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How to Find the Perfect Roommate—5 Questions You Must Ask First (or Regret Later!)

Writer's picture: Nur WanNur Wan

Index:


Two women sit on a sofa with arms crossed in a cozy kitchen. One wears a black hoodie, the other beige, both looking serious. Plants in background.

Introduction


Finding a roommate in Malaysia can be a game-changer—whether you're looking to split rent in KL, save costs in Penang, or share a unit in Johor Bahru. But a bad roommate? That’s a nightmare.

Imagine this: You move in with someone who seems friendly at first, but a few weeks later, you realize they never pay bills on time, leave dirty dishes everywhere, and invite loud friends over at 2 AM. Sounds terrible, right?

The good news? You can avoid this disaster. Before you commit to living with someone, make sure you ask these five critical questions. These could save you from months of headaches and unexpected drama!

1. What’s Your Budget for Rent and Expenses?

Money issues are one of the biggest reasons roommates fall out. Before you move in together, ask:

How much can you afford for rent?

How will we split utility bills (water, electricity, WiFi)?

What’s the plan for shared expenses (toilet paper, cleaning supplies)?

💡 Pro Tip: If they hesitate or avoid money talk, red flag! You don’t want to end up covering unpaid bills.

Two women in a cozy room review papers and use a calculator. One looks stressed, the other gestures. Light filters through large windows.

2. What’s Your Daily Routine Like?

You don’t want a roommate who turns your living space into a 24/7 karaoke club while you’re trying to sleep. Get clarity on:

What time do they wake up/sleep?

Do they work from home or go to the office?

Do they invite guests over often?

If your lifestyles clash, living together will be a struggle. Imagine trying to sleep at 11 PM while they binge-watch Netflix with the volume on max!

3. How Do You Feel About Cleaning & Chores?

A messy roommate can turn your space into a disaster zone. Before moving in together, ask:

How often do you clean?

Are you okay with a cleaning schedule?

Do you expect a maid service, or will we handle it ourselves?

🚨 Warning Sign: If they laugh off cleaning responsibilities or say, “I don’t mind a bit of mess,” you’re in trouble!

Two women in a messy living room; one sweeps angrily while the other sleeps on a couch. Scattered trash and food. Cozy yet chaotic scene.


4. How Do You Handle Conflicts?

No matter how chill your roommate is, disagreements will happen. The key is knowing how they handle them:

How do you react when you’re frustrated?

What’s your approach to resolving issues?

Do you believe in open communication or silent treatment?

👀 Watch Out! If they say, “I just avoid conflict,” that might mean bottling up anger until an explosive argument later!

5. Do You Have Any Personal Habits or Deal Breakers?

Some habits are harmless. Others? Total deal breakers. Ask upfront:

Do you smoke or vape?

Do you cook often (and do you clean up afterward)?

Are you okay with sharing food or personal items?

💡 Malaysia-Specific Tip: If you’re Muslim and need a halal kitchen, or you’re vegetarian and don’t want meat in the fridge, clarify these from the start!


Woman wearing an apron cleans a stove in a cozy kitchen, with wooden shelves and utensils in the background. Sunlight streams through a window.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely!

A great roommate can make your life so much better—helping with rent, chores, and even becoming a lifelong friend. But a bad one? They’ll give you stories you’ll wish you never had to tell.

📌 Before moving in, meet in person (or at least video call) and trust your gut feeling. If anything seems off, keep looking!

FAQs: Finding the Perfect Roommate in Malaysia

1. How do I make sure my new roommate is trustworthy?

Do a background check! Ask for their previous landlord’s contact, look at their social media, and if possible, get a mutual friend’s reference.

2. What’s a fair way to split rent and utilities?

Many Malaysians split rent based on room size and utilities equally. If one person uses air-conditioning all night, they should pay extra for electricity!

3. What should I do if my roommate stops paying rent?

First, communicate openly and ask if they’re facing financial difficulties. If they refuse to pay or avoid the conversation, check your tenancy agreement—are they legally responsible for their share? If necessary, involve the landlord or consider finding a new roommate before the situation worsens.

🔍 Looking for a new place? Make sure you ask these questions first, or you might end up regretting it later! 🏠💡

 
 

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