Roommate wanted in Central MA. Move date: Oct. 1. I'm a woman in my 30s. Looking for somebody to share a place with for at least 1 yr. Expecting to split rent and utilities evenly and expecting to put both our names on all or most bills. I don't smoke or drink. I'm allergic to cats. I'm very friendly and easy to get along with, but I have a quiet lifestyle and looking for similar. Ideally looking for 1,000 sq. ft. of my own space, and spacious closets. Want my own full bathroom. Looking for a modern space that is up to code, has central AC and minimal or no stairs. I'm a very clean person and might want to use a cleaning service once or twice a month to help us vacuum, mop, deep clean bathrooms. I have asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity, so I use mostly fragrance-free or natural cleaning products (such as Seventh Generation and Method). Can't have you spraying Febreze or Lysol. I can't do heavy lifting (generally, I can take out my own trash but not shovel snow). I like having the windows open but over 80 degrees, I need AC. I have a space heater, dehumidifier, humidifier. Will be purchasing an air purifier and vent for cooking if our place does not have one. I have a desk setup and small tv (probably for my room). Need kitchen table, chairs, couch. I will be home during the day at least somewhat due to my chronic illnesses. Some afternoons I will be out. I sleep until 9:30 a.m. every day. I receive SNAP benefits, so we will keep our food separate (separate shelves or we will figure out). My hobbies include cooking, reading, spending time in nature. My budget is $1500/month including utilities.
What I'm looking for in a home:
Working smoke/carbon monoxide detectors that are hardwired and less than 10 yrs. old.
No history of smoke damage, water/mold damage, other toxins.
No pest infestations.
No major construction planned (such as roof replacement).
Lots of windows.
Blackout window treatments.
In-unit washer and dryer, preferably not in basement.
A kitchen with dining area (space for kitchen table).
Programmable thermostats in central location and/or my room.
Water heater and HVAC systems in good condition.
If apartment: Ventilation that does not circulate air from neighbors into my home.
A way to have, at a minimum, heat, in the event of a power outage.
Wide stairs (no steep incline) with handrails. I will live on first or second floor, no higher.
Horizontal doorknobs and faucet handles (that don't require twisting the wrist to use).
What I'm looking for in a roommate:
Somebody who is understanding about sensitivity to chemicals (you don't have to know everything now but you have to be willing not to bring too many chemicals into our home, including scented laundry detergent like Tide or Gain in shared washing machine. New mattresses and couches cannot be emitting dangerous fumes – there are labels to look for when purchasing and I can tell you – it’s easy). I do sometimes use small amounts of bleach with the windows open.
Somebody who respects my privacy. I never use video calls myself for any reason due to privacy concerns, so I'm not comfortable with being in the background of yours. I don’t use social media and don’t want photos of myself on there.
Somebody who doesn’t cook pig products often (but I’m not going to freak out if you leave pepperoni pizza in the fridge overnight).
Nice to haves:
Somebody who will let me use their vehicle occasionally (twice per month) for local errands as I won't be bringing a vehicle with me. I have a perfect driving record and will probably be purchasing non-owner car insurance.
Non-coffee drinkers. I was addicted for many years and don't want to be around the smell of it.
This would work well for somebody who is busy with their own life, out of the home during the day, or a night-shift worker.
Benefits of living with me:
I'm a respectful and tolerant Humanist.
I like keeping spaces clean.
I always pay bills on time and have excellent credit and no criminal history.
I'm quiet. No loud music (or even loud tv) or loud parties. I don't anticipate overnight guests.
I'm diligent about safety, especially fire safety.
If cleaning service and/or snow removal is not part of your budget, we can discuss.
Let me know why you think we'd make good roommates and what questions you have.