I recently posted a blog entitled, "Questions to ask before you rent," that focused on the tenant/landlord relationship. But with college starting up, students are still moving into apartments, duplexes and condos. Many choose their best friends as roommates, which can make for great experiences but can also make the relationship with roommates even more complicated. Whether or not someone chooses to room with their best buddy or a total stranger, there are some precautions to take that will ensure the protection of each person's best interests.

First, consult our renter's checklist, the landlord/tenant law brochure, as well as our student consumer guide, all of which will provide tips and questions that renters can ask their future landlords. Then, after all the roommates have settled on an apartment, they should sit down and hammer out some of the specific details. They could draft a roommate agreement that addresses issues that could come up over time. For instance, this agreement could establish rules and boundaries for smoking, stay-over guests, division of rent, cable, utilities, and other expenses and cleaning responsibilities.

The worst possible scenario for a roommate is when he or she comes home to find another roommate has moved out without notice. With a signed agreement, there will be certain measures that will protect the deserted roommate(s). This may be an awkward conversation to have with a good friend or even a new person, but it is better to get these questions out in the open at the beginning. Many people have had roommate horror stories; taking these small steps might start the school year off right.