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When you and someone else decide you would like to start renting an apartment together, there are several topics the two of you should discuss whether it is a friend or a partner. This gives you both a chance to learn about each other, make it easier to combat the difficulties of living on your own, and maybe even make a good friend or spouse. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Problems are bound to come up, even if the two of you are as identical as you could be.

Make Sure The Landlord Agrees

The first step is to make sure that your apartment rental agreement allows you to have someone else move in with you. This might mean that renting an apartment will require you to add the other person’s name to the lease. Your roommate might need to go through the same checks as you. You may also be responsible for any damage or instances that occur as well. Lastly, keep in mind that security and other building staff might need to be notified and introduced to your friend or partner.

Agree On Basic Rules

Regardless of whether the other person is in a relationship with you or how long you have known each other, the two of you need to set ground rules. If the two of you reach an agreement, it will help to eliminate many of the possible problems that can occur later on. One topic that should be discussed is who and how the apartment rental will be cleaned. Will the two of you share the chores, alternate weeks, or split the cost of having someone come in. Another subject the two of you need to discuss is what areas should be kept private and what areas should be shared.

Daily Routines

How each of you prefers to live will make a significant difference in your living arrangements. Renting an apartment means you will have to both go about your normal routines as easily as possible to avoid frustrations. Have a conversation about how clean each of you prefers to keep the apartment rental. In addition, discuss whether the two of you are more active in the mornings or evenings. These things don’t seem like they would make much of a difference, but they can get very frustrating when the two of you are dealing with it every day. Lastly, talk about the rules you should both follow regarding visitors.

Costs And Payments

Costs and payments are commonly avoided when because it makes many people uncomfortable. The two of you will need to decide how to handle the damage deposit for the apartment rental. If one of you is already in the building, you may have to meet with the property manager to see what he or she requires or is willing to do in terms of splitting the deposit. It may mean that the primary leaseholder will be responsible for any incidences that occur in the building.

How will you manage the rent? The two of you might be able to each pay half, you could share by paying every other month, or one of you could pay the landlord and the other person could simply give the other half. Mostly, this depends on the preference of the property manager. Finally, discuss how the two of you will handle groceries.

When renting an apartment with someone else, you can try out the next step of a relationship, make a good friend, or ease the loneliness and other burdens that come with having an apartment rental on your own. This doesn’t mean there will not be any problems, but with good communication, the two of you can have a positive experience that will last for years to come. Each of you will be aware of what to expect of the other.

Christine O’Kelly writes for Chicago area rental property management firm Beal Properties, who specialize in renting an apartment throughout the area. Beal Properties, LLC is known for its apartment rental properties in the premier neighborhoods throughout the city including lakefront property.