Meeting a potential roommate: the coffee test
Meet before signing when you can. Coffee is useful because it removes the pressure of the room tour and leaves time for a real conversation. You are not looking for instant friendship; you are checking for ease, clarity, and basic respect.
Talk about routines, rent, cleaning, guests, and a past shared-home problem. Notice whether the person asks questions as well as answers them. Are they punctual? Can they talk about money without becoming vague or defensive?
Do not overread a single meeting. Pair it with a viewing, references, and written terms. The coffee test is a small data point—but a useful one.