Roommate finding advice?

[WishfulSpirit]

Hi everyone

Hubby and I are looking for a roommate. We have a 2 bedroom apartment we can't afford since things went south with the last guy. I need some advice about how to find a good person. So far Roommates.com and Craigslist is all I'm doing.

The complex requires a background check with the application (not subletting...they'd actually be a cosigner on the lease) and I'm telling prospects what kind of person we want (serious student only, otherwise day-working professional who doesn't want to be around loud parties, MUST like and be trustworthy around our cats and small dog).

Any tips? So far I've had leads but they aren't working out. I'd want a woman or a gay man, age 25-40 with no kids, ideally.

[Gizmo]

Have you tried putting it out to your friends for them or people they know? (Yes, this can also go wrong too, I am aware).

[MoonCat]

I've never had to do this, so I can't give you much advice except to be wary of references. Sometimes people get their friends or relatives to pretend to be previous landlords on the phone.

[WishfulSpirit]

Thanks so far everyone. Still looking but seems like we may be making some progress. Current roomie is not showing any signals of moving out, so either he'll pay his half come November 1st or GTFO.