Helping Youth Select Roommates

Youth in SILPs will need assistance identifying appropriate roommates. Social workers and probation officers are charged with assisting them in doing so. The first step is having a discussion with the NMD about what an ideal roommate is to him or her in order to gauge what kind of judgment is being used and what type of lifestyle NMD is seeking. Some counseling may have to occur to help NMDs decipher the types of roommate(s) who would be safe and positive options.

The next step is helping the NMD prepare for (usually informal) interviewing with potential roommates: When interviewing with potential roommate(s) or identifying friends or acquaintances to room with, it is important to ask questions and assess compatibility. The Roommate Questionnaire can be used by NMDs to prompt conversations with potential roommates who already have an established household, to help determine whether it’s a good fit. It can also be used as a tool when a NMD is considering looking for housing with friends to make sure that they will be compatible as roommates

A blank version of the questionnaire is located in Young Adult’s Guide to Housing. Below is an example of how to use the questionnaire.

Roommate Questionnaire

Sharing Space

What areas of the house will be private and what areas will be shared? / Private room. Shared living room, bathroom and kitchen
What are their housekeeping standards? / Lots of dirty dishes in sink
How are household chores shared? / No set system
How will general storage space be shared? / Only storage in your own room
How will storage in the kitchen (pantry, refrigerator, freezer) be allocated? / Everyone has a shelf in the kitchen and fridge to keep food
Are there pets in the house? / ¨ Yes ý No Type______
If you have a car, what are the parking arrangements? / No car
What are their needs regarding socializing and privacy? / People don’t really hang out together

Personal Habits

How often do they have guests over? / Not too often
Do guests often spend the night? / One person has a girlfriend who stays over a lot
How do they feel about you having guests over? / Ok with it
Temperature preferences for summer and winter / Don’t know. Never been an issue.
What hours do they keep? / Mostly stay up late at night and sleep in
What are the expectations regarding smoking and/or drinking? / Ok to smoke outside. No restrictions on drinking
What are the expectations around noise level? / No loud music allowed
What are their television watching habits? / Everyone has tv in their own room
How will you deal with conflict together? / People work it out amongst themselves
Do all roommates have stable income to pay rent? / Both guys work full time.
Who will you be paying rent to? Will you be on the lease? / Everyone pays to landlord
How are utility costs split? / Split evenly three ways
Will you be sharing food costs? / ¨ Yes ý No
Will you share a phone line/phone costs? / ¨ Yes ý No
How much notice do you need to give to move out? / 30 days
What happens if one of the roommates moves out? / Post on Craigslist for new one

Money

Other Information

The two guys both seem laid back. It seems like they respect each other’s privacy and get along ok with each other. Main problem is that kitchen seems like it’s messy.

Once the interview is completed, the housing seeker should take some time to consider their overall impression of the potential roommate(s). Some questions to consider are:

Ø  Do the roommates’ hours, habits, preferences, and housekeeping standards match those of the housing seeker’s?

Ø  Do they seem responsible and will they pay their share of the rent/bills on time?

Ø  Do they seem willing to accommodate others needs or will they insist that they get their way?

Ø  Will they respect others space, possessions and privacy?

Ø  Is the housing seeker willing to abide by any rules already in place in the house?