Roommates via internet...

[wtinal]

Has anyone found a roommate completely via the internet? I am trying to find a roommate, because my other roommate moved out. I put some ads on the internet - "rental sites" and on my school site. But, now that I have gotten a couple of replies, I am a bit nervous. How should I go about figuring out if they are "safe" to have as roommates - ya know, not a serial killer or drug addict or hitman or well, you get the idea? Any suggestions?

[24601]

Why not just meet them for a cup of coffee or take them out to lunch or something? Even a chat on AIM/MSN/YIM/email etc. would work to start things off. I'm not really sure, and I don't know if I'd ever choose to go about doing that sort of thing over the net, but if I were in your situation, that's what I'd do.

[beckyg]

My son found a roommate this way. It was not an entirely bad situation but it wasn't good either. This guy drank and did drugs. He did however pay his rent on time. I think I would specify in your ad the type of person you are looking for and then get to know them as much as you can. It's not a necessity that they be your best friend but you should be compatible.

[CrimsonThunder]

I think I would specify in your ad the type of person you are looking for and then get to know them as much as you can.

It's actually illegal to do that. (well in Australia it is anyway) Teh discriminations.