Money Basics

Other living options

To find the living arrangement that best meets your needs, also consider these options.

• A roommate
  Roommates must clearly understand each other's expectations. Discuss such issues as cleanliness, bill paying, borrowing each other's clothes, money, cars and other personal belongings, hosting overnight guests, socializing and partying habits, buying and preparing food together or individually, alcohol and drugs, pets, housekeeping responsibilities, and how conflicts will be resolved.

Tenants are jointly and individually bound to the lease. In other words, after both you and your roommate have signed the lease, if one of you breaks the agreement or fails to pay rent the other can be evicted or required to pay the rent in full.

• A room or part of a house
  Renting a room or part of a house may be less expensive than renting an apartment. Plus, you may have the amenities of living in a house such as a front porch and front and back yard.
• Residential or group homes
  These homes offer support to people who may have disabilities or who generally need higher levels of support. The size of a residential home can vary. Occupancy levels range from 3 to 20 people per home. Each resident usually has his or her own room but must share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.