How can I prevent roommate problems?

Learn from all the things you had problems with before! when you make a copy of your key for the person, have them engrave "do not copy" on it, so that way they can't copy it. Ask him if you guys can set up a chore list and find a way to divide up your food. You need to be a little flexible or he's just going to feel like you are imposing your rules on him...rather, let him be part of the process of making rules. Tell him you had problems with people taking your food before (or their friends taking your food) and ask him if it's alright with him if you each label everything that is yours, or ask if you want to borrow something, etc.

It's going to be rough and you will probably have conflicts, but what I have learned is to let the little stuff go, and discuss the big stuff calmly and firmly.

OH and make rules about your dog...people LOVE to feed my dog table scraps, which make him super sick, so we always have to tell them in advance.

Good luck!

1) I do not want to live my your friends or signifcant other. Don't give your keys away.

2) Common areas should be kept clean and tidy. Your bedroom is your business, but the places the guests see need to be cleaned reguarly. (start a rotating chore chart...its not childish, its neccesary)

3) Come to a mutual understanding about food. Either you both buy your own or figure out a way to grocery shop together or at least for household items that can be shared. (milk, tp, cleaning supplies, trash bags)

4) Bills need to be paid on time. If there is a problem tell me, we will figure it out.

Just a few. I have terrible roomate problems too. I have two, and one is awesome and the other one sucks. She never cleans, never helps buy household supplies, eats my food, and takes 45 minute showers in the morning almost making me late to work and taking all the hot water. I suggest communication though. I'm afraid talking to my roomate is not working, but I am sure this guy will be great.

This is absolutely vital: before he moves in, get the house rules in writing. After he moves in, it's too late.

Remember, you have -- primarily -- a business relationship with this guy. It's nice if you can be friends, but that's an add-on.

Basic to your relationship you must remember that it's business -- you are selling lodging to him and he is paying for it.

Get all the rules down in black-&-white. Otherwise, you're going to have the same (or worse) problems with him that you had with other roommates.

This includes sleep-overs. I suggest that you write into the contract that if he has a friend spend the night, it will cost $40. That will discourage him from subletting.

Get off on the right foot -- clearly define your terms and house rules -- good luck!

whatever problems u had in the past those r the rules u address and maybe add in a few xtra that u think r appropriate good luck

Talk about past problems and tell him how you feel about these things. You should have probably talked about all this before deciding to live together though.

whatever problems that you have had in the past...set those as rules