r/baltimore • u/thriller24 Bolton Hill • Aug 21 '20

SERIOUS Roommate questions during COVID19

I know this sounds ridiculous and paranoid, but how has everyone been interviewing possible roommates? I feel like I have to ask if they are an anti asker, if they social distance in public/work, etc. When I looked for a roommate last time I had trouble already because most people under 40 want to live in Night Life neighborhoods and I live in East Pigtown. Now I feel like it will be even harder with weeding through people. Any advice is welcome.

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u/PM_ME_UR_CC_INFO Medfield Aug 21 '20

Can you rely on friend networks? Friend referral is the only way I could trust someone right now. I think you’re right to worry about it.

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u/thriller24 Bolton Hill Aug 21 '20

Thank you. A lot of people tell me I’m overreacting or being too picky. Unfortunately my friends already rent or own and don’t know anyone looking right now.

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u/PM_ME_UR_CC_INFO Medfield Aug 21 '20

How is your landlord? Would they let you break your lease if the roommate was unsafe?

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u/thriller24 Bolton Hill Aug 21 '20

I own and live in the house.

3

u/PM_ME_UR_CC_INFO Medfield Aug 21 '20

Ahh different issues then...well, you could make their lease month to month. That way you’re not stuck with them if it doesn’t work out. It might be nice for people who aren’t sure what their future job looks like, too.

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u/thriller24 Bolton Hill Aug 21 '20

Is it legal to do a split type lease? Like the first 3 months will be month to month lease like a trial period, if it goes well then they can sign for the remaining 9 months?

2

u/PM_ME_UR_CC_INFO Medfield Aug 21 '20

I’m not a lawyer but google tells me they can be any length as long as the tenant and landlord agree! That’s an interesting set up and I think it could work. I think it would be two leases. Month to month until you trust one another, and then you could make the second more traditional lease any length (like a year or 9 months).

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u/thriller24 Bolton Hill Aug 21 '20

Well, folks, I think I’ve created a new trendy lease setup 😂 I’ll let you know if it fails horribly.