If you’ve decided that one is, indeed, the loneliest number

Considering a roommate?

Taking on a roommate is complicated. Beyond just sharing a space, roommates share financial and personal obligations. They also must put up with their respective friends, family and personal habits.

For starters, you’ll need the landlord’s permission. The landlord can provide the rental application for the roommate to fill out, as well as run the credit and background checks needed before making a decision.

A credit check will confirm job and address information, creditor status and any eviction data.

Drawing up a roommate contract can help avoid conflict later. Before tackling this project, consider some basics.

Dwelling details: Who gets the better view? How will the rent be divided? Is there enough parking for two vehicles? Does one person need more storage or closet space? Who brings what furniture?

Joint decisions will likely need to be made on how to decorate the space, including what covers the walls in public rooms, such as the kitchen and living room.

Phone lines and Internet access may also challenge roommates, especially when the bill is due. Two phone lines are ideal, but not everything can be neatly split. Whose name will be on the electric and gas bills?

Habits: Living with someone who loves rock ‘n’ roll at midnight might not work out for a devotee of Mozart at noon.

Food choices also play a role when sharing space. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a fan of junk food, plan to share all meals or few, seek someone who shares or at least respects your preferences. Food allergies should be discussed, especially if severe. Peanut butter in the pantry can be fatal for some people.

Pack rat or neat freak: Whatever your bent, make sure it is on par with your roommate’s. In shared spaces such as kitchens and baths, personal habits should be clear from the start. Do you favor the cozy clutter of a dozen shampoos in the bath or the Spartan feel of clean countertops? Do you dine on fine china or prefer to eat off paper plates over the kitchen sink?

Schedule: Whether roommates are working, going to school or both, having similar schedules will sometimes make sharing space easier. Some folks need peace and quiet, especially when they are studying or working at home.

Privacy: Unwelcome or unexpected guests are a frequent source of rifts between roommates. Whether guests are overnight or for a period of several weeks, the situation should be addressed and rules agreed upon in advance.

In addition to the inconvenience and lack of privacy, visitors may trigger an increase in rent. Some rental agreements contain language that allows for an increase in rent when someone stays beyond a set number of days in any calendar year, so be aware of your lease language.

Pets: Assuming the lease allows pets, do you have any preferences? If you’re a dog person and your roommate brings in a cat, the fur could fly when it comes to deciding what works best. Of course, if you have allergies, make it clear from the start that pets won’t be a possibility.

Respecting the lease: Both roommates need to read and understand the terms of the lease, not just glance over it and scribble their names at the bottom. Both should be named on the lease.

Possible breakup: No relationship is perfect, and some must end before the lease is up. Have a contingency plan in place in case things don’t work out, including a set amount of time to give you notice, such as 30 days.

A roommate should not depart until he or she has replaced himself or herself to the satisfaction of the remaining resident, and the landlord as well.

Keep in mind that the security deposit usually remains with the unit, and the incoming person will financially replace the one who is leaving.

Call in the landlord for a walk-through of the unit a couple of weeks before the roommate leaves, so the deposit can be replaced and refunded to the satisfaction of all parties.

By planning and considering all the challenges and advantages, you hopefully can make a roommate decision you can live with and enjoy.

Reader questions may be sent to hmayspitz@aol.com.