Is it safe to just search for roommates and then live w/ them?

People are telling me to get roommates when I move to Cali next year but if I don't know anyone out there, what do I do? Is it safe to search for roommates and then live w/ them w/out even meeting them @ first? What do I do?Is it safe to just search for roommates and then live w/ them?
i wouldn't advise it, but if you do get one do an intense background check on them and if they refuse to allow you DON'T give the benefit of the doubt. just say next.

you can also have one of your friends come with to help you look for a roomate until you find one that YOU feel is secure.
If you are going to own the lease, then you should run credit checks on them. Not hard to do - find out where the local credit bureau office is - pay them about $25.00. Of course have the potential room mate pay this fee, and it's non refundable. You will need their SS# to do this - if they won't give it to you - move on to someone else.



Room mates with scary (don't expect perfect - or they would not be renting) credit histories - don't bother.



The credit check may also have an optional criminal background check - do that too - or have the local police department run it for you - all they need to tell you is there a history or not.Is it safe to just search for roommates and then live w/ them?
Best go it alone. I did.



Financial reasons? Wonder who caused that?
I wouldn't...these strangers will be in your home! Anything could happen!Is it safe to just search for roommates and then live w/ them?
guess you can interview them first
No, you don't want some nut job who sells or uses drugs do you?



It's better to get a roommate that you actually know and trust. It's safer that way.
I would look at 'Roommate Wanted' ads in the newspaper of the area you are moving to. (see if the local newspaper is online) Then I would arrange to meet the person who placed the ad. Usually at the house (or apartment, etc.) that you might be living in (preferably in the daytime!). This way you can get a feel for the person and see what the living area is like. You can see if it's clean, if the room is furnished, if there would be enough room for all your stuff. And don't be afraid to ask questions like would you be sharing the cost of food, or anything else you might think of. After all, this is just an interview. You will also find out if the other person has pets or is a smoker or maybe has or does something you can't possibly live with. Trust your gut instincts. If you don't feel comfortable talking to the person or don't like the house, you can tell them you have a few other places to look at before you make a decision then leave.



If you can't do this before you move, set up some appointments to meet people, go there several days early and stay in a hotel until you find someone. Maybe the area you're moving to has a roommate finders service. Do a little research on the Internet and find out.



I moved from New Jersey to Florida where I didn't know a soul and I found a nice roommate with a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom townhouse. I went there before I moved for the purpose of finding a roommate and it worked out well for me.

I saw the townhouse first then we went to lunch to see if we got along and we did!



I wouldn't move in without meeting first. But that's just me.

I'd rather find out if I would be comfortable and feel safe first.



I wish you luck!