subject: Your Roommates and Your Home Security: Dos and Don'ts [print this page] Your Roommates and Your Home Security: Dos and Don'ts
It can be tough to make things work financially in this economy. Especially lately, people are having to take on the sort of extra jobs that can be a bit more tedious, and are having to consider alternate methods of getting paid. Whether it's deciding to work more hours at the office or opening your home to renters or roommates, there are plenty of ways to make home life more affordable in somewhat uncertain economic times.
For many residents of the nation's capital city, things are particularly tough right now. Whether you've always been living with a roommate or are just now considering taking on renters, it's good to know a little bit more about the whole process, rather than to just go in expecting the best of everyone. After all, people are generally good, but when they are in a tight spot, can often cause trouble for even the most well-meaning of roommates.
If you haven't had a roommate since college but are now getting back into the game of sharing a living space, thinking about home security is actually about a whole lot more than just changing the code on the home alarm system once someone moves out and someone else moves in. And while making sure that you switch the locks and handle all measures like these, there is more to making a living situation work and feel safe and comfortable for everyone.
For one thing, if you are looking for someone to share your living space, it is crucial that you do the right kinds of background checks. Actually call references, even if they seem normal and well-adjusted. Taking these simple and easy steps before you are locked into any kind of legal agreement is one of the smartest moves that you can make.
Your home security is still important, even if times are tough and you are looking for a place to live. If it seems like you are going to be on an unofficial lease, be sure that there is some sort of written document stating that you live in the residence. You might even want to get in touch with the landlord to make sure that they are able to be renting a space to you. If the "room" looks like a closet, you might want to be a bit wary about the legality of the situation. After all, nothing is quite as bad as plopping down a whole bunch of money, only to find out that you aren't actually in a legal sublet, and that they can evict you at anytime.
While making that adjustment back to sharing a living space might sometimes be a little bit tough on people, there are also countless advantages to sharing a living space, and some of them even matter in terms of your own improved home security. Those living solo are at a much higher risk of being robbed, since burglars prefer empty properties, and it is easier to determine whether or not a property is empty if only one person is coming and going each day. So take comfort in the benefits of having roommates, and also realize that it's not forever.
