It can be exciting when you start looking at homes for rent in Pennsylvania. Maybe it’s the first time you’ll be on your own, or you got your dream job and need an apartment or townhome for rent. But one of the primary considerations you need to ask yourself is whether you want to live by yourself or find other people to live with, in your new space. And really, the decision comes down to who you are as a person.

Some people can and prefer living alone, while others prefer the advantages of living with others. Either way, you need to weigh the pros and cons of your living situation before searching for houses for rent in Pennsylvania. At Burkentine Rentals, we’ve seen our fair share of unique housing situations, from three people sharing a three-bed, two-bath townhome to a single-person taking advantage of an apartment. No matter your desires, we can find a home for you! Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Is Living with Someone Better than Living Alone?

Living with someone in a rental house certainly can have its advantages. For example, you can split the costs of living in a home for rent in Pennsylvania. Rent, electricity, utilities, internet, and cable may all be bills you can share when you live with a roommate.

With fewer expenses, you can have more freedom with your money since bills won’t tie you up so much financially. You can also split chores when you live with a roommate, so you won’t have to spend as much time keeping up with your space.

However, there are some disadvantages to having a roommate. You must be sure you can depend on your potential roommate to pay half the bills. If they don’t, you are legally responsible for the fees associated with living there since your names will both be on the lease. You also have to be comfortable with the other’s living habits.

If you prefer a tidy home, but your roommate tends to leave laundry and dishes everywhere, will that cause issues? These are all things to consider before deciding to live alone or with a roommate when looking for homes for rent in Pennsylvania.

Is It Cheaper to Live with a Roommate?

Generally, it is cheaper to live with a roommate since you’ll each be paying a share of the rent and other bills. This living situation can allow you to save money in houses or apartments in Hanover, PA, for rent. The only caveat is that if you have one or more roommates, you will likely want a bedroom for each person. This arrangement gives you your space, but you can still share common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.

With each additional bedroom, you may have to pay more per person since rent is higher in spaces with two or three bedrooms rather than just one. However, that cost per person will still likely be less expensive than if you were living by yourself. So, keep in mind that you may need to look for houses for rent in Pennsylvania with three beds, two baths, or something similar if you plan to live with roommates.

Am I Too Old to Have a Roommate?

Society is changing, and people embrace unique living situations every day. You might think that once you hit a certain age, having a roommate means you aren’t responsible enough to take care of your home for rent in Pennsylvania. But that thinking couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sharing an apartment for a single-family home for rent with a roommate can be a very responsible decision. It ensures that you can tour Pennsylvania houses for rent that are perhaps nicer than you would be able to afford on your own and is a smart money decision. It also prevents feelings of loneliness that can sometimes happen when you live alone.

When Is It Better to Live Alone?

It’s better to live alone when you are sure you make enough money to afford your living expenses, feel ready to keep your home or apartment in Hanover, PA, for rent as clean as you like, and don’t mind alone time. Living alone also gives you the freedom to decorate as you wish and make whatever food (or get takeout) whenever you wish.

Living alone might also be better if you are extra particular about how you keep your space and the amount of personal space you need. Everyone is different; some people need time away from others to decompress, while others find their energy around other people. Living alone may be better if you relate more to the first description.

What If My Roommate Doesn’t Pay?

Sadly, this situation happens more often than people realize. If your roommate doesn’t have half the bills, it’s time to have a serious conversation with them. Are they between jobs? Have they had major expenses recently? Sometimes having a roommate not pay isn’t a lack of responsibility; it’s a lack of resources. Find out the reason and then decide which actions to take.

For example, if your roommate is short on rent this month, could you cover a partial payment and have them pay you back next month? If you go this route, be sure to have a written record of the agreement. If this problem recurs, it may be time to inform your landlord and either find a new roommate or move out.

Looking for Homes for Rent in Pennsylvania—Either By Yourself or With Someone?

Whether you decide to live alone or find roommates, Burkentine Rentals can help you find the perfect place for you! With plenty of homes for rent in Pennsylvania, you’ll surely find something that works for your situation. We have pet-friendly apartments and townhomes for rent and offer various floor plans to suit your needs. Get in touch with us today to start the search for your next home!