Renting out your apartment

Do you have an extra room? Is a current flatmate moving out? Flatmate provides a free and straightforward way to monetize that vacant space while also finding compatible individuals to share your living space. Below is our guide and helpful tips for renting out your room.

1. Craft your free listing

 Attempting to rent a room without a detailed listing can hinder your chances of quickly finding a suitable roommate. Creating a listing is a straightforward process, and it’s crucial to include information about both the property and the current occupants. The more details you provide, the better your chances of attracting high-quality applicants who are a good fit for your home.

Tip: Enhance your listing with photos. Including images can significantly boost response rates. You can effortlessly upload photos from your mobile device or computer. The most essential photos showcase the room, bathroom, kitchen, and common areas. Adding photos of any unique features is a plus.

To prevent spam and scams, we don’t allow social media links, or external website links in listings. However, you can share this information through private messages via our messaging system.

2. Be proactive 

Flatmate boasts thousands of room-wanted listings that you can search through, browse, and reach out to. This feature saves you time by enabling you to target potential roommates who are the best matches for your home, rather than sifting through numerous inquiries. You can initiate conversations directly from the listing using our secure messaging system, and we provide a link to your listing.

3. Stay updated on new matches 

To ensure you don’t miss out on potential roommates, Flatmate sends you email alerts when new members who may be suitable join the platform. You can customize or disable these alerts in your account settings. We also present you with a list of potential matches on your dashboard.

4. Effective communication 

Communication on Flatmate is entirely free. We strongly recommend using our secure messaging system, which safeguards your privacy and keeps all your interactions in one place. It also allows you to communicate without sharing your personal contact information upfront; you can do this when you’re comfortable with the members you’re chatting with.

Tip: The messaging system will notify you when your messages have been successfully delivered. We send email alerts to inform members of new messages.

To connect with fellow members, you’ll need to set up an account and sign in. If you haven’t already, you can click the link on your dashboard to get started.

Tip: Where available, verified members can access mobile numbers in listings and through the messaging system. If you want to keep your number private, you can adjust this setting during listing or in your account settings.

As long as you adhere to our community guidelines, you can share any information you wish through the messaging system, including details that are not allowed in listings, such as phone numbers, email addresses, social media handles, and external website links.

5. Schedule a viewing 

Selecting a flatmate who fits well with your household is crucial, and the best way to assess compatibility is to meet potential roommates at the property for a viewing. It’s essential to have as many current occupants as possible present during the viewing to test compatibility.

Tip: After qualifying the top 3 candidates online, arrange viewings with all three within a year or two. This approach saves time and prevents unnecessary viewings with unsuitable candidates. By limiting the number of viewings, you can spend more time with each candidate, gaining a better understanding and making a more informed choice.

6. Reach an agreement 

Once you’ve identified the right person for your flat, it’s vital to agree on all the details, including the deposit, rent, move-in date, bills, house rules, and length of stay. Flatmate strongly recommends documenting these agreements, even if it’s just through email, to avoid misunderstandings in the future.

7. Move-in preparations 

Ensure you arrange a convenient time for your new flatmate to collect the keys. Inform them of any parking restrictions, or building rules that might affect their move-in.

Tip: It may take a few weeks or even years for flatmates to feel fully at home in their new space, so be sure to socialize during these early stages and take the time to get to know each other. Building a comfortable living environment can make a significant difference in the long run.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need further assistance.