When you're on the lookout for an apartment, one of the first things to enter your mind is whether or not you plan to have a roommate. Undoubtedly, you've heard from proponents and opponents sitting on both sides of the argument. If you go the roommate route, you can reduce your rent by 50 percent. Even if the two of you aren't as snug as two peas in a pod, at least once a month (when you pay your rent), you'll be thankful. And if, even better, the two of you become instant friends, you've got built-in company -- a support system when you arrive home in the evenings after a tough day at the office. She's a sounding board for your every frustration. What could be better?

Living alone could be better -- and is better for many apartment renters. Sure, it costs more, but you're paying for the indispensable amenities of peace and quiet, privacy, and knowing that when the phone rings, it's for you. Nobody eats your groceries, leaves their clothes on the floor, or arrives home at 2 a.m. and interrupts your beauty rest with the slam of a door. On the other hand, single life has been known to become lonely on occasion, perhaps even claustrophobic. When weekends roll around, you social butterflies are climbing the walls. And should your plans fall through, you find yourself having a lively conversation with your dirty laundry. Yet, still others love the solitude that a roommateless existence allows. Self-determination is their mantra -- the ability to go any place they want, any time.

So there are two very valid sides to this coin. If you find yourself with the roommate from hell, there's precious little you can do about it if you're both paying rent.

If you decide to get a roommate, you're going to need to sit down first and discuss anything and everything. Even if you already know your roommate, you probably don't. Talking about these subjects up front initially may seem callous, cold, and calculating, but better you clear the air now than to discover later that you made a serious mistake. Here are a few suggestions for your discussion:

Money

• When are bills due?
• How are they going to be split?
• Is there a damage deposit?
• Who is the deposit payable to?
• Under what conditions is it refundable?

Furnishings

• Whose furnishings are you going to use?
• If you supply most of the furniture, are you expecting to be compensated?
• If there is damage done to one's possessions, how will the other be compensated?

Cleaning

Who is going to clean what, and when?

• Is there going to be a cleaning schedule?
• What happens if someone neglects their responsibility?
• Are cleaning supplies going to be shared?
• How are cleaning supplies going to be paid for? House fund? Individually?
• If someone cleans more often, are they going to be compensated in some way?

Relationship

• Are you going to be strictly roommates or friends too? (You may only discover the answer to this question over time.) How is this going to effect your living arrangements?

Overnight visitors

• Can you have overnight guests?
• How many nights is OK?
• Will they be using a common bathroom?
• Are they going to be sharing food?

Terms & length

• How about a no-obligation trial period of, for example, 30 days? Sixty days?
• What kind of notice is required before one roommate moves out?
• And put as many details in writing as you can. This will protect both of you should you have difficulties getting along.

Vices

• Discuss personal feelings on smoking, drinking, and drugs. Will these be permissible?
• If so, under what conditions?
• What if somebody breaks the rules?
• What if friends engage in these activities?

Sharing

• What will be shared, and what will be kept as personal items?
• Are you going to share food?
• Are separate telephones lines necessary?
• Will you be cooking together or separately?

Source: Roomies Roommate Service

To determine if you'd be a model roommate or a terrible one, take the Seattle Times' roommate quiz. You'll be left with no doubt. And if you fail the quiz, consider the merits of solo life.

Published: April 10, 1998

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.