3 Questions to Ask Your NYC Roommates Before Moving In

The New York City housing market moves fast.

When I search for an available 1BRs in a shared apartments, I use a mental grading system that accounts for:

• neighborhood
• rent $
• bedroom size
• roommate vibes
• interior amenities

Some of the above are more important that others. It’s a delicate balance.

But once you’ve found THE ROOM that you like, act fast. Give a verbal yes.

SAY YOU’RE INTERESTED, AND ask these 3 things:

Can I review the master lease?
It’s not uncommon for people to try to skimp you and add a part of their lease portion onto yours. You want to feel comfortable that what you are paying is fairly priced. Some roommates split apartment rents evenly. Some do it on a scale, depending on square footage per room or private bathrooms, closets, etc. Just confirm your amount with the whole price of the unit. No one should have a problem with showing you the official document.
Are you dating?
I like knowing if I can expect another person to be around often, weekend sleepovers, etc. Personally, I have no problem with partners chillin’ at our place but through experience, I learned its useful to know beforehand vs. finding out about an additional person after moving in.
If there was anything you could change about the apartment, what would it be?
People give apartment tours disclosing all the positive details about the space. Asking this question lets them point out 1 or 2 things you perhaps didn’t think about. Answers I’ve gotten from previous roommates were “more closet space” or “quieter neighbors” or “stronger water pressure.” They’re specific details that I didn’t have on my own checklist but would not have known until I moved in myself and can now consider.

I’ve always become friends with the people I live with and I like that
I use Roomi, Gypsy Housing on Facebook, and Craigslist to find 1BRs and stay f*ing on top of communications
Always show up on time, if not early, for an apartment tour
In the case of New York housing, no news is bad news. If you texted to follow up and haven’t heard back, high chances that they’ve found someone already
People in NYC move all the time, something will open up. Stay positive
Be honest about your lifestyle. If you’re not 420 friendly, let them know. If you’re actually OCD clean, also them know. If you try to compromise something that’s important to you, you’ll feel miserable living there
I’ve never lived with close friends because I care too much about the friendship

This article was kicked off from a list I jotted on a small post it when the inspiration hit me.