great Depression-era crime wave.