Avoid Roommate Red Flags: Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate Before Moving in Together

There’s something hopeful, and maybe even a little intimidating, about sharing your home with someone new.

A good roommate can be a massive relief. Split bills, split cleaning—what’s not to love? They may even become a trusted confidant, a daily support system, or a lifelong friend. But a roommate mismatch? Well, that can turn even the coziest apartment into a source of stress. 

Finding a roommate can be an intimidating process. Whether you’re exploring shared housing to save money, build community, or just make the most of your space, finding a good roommate isn’t about  checking off a perfect list. It’s about finding someone whose habits, values, and expectations complement your own.

Not sure how to start the conversation with someone who may become your new housemate?  Here are questions to ask yourself–and questions to ask a potential roommate.

Before You Ask Questions: Know What Matters to You First

Before diving into a roommate interview, take a moment to reflect on what you want from a shared living experience. What are your pet peeves, deal breakers, must-haves, and nice-to-haves? It helps to know what your boundaries are first.

Do you need quiet evenings to recharge? Are you hoping for a new best friend or someone to split bills with and keep it casual? Would it drive you nuts if someone left dishes in the sink overnight…or are you a little more relaxed about that?

Getting real about your own priorities makes it easier to have honest conversations with someone else. It also sets the tone for mutual respect and accountability. After all, being a good roommate is just as important as finding one.

Start By Getting to Know Their Everyday Habits and Social Style

Instead of launching into rapid-fire questions, try starting with open-ended prompts that invite conversation. This isn’t a job interview!

“How do you like to unwind after a long day?” might lead to insight into their energy level at home. Do they need total quiet or love chatting over dinner? That small difference could have a big impact on your compatibility.

Ask about what makes a space feel like home to them—some people need tidy counters and calming lighting, while others find comfort in shared meals and a full house. You might also ask them to reflect on what’s worked (or hasn’t) in previous roommate situations. Framing the question that way encourages honest answers without putting anyone on the defensive.

And don’t skip the nitty-gritty of daily living. Instead of yes/no questions like, “Do you cook?” try, “What’s your usual routine in the kitchen?” From there, you’ll naturally learn whether you’re dealing with a daily meal-prepper or someone who mostly eats out, whether they clean as they go, and how they feel about sharing space and tools in a busy kitchen.

Lifestyle Alignment: Pets, Allergies, and Boundaries

Some of the most overlooked—but important—questions to ask a rooommate revolve around health, comfort, and lifestyle boundaries.

1. Do they have any pets? Are they planning to adopt one? If you have any, are they ok with yours?
2. Are they allergic to anything—your cat, scented candles, peanut butter?
3. How do you feel about smoking or vaping indoors?
4. How often do you have guests over?
5. Are you currently seeing someone who might be around often? 
6. How do you feel about overnight guests or visitors?
7. How do you feel about alone time at home? 

Keep things open-ended and ask without offering your stance first. This lets you gauge their openness to collaboration and compromise without sounding judgmental. These questions can make a big difference in avoiding misunderstandings that result in needing to break a lease later.

The Money Talk: Bills, Supplies, and Furniture

No matter how well you get along, shared expenses are a potential pain point if not discussed early. It’s better to get a feel for how your potential roomie would deal with finances ahead of time. Here are some must-ask questions for a roommate.

• Do you plan to split rent and utilities evenly, or adjust based on room size or income? 

• Will one person front the utility bills and get reimbursed—or will everything go through an app?

• What about shared items like toilet paper, olive oil, or dish soap?

• Do you prefer to buy your own supplies or split things like paper towels and detergent?

Clarifying this ahead of time helps prevent resentment later.

Furniture is yet another biggie. Who’s bringing what? What happens when someone moves out? Rather than negotiating ownership or hauling everything across town later, consider a smarter solution: furniture rental.

Rent Furniture, Not Frustration

The quickest way to kill good roommate vibes? Arguing over who brings the couch—or worse, who gets to keep it. With CORT Furniture Rental, you can sidestep the drama entirely.

Choose Move-In Ready packages or select items a la carte to create a balanced, stylish, and neutral shared space. With our White Glove service, everything is delivered, set up, and taken away when your lease ends. There is no awkward division of assets, no mismatched furniture, and no stress.

And if you discover along the way that solo living is more your style? CORT makes any living transition just as easy. You’ll find everything you need to create a functional, fully furnished home—on your timeline, without the long-term commitment.

Make Furnishing Your Space a Breeze With CORT 

Whether you decide to move in together or opt for solo living, CORT Furniture Rental makes it easy to feel at home. Rent what you need, return it when you’re ready, and create a space that works for your lifestyle—no awkward negotiations required.

Start now online, or work in-store with a professional at your local CORT Furniture Rental showroom.