Wanted: Domestic Bliss
Dating is tough in Los Angeles--but try finding a decent roommate or an affordable rental. Every Sunday anywhere from 30 to 100-plus seekers, both landlords and would-be tenants, turn out for the hourlong networking party at the Santa Monica offices of Westside Rental Connection. Participants wear color-coded name tags identifying their status (seeking apartment, have guest house, etc.), munch on free doughnuts and gently interrogate one another, hoping to find a match. We dropped by recently to see who was looking for what.
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Brian Roth, 27, graduate student
Where do you live now?
In a townhouse in Calabasas I share with the owner. But Calabasas is very boring.
What are you looking for?
Any roommate who is sane, really. And I want to be within walking distance of the beach.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate as a roommate?
I’m a 10. I’m an all-around good guy. I’m clean and generally fun to be around.
Finish this sentence: My roommate should never . . . .
Leave cooked meat on the stove overnight. I’ve had roommates who have done this in the past.
Your worst roommate story?
My current roommate is very passive-aggressive. She’ll leave notes for me. Our whole communication is notes. We haven’t said more than two words in months.
How do you know someone’s not a psycho?
Just trust the vibe.
What’s the first thing you’ll put up when you move into your new place?
Wind chimes. I’m getting into the whole feng shui thing.
“Three’s Company” or “Friends?”
“Seinfeld.”
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Danny Manus, 22, film producer’s assistant
Where do you live now?
I’m in Manhattan Beach, staying at a friend’s house. I’ve been out here five months from New York and I’ve been pretty nomadic.
Why a roommate?
To split the cost. I don’t have that much money yet.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate as a roommate?
In college I would have said a 5. Now I’m probably an 8. I’m a big TV person, though.
Describe your dream roommate.
Not a big partyer. I did that in college. Respectful and friendly. Preferably someone into movies and television.
Finish this sentence: My roommate should never . . . .
Blast loud music late at night.
Your worst roommate story?
In school we had four of us and one was a psycho. He was very obsessive and moody and distanced himself a lot. Then he would scream at us for the fact that he distanced himself.
“Three’s Company” or “Friends”?
I’d go with “Friends.” “Three’s Company” was my favorite show in the ‘80s.
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Bert Bodner, 72, entrepreneur
What are you looking for?
A tenant to share a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Santa Monica. I’m also looking for a garage to rent.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate as a roommate?
I’m the best, no question. I’m very open. I’m very tolerant. But I don’t want them scratching my furniture and taking over.
Finish this sentence: My roommate should never . . . .
Steal.
Your worst roommate story?
Someone threatened me with bodily harm. He didn’t agree with something I said.
How do you know someone’s not a psycho?
I’ve been around long enough to know what a wack job is. Some of them will fool you though.
“Three’s Company” or “Friends”?
I don’t watch either. I’m into movies.
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Nicole Chrymes,
27, retail sales
Why move?
I’m in a studio loft in Palms. I love it and my cat loves it. But the rent is too much. That’s life in L.A.
Where are you looking?
Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown. I’m looking at an apartment in the Valley on Monday. That’s where I didn’t want to go.
Why not consider a roommate?
I’m too old for a roommate. I don’t want to deal with anyone’s problems other than my own. Also, every woman should live alone at some point in her life.
Your worst roommate story?
In college I lived in a cool apartment in Northridge. But there were way too many people: five women in one apartment. That’s too much estrogen in one place.
“Three’s Company” or “Friends”?
“Friends.” They’re funny. They’re all in the same age group. They all roomed with each other at some point and you saw what happened.