Finding the right fit when it’s time to find a new roommate can be a rocky road. That friend-of-a-friend turned out to be a slob. That bulletin board at the coffee shop with hand-written ads just doesn’t do it for you. We understand, so we’ve compiled the best websites and apps for finding a roommate that are actually good fits your lifestyle.
Roomster
One of the best apps for finding a roommate, with options for iOS and Android! Since signup requires Facebook, Roomster says the opportunity for scam accounts is significantly decreased. That means fewer requests to wade through from people who aren’t really people. Users can describe their listing, post photos, set filters to help people find pet-friendly housing, and all sorts of other details that will help find the roommate that fits you best.
Cost: Free to use, in-app purchases.
Roomi
The creators of Roomi believe that all of those roommate nightmare stories could have been prevented. How? If people had just learned a little about one another first. Read your potential roommate’s answers to an in-depth questionnaire, then use the chat feature to connect further. All listings are verified by Roomi staff before going live to ensure that they are, in fact, who and where they say they are. You can rest easy that you’re not actually chatting with someone across the ocean who has no such room for rent.
Cost: The app is free to download for iOS but then includes in-app purchases like background checks for your potential roommates.
SpareRoom
Originally Britain-based, this company is now displaying ads in the US. It’s free to use (and has iOS and Android options). With an in-app purchase, you can get a “Bold Ad” as well as “early-bird access” to new listings. Bold Ads stay higher on the list, even after 7 days when free ads start to get bumped down. Live in New York? SpareRoom holds live “Speed Roommating” events every week in different boroughs.
Cost: Free to use, in-app purchases.
Craigslist
Ah, the well-loved, highly-used, and somewhat-cantankerous Craigslist. Since this resource is free to use for anyone with an email address, it means sometimes you’ll find hidden gems that haven’t bothered to use some of these other, fancier apps. It still remains one of the best websites to find a roommate or apartment. Exercise extra caution since postings aren’t screened unlike some of the membership-based sites.
And a reminder: be safe! Have a list of questions to ask a potential roommate to see if they seem worth your time, then meet them in a public place — never invite them to your home first.
