5. When you ask for employment information from a potential roommate, they are evasive about the details but assure you they will be able to pay. Then they offer the deposit in cash. While they may be an exotic dancer or someone else who gets paid in cash, there is a greater possibility that they are involved in employment that is either unstable or illegal-most likely both.

4. The person offering the houseshare is asking a suspiciously low rent amount, and uses words like "open minded" and "laid back". Chances are there are expectations (or at least hopes) of sex involved. These sorts of offers seem to be especially prevalent amongst males looking for female roommates.

3. The person looking for a housemate has a long list of "nos". "No drugs" and "no illegal activity" is certainly understandable, but a danger alert should sound when the advert includes "No drinking", "No overnight visitors", "No noise," and "No parking in the street,". There is probably a longer list of "NO's" that you won't find out about until you move in. Make your own rule here: No control freaks!

2. Your roommate applicant lists more than two addresses in the past two years, or more than two jobs. They are probably unstable in their employment at best; at worst they have to keep moving due to evictions.

1. Either party is in such a hurry to finalize the situation that they don't ask any important questions, like the rent amount, whether utilities are included, or why the applicant is leaving his or her current situation. Something is wrong here. If either party makes reference to a probation officer, that will be a clue.

There are plenty of good, friendly housemate situations out there. Just be sure that you leave yourself enough options that you don't have to take the first situation on offer, even if you here alarm bells ringing.