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What should I say when I email someone on Craigslist about an apartment?

I'm looking to rent a room in an apartment on Craigslist but I'm not sure what to say in emails that I send to the people looking for a roommate. How much should I say about myself? What is the standard procedure for this type of email? Any hints and tips would be greatly appreciated. :)

Public Comments

1. Don't say much of anything in the first e-mail. Set up a meeting in a PUBLIC place. If you feel comfortable, go to see the room in daylight hours and take a friend. Let others know where you will be. Tell the potential landlords that you can provide references if you decide to take the place.
2. Keep it short and sweet. Tell them a little about yourself, and maybe a few exceptions of the situation you are looking for. Ask to meet them in like a coffee shop in the neighborhood where their apartment is in. If you meet near their apartment you can at least get the feel for the neighborhood, as well as how clean the area is. In the email maybe briefly describe your lifestyle in a sentence. Like you love to go out, and have lots of friends come over. That type of thing. Do it during the day where if anything should happen people will be around. During the meeting ask if they are renting the apartment or own it. If they rent ask them if the management knows that they are looking for a room mate. If they say the management doesn't know and they don't want to them to know be very hesitant. Ask about how long they lived there, how long to they plan on staying. It may sound foolish to ask for how long but you can feel them out if they may bail on the lease once you get in there. Ask about what you would be able to use. I have heard people renting a room and using the bathroom and that is it. They had to get a small fridge and microwave for their room to use.