Summarize this article in one sentence.
Never agree to a living situation without meeting up in person first. You want to make sure there's good chemistry and the person doesn't seem unsafe or unfriendly. Meet up in a neutral location, like a coffee shop, and talk over your expectations for things like chores, bills, and so on. If you're showing your apartment, meet up at a neutral location first before bringing over the potential roommate. It's a good idea to have a friend or family member in the apartment with you for safety. Some roommates simply aren't compatible. Think about your personal living habits and ask about the other person's habits. Make sure the two of you have a similar lifestyle so you won't clash too much. Talk about your general lifestyle. Do you love loud music and having people over? If so, you may not hit it off with a quiet, introverted roommate. Hobbies and leisurely activities can also sometimes be an issue. For example, if your new roommate watches a lot of television, this could drive up the cable bill. Chores are a common reason roommates fight, so make sure to ask your potential roomie whether they're a neat person. You should also confess to your own cleaning habits. If you occasionally let dishes sit in the sink overnight, for example, be upfront about this. If you're visiting an apartment to potentially move into, pay attention to whether it's clean. If you notice a lot of dust, grime, and dirty dishes, this may not be the ideal place to live. If you're having someone move in with you, ask them why they're looking for a new place. This can be a good way to identify red flags. If someone has a reasonable need to move, such as wanting to be closer to work, this is a good sign. However, people who cite things like roommate drama may be difficult to live with. Asks about a potential roommate's income and make sure it exceeds your rent and bills. You don't want to be left lending your roommate money each month for rent. In addition to a decent income, make sure their work is steady. If your roommate is working a temp job, for example, they may not be able to make rent in a few months.
Meet up in person. Ask about a potential roommate's lifestyle. Learn the person's cleaning habits. Figure out why they're looking for a new place. Make sure they can cover costs.