How to rent your room on roommates.com

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Need to rent out a room? We've got you covered! Sharing your place is the perfect way to help make rent more affordable, and with the ideal roommate, you can also make a lifelong friend in the process. While the thought of finding the perfect roommate may seem a little overwhelming, we’re here to help you every step of the way, and we've put together a few recommendations to help.

Be Descriptive!

Members with honest and descriptive profiles tend to have the best results when looking for their perfect roommate! When setting up or revising your profile, include all the amenities that come not only with your place, but also the private space they’ll be renting… let them know if they’ll have a private bathroom or even a patio they can access from their room, as promoting those kinds of perks can be a great way to highlight the things that makes your space stand out.

It’s not just about your place! Talk about your neighborhood, too. Are there awesome bars and restaurants nearby? How about a library or dog park? Are you close to a freeway which makes a commute easier? These are excellent features that get your roommate excited to move in! 

Keep in mind that you can always go back to edit or improve your profile at any time. If you need instructions, check out our Edit Your Profile tutorial.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

Conversation is key! If you have a hard time sparking up a conversation, think about what kind of information you would want/need if you were in your potential roommate's shoes. Just remember to be the real you (and, of course, be appropriate and courteous). For more information about how the Roommates.com Message Center works, check out our Sending and Receiving Messages tutorial.

Note: Always follow your gut! If you’re feeling uncomfortable with a conversation you’re having, please note that you can report or block the user in question. When you meet with a prospective roommate, always let someone know where you’re going and when you’re going to meet. Better yet, if you can bring somebody you trust with you, even better! Check our our Safety Tips for more recommendations to help ensure a safe and positive experience.

Establish Your Needs and Expectations!

While we're on the subject of communication, we recommend that you always establish and communicate the “ground rules” before moving in with a roommate by asking basic questions like… 

• Which areas are communal, and which rooms are private? 
• How will rent and utilities be divided? 
• Which household items are you willing to share? (i.e. kitchen utensils, furniture, etc.).  
• Are you a neat freak or okay with a little clutter? 
• Establish a parking plan! Will you need to share a spot, or is there plenty of parking space?
• Is it okay to have guests over, if so, how frequently? 
• Do you mind a little noise, or prefer some peace and quiet?

Establishing house rules aren’t the most fun, but they’re imperative so you can have a healthy relationship with your roommate and have the ultimate roommate experience.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Don’t forget to post pictures! And not only pics of your available room, but also pictures of communal areas, outdoor areas, and the exterior facade, too! Most roommates have the most success when they post an array of photos. Also remember that posting photos of yourself, your pets, additional roommates, etc. give the best chance of finding a roommate faster. If you need instructions, check out our Uploading and Editing Photos tutorial.

Never settle for a less than perfect roommate, so make sure you find the perfect one by creating a detailed profile with plenty of photos. Breathe easy friend, you’re bound to find your Perfect Match®.