We’ve all been there. You have a great apartment, love the location of it, but there’s one thing you would change if you could: your roommate. Maybe they’re inconsiderate, leave the apartment a mess, don’t pick up after themselves, or don’t pay their share of the bills on time. Perhaps you started off getting along and now it’s hard to be in the same room as them.
However, before you think about evicting your roommate, there’s a way to turn things around. Here’s how to deal with a bad roommate.
Bad Roommate? Communicate Your Frustrations
Oftentimes, your roommate is oblivious that they are being a bad roommate. The first thing you should do is have a conversation with them and openly express your frustrations. If their habits are upsetting you, tell them. If they’re inconsiderate or rude to you or your guests, let them know. Be straightforward and honest about how you feel.
When it comes to things like paying bills on time, your roommate needs to hear that it is something that affects your apartment’s livability. Failing to pay bills on time means your utilities or internet may get turned off without notice. No one wants to come home to an apartment with no running water or lights. If one of you is not paying their portion of the bill on time, there’s a strong possibility that may happen.
Provide Examples
The more specific you get, the better idea your roommate will have of what bothers you. They can’t know which bad habits to change if they aren’t clear on which ones are frustrating you. Therefore, if you’re having an issue with the cleanliness of the apartment, tell your roommate exactly what was dirty and when you found it that way. For example, instead of saying “the kitchen is always dirty”, tell them they left dirty dishes in the sink for 5 days straight last week.
Bad Roommate? Explain How It Affects You
Does your roommate play loud music that keeps you up at night and interrupts your sleep? Are you having trouble cooking because they don’t clean pots and pans when they’re done using them? Living with roommates can be tough, and what each of you does in your living space can affect the other in many ways.
Suggest Changes
In order to see changes made, you will want to suggest ways for your roommate to adjust their living habits. If they are constantly messy, suggest a cleaning schedule. This way you can both take on certain responsibilities or trade off weekly so that you’re both contributing equally to the apartment’s cleanliness. That way, it will be clear who hasn’t done their part.
Have you had to deal with a bad roommate? How did you handle the situation?
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