6. FINALIZE YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Once you've found the Monica to your Rachel or the Joey to your Chandler, it won't be long before Hollywood writes a sitcom based on your crazy duo.

But before you can start your crazy antics, it's imperative that you finalize your deal properly so that no one gets screwed over. Yea, yea, how can you squelch something that doesn't exist? Don't try to get smart with us, Socrates. It's better to figure out the details before anyone moves in their crap than afterwards. So here's our list of things that should be cleared up BEFORE you or your future roommate commence living together:

  • Co-sign the lease. You'll notice that we're big on this "co-signing" thing; the reason is that if your signature is the only one on the lease, you and only you are ultimately responsible for ALL costs of the apartment. So if your roommate doesn't pay the rent, it's up to you to cover it or you'll both be evicted and you could be sued by your landlord. Not a pleasant situation. While co-signing the lease doesn't guarantee you immunity from your roommate's financial stupidity, it pretty much insures that if your roommate does anything illegal, then he/she will get sued and not you. Also make a contract to split such costs as utilities, cleaning, phone and cable bills, and the security deposit.

  • What stuff will each of you bring? You can save a considerable amount of money and space by combining possessions. While you may want your own stereo and TV in your bedroom, you two can probably share such things as: microwave, toaster, iron, ironing board, vacuum, dishes. Also split who brings what for the common living room.

  • Can you share a computer? In this techno-age, one issue that may come up is sharing computers. If you each have your own computer, that's fine. If you just have one for the both of you, make sure this won't cause any conflicts.

  • Decorating. If you each have your own bedroom, you can plaster yours with all the *NSYNC posters you want. But you and your roommate will have to compromise about common rooms. If your styles clash, try to find some neutral posters and colors. Or each of you can take half of the room and decorate however you want. This will either spur some great conversations at your next party or stop you from ever throwing one. To get more decorating tips, read "SYW decorate your apartment?"

  • Phone lines and modems. If both of you are high frequency phone or Internet users, you'll probably want separate phone lines. However, if you do decide to share a phone line, consider getting a passcode (just call your phone company) for long-distance calls so you won't have to spend hours dissecting the phone bill figuring what each of you owes.

  • Quiet hours and cleaning duties. Discuss when you think you want quiet time to sleep or work, and also times that guests are and aren't acceptable. Don't be unreasonable; just be clear so that neither of you get any surprises. As for the cleaning, set up a chore list and divide it up evenly. When it's your turn to clean the bathroom, living room, or kitchen, just do it. It's also good to get in the habit of cleaning up after yourself; clean your dishes after you use them, throw papers in the trash, keep your clothes confined to your own room, etc.

  • Sharing. It sounds anal, but some people are touchy about people eating their food or borrowing their stuff. You can either agree to each buy your own food, or just take turns buying stuff and share everything. If you don't want your roommate to use your things when you're not around, politely but firmly tell him/her so. Remember to work out sharing issues with regard to cars and parking spaces.

Your final task is simply to be a good roommate, which is built around compromise and communication. If you think of your roommate as living in YOUR apartment, you're dead in the water. You'll never compromise, and your roommate will snuff you in your sleep. The maxim to remember is "this is OUR room, and we both have an equal right to be here." If this concept of compromise doesn't agree with you, you may be more suited for a goldfish than a roommate.

Here are a few resources to cultivate roommate survival: