The Best Websites To Find Apartment Roommates On

June 26, 2020 4:26 pm Published by Isabella Housel Leave your thoughts

Last Modified: June 13, 2024 6:27 pm

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Have you ever wanted your own place but couldn’t afford to front the rent price every month? Having a roommate is a great way to reduce monthly rent expenses but also feel like you have your own space. Many people will own their own house and still rent out a basement or spare bedroom to one or more people to offset the cost.

There are so many great tools online and through social media to connect with people looking for a roommate or looking for an open bedroom. Especially during the summer months, students often seek affordable housing options tailored to their needs. Here are a few of the best websites to find roommates on!

1. Roomster

Roomster is one of the most popular sites for finding a roommate, with over 4 million active listings. To find a roommate or list your apartment, you must pass multiple security levels, including email, phone number, ID, and social media verification. These steps help ensure that listings are legitimate and not scams.

The website’s ease and accessibility make it simple to search and browse listings worldwide. You can also upgrade your account to send and receive messages and unlock other features, with prices ranging from $5.95 for a three-day trial to $29.95 for four weeks

2. Facebook

You probably already love Facebook, but have you checked out the Marketplace feature? You can easily list items and services you want to sell and browse items you want to buy. Since Facebook created Marketplace, there are no costs or additional verification if you already have a Facebook account. You can search by item, category, price, or location. Facebook has made it super easy to list apartments, houses, and rooms for rent.

Be careful that the person you are messaging is legit and you spend some time checking out their online profile before arranging anything and use caution when meeting with them. Facebook does have some security features in place but is overall less secure than a site made specifically for finding a roommate.

3. Roommates

Another great website is Roommates.com. With over 150,000 active listings, it is smaller compared to Roomster.com. Roommates.com also has email, Facebook, and phone number verification. You can become a VIP member to see additional details about users and their posts.

You can pay different rates to become a VIP for additional features, from $5.99 for 3 days to $29.99 for two months.

4. RoomieMatch

This website is the most secure way to find a roommate compared to other sites. The front page is centered on security, with no spam, fake profiles, or false information. You can use the free feature to search for listings or pay $19.95 per year to unlock messaging and other features. The website is easy to use, but it has more security requirements

RoomieMatch will send you a request every few months, and if you don’t respond, they will terminate your account for inactivity. These steps ensure you match with real people and stay protected online. If you’re serious about finding a roommate safely, check out their website.”

5. Diggz

On the smaller side of the roommate/housing market is a website called Diggz. This site is newer and has listings for 25 to 30 metro areas in the country. If you live in a major city, this website is perfect for finding a roommate! You can list your apartment to rent out a bedroom or find someone with a room available

Diggz uses personality and living preferences filters to find better matches for people. The site is free and has no upfront costs

6. Craigslist

Craigslist, one of the oldest platforms for finding apartment roommates, offers extensive local listings for room rentals and roommate searches. It is highly popular due to its broad reach and ease of use. Craigslist does not charge fees to find or list an item, making it accessible to many. However, it is crucial to approach Craigslist listings with caution to avoid scams. Always verify the legitimacy of posts and conduct thorough background checks on potential roommates.

To ensure safety, Craigslist recommends meeting in public places and bringing a friend along for initial meetings. Additionally, avoid sharing sensitive personal information until you are confident in the contact’s legitimacy. Despite these precautions, Craigslist remains a valuable resource for finding roommates due to its wide usage and free listings

7. Roomi

Roomi is a mobile app designed to help users find roommates by verifying profiles and offering detailed information about potential roommates and available rooms. This app prioritizes safety by using multiple verification steps, including ID and social media checks, to ensure users interact with real people. The detailed profiles help users find compatible roommates based on preferences and lifestyle.

Roomi offers a range of pricing options. While basic features are free, users can opt for premium features for a fee, starting at $29.99 per month. The premium version allows users to access additional details and contact potential roommates directly. Roomi’s security measures and detailed profile system are its strengths, but some users find the premium fees expensive compared to other platforms. Despite this, Roomi remains a popular choice for those prioritizing safety and detailed information in their search for a roommate.

8. SpareRoom

SpareRoom is a popular platform in the U.S. and the U.K. for finding roommates and listing available rooms. It stands out for its advanced search filters and robust messaging system, making it easier to find the perfect match. Users can specify criteria like budget, location, and lifestyle preferences to narrow their search. The platform offers both free and premium options. The premium subscription costs $10.99 for one week, $19.99 for two weeks, or $24.99 for a month, providing features like early access to listings and the ability to contact new users first.

SpareRoom’s strong points include its user-friendly interface and comprehensive search options, which can save time and effort. However, its premium costs might be a drawback for some users, especially compared to other free or lower-cost alternatives. Additionally, while it excels in urban areas, users in smaller towns might find fewer listings.

9. Cohabitas

Cohabitas is for people over 40 seeking compatible roommates. The platform emphasizes shared interests and lifestyles, making it easier for older adults to find like-minded individuals. Cohabitas prioritizes safety and authenticity with thorough verification processes. Users can browse listings for free, but unlocking full communication features requires a membership fee of about $15 per month.

While Cohabitas excels in its niche focus and strong community ethos, it has some drawbacks. The user base is smaller compared to broader platforms, which might limit choices in less populated areas. However, the site’s detailed profiles and focus on compatibility make it a valuable resource for older adults seeking a harmonious living situation.

Our Analysis

The nine websites and apps discussed offer various features, pricing, and safety measures tailored to different user needs. Here’s an analysis of the key aspects:

Matching Features

Roomster and Roomi prioritize detailed profiles and compatibility through verification processes. Roomi goes a step further by using personality and lifestyle preferences to match users more effectively.
Diggz also uses personality and living preferences filters, which can lead to better roommate matches.
SpareRoom offers advanced search filters and a robust messaging system, allowing users to specify detailed criteria such as budget and lifestyle preferences.

