Should I rent out my basement?

[Thomas Merton]

So, times are lean, no raise this year or next. I'm thinking of renting out my basement which is finished with a full bathroom and a kitchen. Its just me upstairs. Have you ever rented a room and how do I screen potential roomies for homicidal tendencies?

[Fez4PrezN2008]

The problem is you are basically inviting a stranger into you home, even if its in the basement. If you get a creep or wacko, it could be hard hard hard to get rid of them. If they make your life miserable at your home, where would you retreat to? I'd rather eat beans and rice instead of renting out, but that's just me and I am kind of a cynical curmudgeon. Google landlord horror stories before you decide though. Good luck.

[weekapaugjz]

don't put any ads in the paper about it. try to weed out the "undesirables".

[jauble]

Check for a full head of hair under the wig.


If you do use a craigslist sort of thing put your full expectations of the tenant in the ad. Meet with them at your property and find out about who they are and what they are about. Verify employment, get a background check (you can get a good one for under $25 dollars, if you need the link for this service pm me its what my company uses for our contractors) which you can include as part of the initial rent. It is not an insult to the tenant, but a contractual thing since you will be sharing living space. Its also important for you to be honest with them about your stuff and what you expect. Find yourself a lawyer to draw up a contract and you should be good.

[tanless1]

No

[razorboy]

Just leave the door open and see what happens.

[opie's twisted balls]

I'm an unsociable cunt and couldn't imagine renting out a room or the basement of my house.

[PapaBear]

Hey! I'm looking for a pla..

If you get a creep or wacko

Oh. Never mind.