When you own or rent a house or apartment, which has more space for one person or has space for one more person you are better off by taking in a roommate to fill the space, share the rent, or mortgage, and ward off your loneliness. You can ask one of your family, friends, or colleagues living by themselves to be your roommate. If they really think they can share a roof with they might agree to do so. This is always a safer option, as you know the person who you will be living with. If you are looking to share your place with someone outside your network you have all the media to help you find one.
Local newspapers, notice board display in offices, and online ads will get your message out. Some of the websites where you can advertise for roommates are roomyou.com, roommatelocator.com, roommates4you.com, adpost.com, metroroommates.com, easyroommates.com, craigslist.org, Sulekha.com, sublet.com, etc.
The lease that you signed for your rental property will have special clause governing occupancy and subletting. Before finalizing on a roommate you need to check with the landlord on the terms of it to avoid any dispute later. Property owners would want both of you on the lease, which is always a safe option for all. You might split the rent between the two of you but you are equally responsible for the whole rent to the property owner. If your roommate leaves half way that does not mean you do not pay half the rent.
Living with a roommate especially when they are someone new, it is safer to have some ground rules regarding personal space as well as the property you are renting together. Some ways to establish a black and white area when renting with roommates are by all of you signing the lease, or once person acts the landlord and sublet to others, or together you create your own contract.
Subletting is a great option when you have an irresponsible roommate but most complexes do not let subletting. In those cases making a written contract between you and your roommates is the safest option. You can also get your contract with roommates notarized, to make it a legal document.
There are several other factors other than the contract that you and your roommates should agree. Like, how to pay utilities, whose name should the utilities be on, who gets which room, what are the quite hours, how to deal with overnight guests, will you share food or have for him or herself, who does what household chores, what to do when one of you wants to move out, and how to handle a dispute. Be aware of the mediation services available to solve disputes out of court at low or no cost.

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