I received about seven potential roommates via email. I emailed those seven potential persons back and asked for a contact number.

I spoke to each person and told them more about my personality and what the living arrangement would be. I asked questions such as, where they work, how long, why were they looking to rent a room, and other questions that would make me feel comfortable since I would be renting a room with a child in the home.

I also told them I would be verify employment and I will ask to verify ss/dl/ and recent paycheck, no copies but original documents just to verify to make sure they are who they say they are.

I also let them know, they would be filling out a simple application and I will have them sign a rental agreement.

I let them know my nationality as well, just in case they were not comfortable with my race.

I arranged to meet them at a public place by my condo and I let them know if the interview went well I would then take them to my condo to see if they would like to live in my area.

I do not suggest to have a whole lot of people view your place without you getting to know something about them. There are people out that may want to take advantage of you and if you let them know where you live right off hand that could be dangerous.

You should also ask if they have been convicted of any crime in the U.S. not just your state.

Make it clear on what you expect and listen to what they expect. Do not seem anxious for a roommate. Often people will think you are in need and use that to their advantage. Be careful what you say, do not let them know or think you are in dire strait to rent a room.

Make sure your owner or the association knows you are rentng a room to avoid legal matters or even eviction if you are not the owner.

Make up a simple conversation. This will allow you to see if the person you may rent a room to has no communication problem.

Inquire about what length of time do they estimate renting a room. It may be for a couple of months. This will allow you to know how to work your budget.

Nothing is guanteed. Make sure you save the money that you will receive from that person. Not all of it, but some of it. At least enough incase your roommate decides to leave on short notice.

Provide a lock on their door so they feel safe and get a lock on your door to asure yourself that no one can enter your room while you are not present.

Of course we would like to trust everyone. But even the best of us can be fooled by someone who wears a suit everyday.

Take your time in finding a roommate and talk to them like they are your bestfriend you will be surprise at the information you will receive by playing the good cop.

I have provided my potential roommates with a copy of the laws governing around renting to let them know I am not only looking out for my best interest but theirs as well and if they chose not to choose me they would have that information for their own personal knowledge.

Ms. Opinionated

Please excuse any grammatical errors.