While a Rent.com survey found 11% of renters believe they have lived in a home inhabited by ghosts, others would be willing to do so in order to save money. In fact, 69% of renters would be willing to crash with Casper for the right price. More than half (51%) would do so for free rent, and 27% would do it for half off the rent. About 30% said they’d bunk with the boogeyman for free utilities, while 23% would do it for a free flat-screen TV with cable. However, 31% of renters said no deal. Nothing, “not even a million bucks,” would convince them to conquer their phasmophobia (fear of ghosts).

Ghosts and goblins aside, renters sometimes find themselves in horrifying situations of a more earthly nature, from nightmare roommates to creeping managers and security scares.  The good news is that there is always a practical solution to these problems. Take a look at our first apartment horror story in a series that demonstrates how renters can deal with stressful or scary living situations.

1. Nightmare Roommates

According to a Rent.com survey, 35% of renters said the worst quality in a roommate is leaving the living room or kitchen messy.  And 34% of renters consider someone using their things without asking to be one of the worst qualities. For 13%, the worst is someone who blasts loud music and another 11% complain that it really bugs them when their roommate’s significant other is always around.

What To Do?

• Communicate.  Talk about your living needs and agree on expectations before moving in together.
• Commit to Clean. Talk about who will clean, what, when and how often. Make a schedule.
• Respect Each Other’s Privacy and Property.  Discuss boundaries around bedrooms, bathrooms and personal property.

Next Rental Horror Story: The Case of the Creeping Manager