Tips for finding the right room
Searching for a room during a busy rental period can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially when you aren't hearing back from the rooms you're enquiring for.
Here are 5 tips to help your ad stand out, increase your chances of getting replies, and hopefully secure a flatshare that's right for you!
1. Create a 'Room Wanted" ad
- Post your own ad: Create a 'Room Wanted' ad that lets people know what you're looking for, who you are, and what you bring as a flatmate. Include key details such as your job, age, lifestyle, and hobbies to show why you'd be a great fit. This way, people with available rooms may reach out to you, rather than you always having to message first. It also allows those you're messaging to learn more about you without needing to write a lengthy personalised message every time.
- Upload a photo: A friendly picture can make you seem more trustworthy and relatable.You can even upload a video of yourself straight from your mobile.
- Buddy up: You can also 'Buddy Up' with other users on the site. If you've seen a property you'd like to live in but need other people to fill it, you can join together with other like-minded room seekers to find a property to rent together.
- Email alerts: When you create a Room Wanted ad you can also set up email alerts. This way, every time a new room matching your requirements is added to SpareRoom we'll send you an email so you don't miss out.
2. Send a personalised message
- Be specific to the ad: Mention details from the ad, such as the location or rent, to show you’ve read the ad.
- Introduce yourself: Explain who you are and why you’d be a great fit. Some flatshares prefer a social person who’s up for a drink after work, while others may value more privacy. If the ad specifies a preference that aligns with your lifestyle, be sure to mention that in your message to show you're a good match.
- Show enthusiasm: Is it exactly what you've been looking for? If so, let them know!
- Talk about your job: Most landlords or agents need to see proof of a stable income, so a reliable job might make you stand out. If you're a student or work part-time, let them know if you have a guarantor in place or if you can provide a reference from a previous landlord.
3. Respond quickly
- Stay on top of new listings: Set alerts on SpareRoom so you can be one of the first to send a message when a new ad that matches your criteria gets posted.
- Respond to your messages quickly: If you get invited to a viewing respond quickly, viewings are time-consuming so they might only want to show a handful of people the room, so the sooner you confirm the better.
4. Be flexible with viewings
- Offer flexibility: A lot of people prefer to do viewings in bulk so keeping your schedule as free as possible after work or on weekends means you won't miss out on viewings.
5. Don't give up
- Stay patient: In a busy market, as frustrating as it is, it's normal to not always hear back from people, so don't take it personally and keep sending messages. Eventually, the right room will come along.
- Remain polite: Even if you’re frustrated, always be polite in your follow-ups or if you don’t get the room, as the person they chose might drop out or they may have other rooms available in future.
Persistence, flexibility, and providing as much information as possible can make all the difference in securing your next flatshare!