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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