After you move out of your parents’ home, one of your first major decisions will be whether to get your own place or move in with a roommate. Many young adults choose to get a roommate when renting an apartment due to the many benefits this living arrangement offers. Learn more about the benefits of this living situation to help decide whether a roommate is right for you.

The Perks of a Roommate

1. Save Money

A roommate makes your cost of living much more affordable. You can divide your rent and utilities by the number of roommates you have. Even if you need to get a larger place to accommodate the number of people, your portion of the cost will likely go down. With roommates, people can afford a much nicer and larger place than they could on their own.

You can discuss with your roommates whether you’d like to share the cost of other things as well, such as furnishings, groceries, and shared household items. To protect yourself financially, have all roommates sign the lease, rather than sub-leasing. This ensures you won’t be responsible for their portion of the rent should they choose to move out or not pay.

2. Enjoy Companionship

A roommate is an instant companion. You won’t need to come home to an empty and lonely house each day. You can come home to a friend with whom you can talk about your day, eat dinner with, or enjoy your newfound independence together. Many people find that even if they move in with a stranger, their roommate becomes a close friend that they stay in contact with long after moving out.

3. Share the Workload

When you move into your own apartment for the first time, you may be surprised at all the work that goes into caring for an apartment or home. From doing the dishes to maintaining the yard, it’s a lot. A roommate can share those responsibilities with you. Plan a chore chart when you move in together or discuss your mutual expectations so everyone is clear on their responsibilities.

 

 

When you and your future roommates are ready to find your home, work with Murphy Properties. They have five locations throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island, each with high-quality apartments at affordable rates. Their residents love their exceptional maintenance, comfortable amenities, and easy access to entertainment and shopping. Visit their website to learn more about their properties and call (860) 599-1980 to talk about renting an apartment.