Some examples of what you might offer are: convenient location, your great personality, pets, cheap rent. [2] X Research source Write out a list of what you have to offer so that you can easily draw upon it when you write your ad.
A roommate’s habits can significantly affect you and your home. Make sure to think about factors such as personality and habits such as cleanliness. [4] X Research source If you’ve ever had a roommate, think about what you liked and disliked about them. You can use this information to help direct you as you formulate a list of what you are seeking in a roommate. Create a list of what you are looking for in a roommate so that you can easily draw upon it when you write your ad.
You can advertise for roommates in different locations including online, in the newspaper, on public bulletin boards, or having someone you know make an announcement. Reading ads for roommates in different sources can give you a sense of the clientele and types of people each publication offers. Perusing ads can also help you write the best text for your needs.
Keep your headline short and to the point. Remember, this is just to draw in potential roommates. For example, if you are looking for a roommate who attends a nearby college or university, you could use the headline, “Roommate Wanted to Share Great Apartment Near Campus!” If you have pets, you could write “Cat lover seeking cat lover to share great apartment and kitty cuddles. ”
Include basic information about the location such as if it is a house, an apartment building, and how many people live there. [6] X Research source If you want to protect your privacy, only include the apartment building name, not your unit number. Inform readers of the type of building, the location, and the neighborhood. With a house, you can include the street. [7] X Research source Ask potential roommates to email or call you for an interview and the house or building’s specific location. [8] X Research source
Make sure to include features about the apartment such as furnished, clean, friendly community, carpeting, windows, washer and dryer, and air conditioning. You’ll also want to include information about public transportation and parking. [9] X Research source For example, if you are looking for a roommate who is quiet and a homebody, you may want to include things like “located in secluded area, quiet at night, perfect for individuals who want to avoid noisy bar traffic. " If you are looking for someone who could go out with you, you could write “located in an area close to restaurants, bars and nightlife. ”
Include information about how you and any other occupants use the apartment or house, whether it is active or quiet, or if people work or stay at home all day. [11] X Research source Make sure to include the sex and age range of everyone living in the apartment or house. [12] X Research source
Depending on where you live, there may be discrimination laws about excluding certain people or groups as roommates. For example, it may be illegal to write “no women” or “Christians only” in an ad. Consult local rental laws to see what you can and cannot include in a roommate wanted ad. This part of the ad should make the right person say “that’s the flat or house for me. ”[14] X Research source Make sure to include information about items such as cleaning expectations, behavior in common areas, cooking, smoking, parties, and guests.
List the rent, the cost of utilities, and any other fees such as cleaning services or parking rates. Make sure to include how much security deposit you require. [16] X Research source You may want to let potential roommates know that you will be conducting interviews for the space. [17] X Research source It’s always a good idea to ask for references from potential renters. You can include a line about references with the financial information, which may detract otherwise unsavory potential roommates.
You can include your first name in the ad, but don’t use your last name. [19] X Research source Only include a phone number if you have caller ID. [20] X Research source Use an anonymous e-mail address created specifically for your roommate search. This will make it easy to ignore people that may not be right for your space. [21] X Research source