Jason moved out last Wednesday and I’m still looking for a roommate. I’ve posted an ad on CraigsList and also on several roommate-specific services (RoommateService, RoommateClick, RoomieMatch and RoommateAccess).
If roommate-finding were like fishing, you could say that I’ve had a few “nibbles” recently (some people have expressed interest) but not much beyond that (none have yet filled out a rental application).
However, if more than one person goes as far as filling out the rental application and would like to move in, what would be a fair means of choosing? Preference in order of when they first contacted me? Preference in order of when they sent in the rental application? Or something else entirely?
I don’t necessarily expect to have to make a decision, since some people will probably drop out of the running and I may end up with just one person in the end. But, I can’t rule out the possibility.
If you were renting out a guest house or something, you should do it by who replied first.
But you’re not–it’s much closer quarters–so just live with the person you most want to live with.
If you can afford to be choosy, be choosy. Otherwise, money talks.