10 Signs of Living with a Problematic Roommate

You move out of your parents' house for a reason. You forward to the comfort of being close to your workplace, flee the pressure of having responsibilities, and practice your independence. It won't matter if it costs almost the bulk of your paycheck. What's important is to get a condo or stay in a rental with a roommate.

Unfortunately, beggars can't be choosers when it comes to roomies. Some people are difficult to deal with over than others. You have to face several situations that will frustrate and irk you unless you break up with them. To avoid reaching your boiling point, check your roommate for these ten red flags.

Red flags of having problematic roomies

1. Cleaning is an unresolved issue

People who occupy the space are all responsible for cleaning. If you are the only one taking care of the mess, there's an imbalance. It seems you are the only one who cares for the apartment. You must watch for inconsiderate roommates who don't wash their dishes, leaving remnants of their stuff all over the area and allow dust to settle in the living room.

2. Crossing your boundaries over and over

There's a reason you keep your food at the back of your fridge. Unfortunately, your roommate doesn't respect your boundaries enough to prevent eating your food. Besides consuming your food without permission, he or she also goes beyond the cabinet space you set for your things. Most of her possessions are already in your area. You always shove his or her junk to the side to give way to yours.

3. Being passive-aggressive

When you communicate through notes, you are in a state of passive-aggressiveness. Your roommate would instead communicate through texts and written notes than confront you. Not having the decency to speak with you face-to-face about something that bothers him or her prevents you from solving problems like full-grown adults. Coming home late and leaving early means he or she is avoiding you and the situation.

4. Inviting guests without permission

Even if you are adults, you still have to inform each other of who comes to your home as it is a shared space. It's bothersome to find unknown faces huddled on your couch after a day at work. The same goes for weekends you feel like staying in wearing pajamas and a group barges in unexpectedly. Your roommate should alert you to any guests that will drop by to be aware of the situation and prepare for the people who will come over.

5. Dodging monthly expenses

If you are on a rental, it's a must to pay rent on time. It's a must for your roommate to pay their share at the end of the month. Besides rental fees, there are utility bills you both must pick up. If the roomie delays payment but comes home with expensive gourmet takeouts, new pairs of shoes, or the latest haute couture piece, then there's bound to be a problem.

6. Incurring damages without replacement

Sharing of items and furniture can be tricky. There's a responsiblity to change and repair anything that breaks especially when you weren't the one to buy the piece. If your roommate accidentally cracked a vase or scratched the surface of your desk and still hasn't offered to repair it, then your roommate is rude.

7. Overstaying guests

Allowing a friend or significant other to stay for a night or two is cool. Extending their stay to a week or a month isn't acceptable. A roommate allowing this behavior isn't cute and graceful. It lets other people a free ride to your space - an apartment that comes with utility bills.

8. Bringing the worst behavior

To have the best home living experience, you must surround yourself with positive influences. Being with some people can encourage the worst in you. If you spend your time together gossiping or binge drinking with your roommate, then it's time to find one who won't initiate these activities all the time.

9. Following the leader

Everyone has an attitude, but if you start to notice that your living situation revolves around your roommate, it's time to rethink how things run in your apartment. It's unfair for you to break and bend your life, so he or she gets what he or she wants. They never go out of their way to make life easy for you so why should you do the same?

10. Pet situation

An apartment can be small enough for two people. Adding a pet in the mix can be fine in the beginning, but the owner must be responsible for feeding and cleaning it. The animal may be fun to have around, but it won't be once it plays and destroys house items or leaves a mess in the area. If your roommate thinks you must babysit their pet, then you have a situation to discuss.

As much as possible, be aware of your roommate's problematic behavior. You may end in confrontations and disputes if you allow him or her to continue these acts. When that happens, your relationship and living situation will suffer.