How to write a roommate ad that attracts the right person
Finding the right roommate starts with a good ad. A vague one ("roommate wanted, message me") brings lots of unsuitable replies and wastes your time.
Below: what an ad should include, two examples and tips for a safe viewing.
What every ad needs
- Location: neighbourhood and transport (subway, bus, distance to campus or work).
- Room and home: room size, private or shared, furnished or not, how many people live there.
- Monthly cost: rent share, building fees, estimated utilities and deposit. Clear money details build trust.
- Move-in date and minimum stay.
- House style: smoking, pets, guests and cleaning expectations.
- Who you're looking for: student or working, preferences stated politely.
- Contact: a way to reach you (through the platform or phone).
- Photos: the room, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Clean, bright photos make a big difference.
Example ad 1: Student apartment
"Looking for a roommate for our 3-bedroom, 5 minutes from the subway. The room is 130 sq ft and furnished (bed, wardrobe, desk). Rent share is $650 per month; building fees and utilities are split equally (about $90). One month's deposit. Available from November 1. Smoking on the balcony only, no pets; chores follow a rota. Two students and one full-time worker live here. Message us to arrange a visit."
The amounts are examples; use your own real details.
Example ad 2: Working professional, quiet home
"We're looking for a working roommate for a quiet 2-bedroom flat. The room is unfurnished, 150 sq ft with a balcony. Rent and utilities are split equally; deposit and fees to be discussed. Low noise, guests with notice. We'd like someone staying at least 6 months. We'll start with a short chat, then show you the flat."
What to settle at the viewing
- Routine: daily rhythm (early or late riser, working from home).
- Cleanliness: how often, and who does what.
- Money: rent, bills, shared costs and payment day. We collected money questions to ask in a separate guide.
- Guests and smoking: rules and expectations.
Safety tips
- Never send money before seeing the home or meeting the person; watch for listing scams.
- Ask for a receipt or written record for the deposit and any lease paperwork.
- Hold the first meeting at the home, with someone else present.
- Ask for references from mutual friends or previous roommates.
Ad titles that work
- "Downtown, 5 min to subway: furnished room for a female roommate"
- "Quiet 2-bed, balcony room: working roommate from November"
- "Student house, 3 people: one more room available"
Include the area, the room and the price where you can. Avoid vague money language ("good price", "negotiable"), unflattering or very old photos, and posting your full address publicly.
After they move in
On the first day, go through the rules and the payment routine together. To keep money on track from the start, add your new roommate to Ev Ortağım with an invite code and log rent and bills from the first month.
Frequently asked questions
What should a roommate ad include?
Location, room and home details, the monthly cost (rent, fees, utilities, deposit), move-in date, house style, who you're looking for, a contact method and photos.
Where do I post a roommate ad?
University groups, rental and roommate listing sites, social media groups and your own network. Whichever you pick, follow safety precautions.
What should I look for in a roommate?
A compatible routine, similar expectations on cleanliness and money, a good payment history and clear communication. Talk through all of these at the viewing.