Living in Manhattan isn’t cheap. It’s why so many people end up living with roommates. In fact, around 40 percent of renters in Manhattan reside with other people. Finding a good roommate in Manhattan can be a challenging task, and you don’t want to be saddled with someone who can’t make rent, doesn’t clean up after themselves, or worse. Heck, even small annoyances can pile up since you’ll be living with this person for at least a year. While you can never know 100% if you’ll be compatible with someone, there are some steps you can take to avoid common pitfalls of finding a roommate.
Why Live With Roommates?
For most people living in Manhattan, the biggest reason why they end up living with roommates comes down to money. Ultimately, it’s a lot cheaper to share an apartment with one or two (or three) other people. Depending on which neighborhood you choose, many two-bedroom apartments will cost $4-5,000. When split in half, you’re spending at least $500 less than if you rented a one-bedroom apartment by yourself. On top of that, you’ll also be splitting utilities, saving you even more money each month.
Cost Breakdown of Living With a Roommate in Manhattan
| Expense Category | Average Cost Solo | Average Cost With Roommate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $3,500 | $1,750 | 2-bedroom split |
| Utilities | $150 | $75 | Gas, water, electric |
| Internet | $70 | $35 | High-speed shared |
| Groceries | $400 | $200 | Shared meals optional |
| Total | $4,120 | $2,060 | Rough monthly savings $2,060 |
Besides the money aspect, there are plenty of other perks to having a good roommate. So long as you talk about it upfront, you can easily cut down on household tasks as you’ll both be splitting the duties of taking out the trash, washing dishes, etc. On top of that, you will have someone you can socialize with. While you don’t want to cling to your roommate, they probably have their own group of friends, you can still have some casual chit chat when you’re both at home.
Where to Find a Roommate
There are several places where you can find a roommate, but your first step is to ask the people around you whether they’re looking for a place to live and/or a roommate. This can be friends, family members, or even coworkers. If you do end up finding someone through your network, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from people you trust. While the people you know won’t consciously recommend a bad roommate, they might not know everything about you or the person they are recommending, and their habits. So always ask for referrals from previous roommates and landlords to make sure it’s a good fit.
If no one you know is looking for a roommate, go to social media. Platforms like Facebook are full of people looking for roommates, especially in Manhattan. Join local housing groups and check out the most recent listings for roommates or available rooms. Whether you’re looking for a roommate to move in with you or you’re looking to move in somewhere, take the opportunity to post in these groups. And don’t forget to post an update on your profile, too!
Popular Roommate-Finding Platforms and Usage
| Platform | Verification Steps | Avg Listings in Manhattan | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Groups | None | 500–1,000 | Community feedback, social connections |
| Roomi | Background check required | 1,200 | Secure messaging, scam prevention |
| Diggz | Profile verification optional | 800 | Filter by budget, lease length, habits |
| Rainbow Roommates | In-person appointment & screening | 200 | LGBTQ+ focused, personalized matching |
Finally, try out one of the many roommate sites and/or apps. Roomi is a popular choice for many, as anyone listing a unit is required to pass a background check to get rid of scams or suspicious people. The app also features a secure messaging feature, so you don’t have to worry about giving out your personal information until you have finalized the roommate agreement. Diggz is another popular site as it allows you to browse roommates by maximum monthly budget, lease duration, and bad habits. If you’re LGBTQ+, then you might want to check out Rainbow Roommates, as it is specifically geared towards this community. It has a physical location that you visit to schedule an appointment and meet with a representative in person. They will then help you find the perfect roommate for you.
Choosing Your Roommate
Now that you know where to find roommates, it’s time to screen them. But don’t go into these meetings without any prep. You should know exactly what you can tolerate and what you cannot. Obviously, you want to make sure your roommate has a job and can pay the rent and bills on time, but that is the bare minimum. Be honest about your non-negotiables. This can include things like pets, smoking, drinking, overnight guests, children, preferred bedtime, cleanliness habits, and so on. In the same vein, be honest about your own quirks! Are you a neat freak who needs your apartment organized a certain way? Do you work odd hours that might clash with someone who has a standard 9-5?
Once you have drafted up some screening questions, set up a time to call potential roommates and chat or meet in person in a public place. Listen to the way they answer the questions carefully. If you notice them avoiding your questions or acting annoyed, take that as a red flag that they are hiding something from you. Even if everything sounds good, always ask for references. That usually means previous roommates and landlords, as well as one personal reference. You can even ask them for recent pay stubs to make sure they have a job. The roommate finding process can take a while, especially if you’re looking for someone in Manhattan, so make sure you have plenty of time before you need to move.
Create a Roommate Agreement
More often than not, your roommate is going to be a complete stranger. That’s why it is so important for you both to create a roommate agreement. You can find some templates online or, better yet, hire an attorney to draft one for you.
Essential Roommate Agreement
| Roommate Agreement Item | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Rent Payment | Specify the amount each roommate pays and the due dates |
| Utilities | Which roommate pays which bills, and the reimbursement process |
| Bedroom Assignment | Define who occupies which bedroom |
| Food / Groceries | Decide if food is shared or bought individually, and how to differentiate |
| Quiet Hours | Set times for low noise in the apartment |
| Drug Use | Agree on rules regarding alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs |
| Pets | Decide whether pets are allowed and under what conditions |
| Parties / Overnight Guests | Rules for hosting guests, parties, or overnight visitors |
| Moving Out Early | Procedure and responsibilities if someone moves out before the lease ends |
| Move-Out Dates | Set deadlines for vacating the apartment if needed |
| Household Chores | Breakdown of responsibilities for cleaning, trash, dishes, etc. |
A roommate agreement is separate from your lease, as it is more detailed and includes things like:
- Amount of rent each person pays
- Who pays for utilities, and when does the other roommate provide reimbursement for the bills
- Which bedroom does each person occupy
- Who buys food, or if each person buys their own, and how to differentiate
- Quiet hours in the apartment
- Drug use
- Deciding to allow pets
- Rules for parties and overnight guests
- What happens if someone moves out early
- When a roommate must move out
- Breakdown of household tasks and chores
And so one. This is a legally binding document, so make sure you and your roommate agree to the terms before signing
Move with Your Manhattan Roommate
Once you’ve found the perfect roommate match, make the move easy by working with NYC Great Movers. We can help you, your new roommate, or both of you move into your new place hassle-free. Our team of professional movers can help create a plan that matches your needs and budget. Just let us know what you want and we’ll help you out.
FAQ
How many roommates can I have in an apartment?
NYC has strict laws on how many people you can have in a space. In general, each tenant under the lease can have one additional occupant as long as there is 80 square feet of livable space for each person. This excludes hallways, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.
Can I make money off my roommate?
It depends. In general, you can’t charge your roommate more than your actual rent. So if your rent is $2,000 you can’t charge more than that, but you can charge, say $1,700. Of course, if your roommate finds out you are pay significantly less, it could lead to issues. When it comes to rent stabilized apartments, you cannot charge more than half the rent.
