There are plenty of playgrounds/parks where there aren't restrictions. And where someone reading a book or just sitting getting some sun while watching the kids play wouldn't raise an eyebrow. It's not a universal thing, especially outside of really urban areas.

Yep, all very true.

Debet, I'd want to know what kind of hours s/he keeps, guests, pets, etc. Mostly I'd want to get a sense of his/her personality.

What would you want to know about a potential roommate?

What their hours are; are they at home all the time; do they travel; what kind of music do they listen to; is there a bf/gf who would stay over often; do they have pets and what are they; is there a truly common common space; are they willing to share some foodstuffs or do you have to buy everything on your own including basics (milk, flour, cheese, etc); do you get your own bath and if not when do they use it; whether they'd be willing to go in on a housecleaner every few weeks so neither of you ends up getting resentful about unequal distribution of labor.

signed, I have had too many roommates.

There are plenty of playgrounds/parks where there aren't restrictions. And where someone reading a book or just sitting getting some sun while watching the kids play wouldn't raise an eyebrow. It's not a universal thing, especially outside of really urban areas.

I sure as hell hope it doesn't become a massive national trend. My visceral squick is just that strong. Speaking as a parent.

Hmmm, Consuela, that sounds like a great list of issues to discuss t bookmarking but possibly a bit much for my, "Hi, I'm Abi" email.

They don't let people in the dog runs without a dog either.

My neighbor rented out her house for the summer. Major selling points for her was they wanted to pay all the rent upfront, they're a couple with a newborn, decisive moveout date, etc. However, with a roomie situation, might not want to offer full rent in case they are assholes.

They should make a law making it illegal for kids to be around me.

I actually witnessed you saving a small child from being crushed by a truck, there, wonder woman.

You SPRUNG INTO ACTION.

Seriously, I wish I had a YouTube of it. You should have the key to the city. Or Urth Cafe. You should have a key to something is what I'm saying.

I think most of what Connie says is what I'd be looking for. Like, why do you want to rent in my house, when will you be around, what do you need/want. I may have an open room in September, so if a friend of a friend emailed me, I'd basically figure they'd say "Hey, Friend said you might have a room--I'm looking to move around [date] because [reason--hate apartment, want a roommate, like the 'hood, whatever]. I need [my own bathroom, cats to be OK, a vegetarian kitchen]. I [random information about me like I bake a lot, play drums, have a boyfriend who is over 24/7]."