Before you invest the time to find a roommate in NYC, put together a list of everything you want to check. Asking lots of questions up front can be time-consuming, yes. And doing something like a background check can be a little intimidating at first, true. But think about it. You are about to open the door wide open, hand over a set of keys, provide easy access to all your stuff, and place your financial well-being in the hands of a complete and total stranger.

Yeah, sounds like a good time to be thorough.

Do a background check if you want to find a good roommate in NYC

Running a background check on a roommate is street smart. It’s not just the tatted up guys with leather jackets who might be trouble. Just look at politicians these days. Sure, they smile nice, and they’ve got pleasant things to say. But you wouldn’t trust at least half of them to babysit a basket of dirty laundry, let alone have access to your iPhone while you’re not around.

Do a credit check when you are trying to find a roommate in NYC

The harsh reality is that your roommate’s credit score is going to affect your ability to sign a lease. Having a great roommate can go south fast if you discover later that they have bad credit and you can’t renew. Next thing you know, you’re moving into a lousy room in a bad part of town with your super sweet, mired in credit debt roommate. Who will totally take you out to dinner to make up for it if you just spot them twenty dollars.

Related: Help! I Need Tips on How to Save Money in My 20s!

Do an employment check when trying to find a roommate in NYC

Just because someone has good credit doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way. It’s a tough economy, and you might be tempted to cut someone a break. Especially if they have a plan that sounds good. But do yourself a favor and get two paystubs, or at the bare minimum, an acceptance letter for a new job with the salary right there, plain as can be. If you don’t, you could end up stuck shouldering their part of the rent on top of your own in a matter of months.

Furniture wars: avoid a broken home

There are two ways to get tripped up by furniture and appliances: Not having enough, and having way, way too much. The latter is easier to bump into than you might think. Rooms in NYC are small. A couch is going to occupy a considerable amount of real estate. Picture this. Your roommate shows up on move-in day, dazzling you with their sunny disposition and eye-catching organizational skills. You both suddenly realize there isn’t enough room for the combined might of your couches. Your roommate is now stuck trying to find storage last minute or selling it fast at a lost. You are so losing your BFF card over this. So the moral of the story– sort out your furniture before anyone moves in.

Related: What’s the Late-Fee Policy, & 19 More Questions To Ask Your Landlord Before Moving In

Conflict is ultimately driven by resource mismanagement: AKA food

Some people think it’s hilarious when other people name their sandwiches. MIA leftovers and filthy cooking areas are one of the first places roommates discover just how well they don’t get along. Lay the ground rules down for food and cooking during the interview. And if it gets really bad, start making sandwiches with expired anchovies and excessive abuse of hollandaise. People will steal your food less if you give them the impression you’re a terrible cook.

Parking meters: the unsung hero of utility bills

Where is your roommate going to park their car? How accessible is parking? Does your roommate have other means of transportation, like a bicycle or moped? If so, where are those going to go? Don’t make the mistake of omitting parking problems if you know it’s tough in your neighborhood and your prospective roommate fails to ask. Head off the problem before it starts. So, make sure everyone is clear beforehand about parking.

Related: 5 Fun Traditions To Explore With Your Roommate

It’s better together . . . until it’s not: guests

You’re roommates great. Wish you could say the same about their entourage. Mixed social gatherings, girly hordes, rambling bro-packs. Overnight guests that never seem to leave. People popping in and out, slamming doors, eating your food, taking your parking spot. The number of ways that guests can mess with your real estate relationship is literally without end. Check with your roommate beforehand to get a sense of how much socializing they plan to base out of the apartment.

D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find a good roommate in NYC? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!