Pricing

Roomster: Offers both free and premium options, with premium features costing from $5.95 for a three-day trial to $29.95 for four weeks.
Roommates.com: Charges for VIP membership, ranging from $5.99 for three days to $29.99 for two months.
RoomieMatch: Has a yearly fee of $19.95 to unlock messaging and other features.
Roomi: Premium features start at $29.99 per month.
SpareRoom: Premium subscription costs range from $10.99 for one week to $24.99 for a month.
Cohabitas: Membership fee is about $15 per month.
Craigslist and Diggz are free, making them attractive for budget-conscious users.

Safety Features

Roomster, Roomi, and RoomieMatch stand out for their strong emphasis on safety, requiring multiple verification steps including ID and social media checks.
Craigslist and Facebook offer fewer built-in safety features and require users to exercise caution and perform their own verifications.
Roommates.com and SpareRoom provide some verification, but not as extensively as Roomster or Roomi.
Cohabitas ensures safety through thorough verification, though its smaller user base can limit options.

Takeaways

Security and Verification: Roomi and RoomieMatch are top choices for users prioritizing safety due to their rigorous verification processes. Roomster also offers strong security measures.
Budget Considerations: For those on a tight budget, Craigslist and Diggz are excellent due to their free services. However, they require more caution due to the lack of built-in safety features.
User Experience and Matching: SpareRoom, with its advanced search filters and robust messaging system, and Diggz, with its personality and lifestyle filters, offer enhanced user experiences aimed at finding better matches.
Specialized Platforms: Cohabitas is unique in catering to older adults, emphasizing compatibility through shared interests and lifestyles.

Overall, the choice of platform depends on individual priorities. Those looking for stringent safety measures might lean towards Roomi or RoomieMatch. Budget-conscious users might prefer Craigslist or Diggz. Platforms like SpareRoom and Diggz offer advanced matching features, enhancing the chances of finding a compatible roommate. Cohabitas serves a specific demographic, ensuring compatibility for older adults seeking roommates with similar lifestyles.

What Are Some Red Flags to Watch Out for in Roommate Ads?

Here are some red flags to be aware of when browsing roommate ads:

Incomplete Profiles

Ads that lack detailed information can be a sign of trouble. Look for:

Missing Photos: Ads without photos or with only stock images can be suspicious.
Sparse Descriptions: Vague or overly brief descriptions may indicate a lack of transparency.

Unrealistic Offers

If an ad seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of:

Extremely Low Rent: Rent prices significantly below the market rate can be a bait for scams.
Immediate Move-In: Ads pushing for an immediate move-in without prior communication can be problematic.

Poor Communication

Communication style in the ad can also be telling. Watch out for:

Delayed Responses: Slow or inconsistent replies can indicate unreliability.
Avoidance of Questions: If the poster avoids answering direct questions about the property or themselves, it’s a red flag.

Request for Personal Information

Be wary of ads asking for too much personal information upfront:

Sensitive Data: Avoid sharing personal details like your Social Security Number or bank information before meeting in person.
Prepayment Requests: Ads that require payment before seeing the property should be avoided.

Lack of Verification

Ensure the ad comes from a verified source:

Unverified Listings: Prefer platforms that verify user profiles through ID, phone, and social media checks.
No Background Checks: Ads that don’t mention any verification process can be less trustworthy.

Do’s and Don’ts for Finding Roommates Online

Do’s

Use Verified Platforms: Opt for websites that offer thorough verification processes like ID, phone, and social media checks. Platforms like Roomi and Roomster have strong safety measures to ensure you interact with real people.
Leverage Advanced Search Filters: Utilize sites with advanced search options like SpareRoom and Diggz. These features help narrow down your search by budget, location, and lifestyle preferences, saving you time.
Read Reviews and Ratings: Check user reviews and ratings on platforms like Roommates.com to understand others’ experiences. This can help you avoid potential scams and choose reliable listings.
Use Free Trials Wisely: Take advantage of free trials or basic features before committing to paid memberships. Roomster, for example, offers a three-day trial that can help you assess the platform’s usability.
Meet in Public Places: Arrange to meet potential roommates in public areas first. Websites like Craigslist suggest meeting in public to ensure your safety and comfort.

Don’ts

Ignore Red Flags: Don’t overlook suspicious behavior or incomplete profiles. If something feels off, it’s best to move on to another listing or user.
Skip Verification Steps: Avoid skipping verification processes even if they seem time-consuming. Platforms like RoomieMatch emphasize security and these steps protect you from scams.
Share Personal Information Early: Don’t share sensitive personal information too soon. Wait until you feel secure and have verified the person’s identity and background.
Rely Solely on Free Sites: While free sites like Craigslist are useful, relying only on them can increase the risk of encountering scams. Balance your search with more secure, paid platforms.
Rush the Decision: Take your time to find the right roommate. Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision; ensure compatibility and trustworthiness through thorough communication and verification.

To Conclude

Finding a roommate isn’t difficult these days with the rise of social connections and more people opting for places to stay temporarily. Use caution when talking to anybody online as scammers, catfish and other bots are only trying to get your information or cause harm. Most websites are made to have verification and security requirements in place so you only get real listings and matches.

Choosing the best websites to find roommates on is easy and might be the best thing you ever did. Finding a roommate doesn’t have to be scary! Surprisingly, friendships can come from people you room with. Start your new apartment journey today.

Find your dream apartment now.

Categorised in: Apartment Living, Apartment Tips

This post was written by Isabella Housel

Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.

The Best Websites To Find Apartment Roommates On