The people who live in your house can have a dramatic effect on your budget, lifestyle, mood and health. But choose carefully and you can have a happy home and make some great friends. Here are some suggestions for finding a housemate.
Newspapers
Advertise for a housemate through your local newspaper. Classifieds are written in a particular style using lots of abbreviations such as:
- M/F - male/female
- OSP - off street parking
- WIR - walk in robes
- BRM - bedroom
- PT - public transport
- PCM - per calendar month
- LUG - lock-up garage
- OFP - open fire place
You're charged per line, so look through previous weeks of your chosen publication to make sure your advertisement is clear, not too expensive and will attract the right kind of person.
The Australian Newspapers (new window) site provides a comprehensive list of links to Australian newspapers. Locate your local or regional paper to find out how to submit a classified ad.
Personal networks
Publicising a room for rent through your personal network of family and friends is a great way to locate a housemate. The advantage is they come with a reference and you'll know a bit about your new co-tenant before he or she moves in.
Noticeboards
Depending on where you live, your local café, bookshop or supermarket may be the ideal place to pin up a notice describing the room. Universities also have formal or informal places where fellow students look for vacancies.
Online classifieds
Searching online is a successful way to connect vacant rooms with willing housemates. If you're advertising, there's usually a fee for a fixed time period and you can usually upload photos of your place and the room.
Places where you can post housemate wanted ads and browse through other people's ads include:
- Domain.com.au (new window)
- realestate.com.au (new window)
- Flatmates.com.au (new window)
- Easyroommate.com (new window)
This isn't a comprehensive listing - there are heaps of online services that can help you find a housemate. