What are your best tips for keeping a happy relationship with your roommate?

I guess I should add that it's my house. I own my home out right, so no mortgage, and the person crashing is my best friend, who happens to be a guy. There's no romantic relationship going on, we've been friends for about 12 years now.

Clearly discuss boundaries and expectations, including who pays for what, how long friends can sleep over, personal space, and always to knock. Then respect each other. It's that simple.

I think if you're able to sit down to discuss your expectations BEFORE you move in together, you'll have a better chance at a happy relationship as roommates.

Make sure you each understand each other's pet peeves and preferences. Consider things like:
* having guests over - is it okay to have overnight guests, what about parties?
* playing music or the TV - how loud is too loud? How late is too late and how early is too early?
* sharing food - will you share food expenses, or is food the property only of the person who pays for it?
* splitting bills - will you split all bills evenly (rent, electric, gas, etc.)? Who will actually handle paying the bills?
* sharing housework - who takes out the trash, cleans the bathroom, vacuums, dusts, etc?
* other stuff - like temperature of your dorm room or apartment, paying for furniture and dishes (if in an apartment)

Even if you already have a roommate now, it's not too late to have a conversation about these things and make things better or prevent misunderstanding and bad feelings in the future.

I definitely agree with the other respondent's answer about RESPECT for the other person. That starts with knowing what the other person's wishes and preferences are.

Good luck!

One word, Respect.
God bless.

Just realize that it is difficult to live with another person and that the things that you do not find annoying/irritating/bad habits might bother another person. Being considerate and clean are the most important things I look for in a roommate. if you are also easy to talk to and willing to make changes, your conflicts should be fairly easy to resolve!

first u have to talk with ur roommate on this... u can start after introducing urselves and getting to know each other... then probably u can ask on how to upkeep ur room... then if there will be any rules or regulations that need to be followed by the owners of the building... im sure u have some rules of ur own... right???

open honesty and communication

I believe the best attribute to look for in a roommate and to have when being a roommate is RESPECT. If you each have respect for each other (and other people in general) you should be able to deal with issues that may arise and also be a willing and open recipient to any issues which may be caused by you. Good luck and God Bless.