Top 10 Questions to Ask Potential Roommates

Whether you’re renting your first apartment or you’ve moved more times than you can count, finding the right roommate is never easy. That’s why asking the right questions up front can help you avoid future conflicts. When preparing for a roommate interview, it’s helpful to consider the most common issues that cause tension.

According to our survey, the top reasons roommates end up in disagreements are: not paying rent on time, being disrespectful, or having no interest in building a friendly relationship.

To help you steer clear of these problems, here are 10 helpful questions to ask potential roommates before you decide to move in together.

1. How often do you clean your living space?

According to our survey, 12.1% of roommate breakups happen due to issues with cleanliness. Whether you’re tidy or a bit more relaxed, conflict is likely if you and your roommate have different standards. Because cleaning habits can be a touchy subject, it’s best to avoid a blunt approach.

Instead of asking something direct like “Are you a clean person?”, try asking how they plan to keep the shared space clean. This softer question is less likely to offend and gives you a clearer sense of whether your lifestyles are compatible. Asking “How often do you clean?” opens the door to an honest conversation and helps set expectations early on.

Cleanliness is one of the most important lifestyle factors people consider when searching for roommates, according to Rany Burstein, Founder and CEO of Diggz, a roommate finder platform with a focus on matching lifestyles.

“Cleanliness is the first lifestyle question that comes up and can often be a deal breaker when someone is evaluating you as a roommate,” says Rany. “It’s not just about being as clean as possible, but rather being on the same page. Do you want everything pristine? Are a few dishes in the sink OK? Does your own room need to be spotless too, or do you plan to hire a housekeeper to keep things under control?”.

Based on Diggz data, about 64% of users identify as “clean but not obsessive,” while 25% say their place is “always spotless.” Age plays a role too: “Students and young professionals tend to be more relaxed, and they might keep their rooms messy but still take care of shared spaces. As roommates get into their 30s and 40s, having a consistently spotless home becomes more of a priority,” Rany adds.

2. Have you ever had trouble paying rent on time?

If you live in a pricey city like New York or San Francisco, you know how important it is to count on your roommate to pay rent every month. In fact, our survey shows that late or missed rent payments are the leading cause of roommate breakups — so this should be one of the first questions you ask.

Pay close attention to how they respond. Look for signs that they’re financially responsible — or red flags that they may have a history of late payments. You can also get insight by asking about their job or how frequently they’ve changed jobs in the past year.

3. Do your friends come over often?

It’s also a good idea to ask about a potential roommate’s social habits — especially when it comes to having friends over. A casual way to bring it up is by asking, “Do your friends come over often?”

You don’t want to come across as overly strict or a buzzkill, but it’s important to establish some basic boundaries you both feel good about. For instance, agreeing to host gatherings only on weekends can help ensure you get the rest you need for work or classes during the week.

4. How do your daily schedules line up?

Living with someone whose schedule is completely different from yours can be challenging. One roommate might be trying to sleep while the other is gaming with the volume turned up. Your routines don’t have to match perfectly, but the bigger the difference, the more important it is to make sure you can respect each other’s needs.

That’s why it’s a good idea to talk about your schedules early on. Discuss any potential conflicts and see if you can find compromises or workarounds to keep things running smoothly.

5. Do you have any pets?

Even if you love the idea of renting with pets, it’s worth thinking twice before agreeing to live with someone else’s furry friend. Ask if you can meet the pet — or at least confirm with the owner that they’re well-behaved and won’t cause issues. Also, allergies are another important factor to consider.

And if you’re not a big fan of pets, don’t dismiss a potential roommate right away. Make sure the situation would actually bother you — there’s a big difference between living with a German Shepherd and sharing space with a quiet little fish like Dory.

6. What indoor temperature do you prefer?

People often have different ideas about the perfect room temperature, so it’s a smart topic to bring up with a potential roommate. Comfort aside, thermostat settings can also affect your utility bills — so it’s best to get on the same page early.

If possible, check with the landlord to see if bedroom temperatures can be adjusted separately. If not, have an open conversation with your future roommate and try to agree on a compromise that works for both of you.

7. Do you smoke?

This is a crucial question to ask early on—especially if you’re a non-smoker. The last thing you want is to step out of your room one morning and walk into a hallway filled with cigarette smoke.

If your potential roommate smokes and the landlord allows it indoors, it could easily become a deal-breaker. Smoke tends to linger on furniture, clothing, and even in shared ventilation systems, which can be unpleasant or even harmful for non-smokers. That’s why it’s important not only to ask whether your roommate smokes but also to confirm what the building’s smoking policy is.

Having a clear understanding from the start can help you avoid uncomfortable surprises down the road.

8. Do you think we’d get along well?

Some people hope to become friends with their roommates and are comfortable sharing things. Others prefer to keep more to themselves, exchanging only the occasional hello in the hallway and keeping their belongings separate.

Both approaches are totally valid — but mismatched expectations can lead to tension. In fact, our survey found that differing social expectations were the third most common reason roommate situations didn’t work out. That’s why it’s so important to have an honest conversation up front and set clear expectations about what kind of relationship you’re both looking for.

9. Do you have any food restrictions?

Asking, “Do you usually avoid certain types of food?” is a thoughtful and practical question to include when talking with a potential roommate. It helps you understand any dietary restrictions that might affect what you keep in the apartment, and it also shows that you’re considerate of their needs.

Some people follow health-related diets, while others may avoid specific foods due to allergies, religious beliefs, personal values, or fitness goals. Being aware of these preferences early on can help prevent misunderstandings in shared kitchen spaces and avoid uncomfortable situations later. Plus, it sets the tone for respectful communication around food and lifestyle choices.

10. What would your previous landlord say about you if I called them?

If you’re planning to lease long-term, it’s smart to get a sense of your future roommate’s rental history. While you might not be able to get a formal reference or contact information for their former landlord, you can still bring up the topic casually to gauge their reaction.

A friendly, non-confrontational way to do this is by asking, “What would your previous landlord say about you if I called them?” Their response—whether it’s confident, vague, or evasive—can tell you a lot about how they’ve handled past living situations.

By paying attention to how openly they talk about their rental history, you can get a better idea of whether they’ve been respectful tenants—or if they have a pattern of causing issues in shared homes.