Moving into a summer sublet

zkt

Hey guys, I am moving out on my own finally, starting with a summer sublease, and just wanted to get some advice. I checked out two places today, both are inhabited by students of the nearby university. The first place is more spacious and I'd only have to share the apartment with one other person, while the second is in a more active part of the town and has a higher walk score, and there are more college students around my age, but there will be 2-3 others sharing the apartment with me (which could be a positive since I have difficulty meeting new people), and the room is very small. I called the first guy back and I'd sign a lease for the remainder of the summer and probably pay a deposit. I checked out everything like the laundry facilities, locks on the doors, kitchen, etc. but I just wanted to know what other questions I should ask.

Pure Din

This might just be me, but I think three is the perfect number if I had to choose a number of roommates. One roommate can be crazy, two roommates can make a clique and freeze you out. Also with more people, it's easier to set ground rules for cleaning schedule and such (and if you're at all socially awkward it's easier to hash out rules beforehand than try to bring up issues once they're already going on).

Although on the other hand, more than two people sharing a bathroom is kind of ick.

Either way it's only a summer though.

PS: Have you checked the bathrooms for mold?

zkt

Pure Din wrote: »

This might just be me, but I think three is the perfect number if I had to choose a number of roommates. One roommate can be crazy, two roommates can make a clique and freeze you out. Also with more people, it's easier to set ground rules for cleaning schedule and such (and if you're at all socially awkward it's easier to hash out rules beforehand than try to bring up issues once they're already going on).

Although on the other hand, more than two people sharing a bathroom is kind of ick.

Either way it's only a summer though.

PS: Have you checked the bathrooms for mold?

Thanks for the advice, long story short neither places worked out so I may just go ahead and get a 2 or 3 bedroom with roommates. I have a few questions regarding this:

Would the lease be in one persons name (most likely mine) if I find a 2br for $1200 (so 600 a person), meaning if my roommate is unable to pay his share for some reason I'd be completely responsible? What protection do I have when dealing with the worst case scenarios when it comes to leases and roommates (since this is a broad question is there a site with this info)?

mightyjongyo

Whether the lease is in one person's name or not is totally dependent on the landlord. Some places will have separate leases for each person, some will not. You'd have to ask the landlord. If it's only your name on the lease and your roommate does not pay his share, then yes, you will be held responsible.

schuss

Also, it depends on state laws. For example, in NH the people who sign the lease are all collectively responsible for getting the rent paid. In Mass., if you have 1 deadbeat, he is responsible for his portion, but you won't have to pay for it if you're separately named on the lease.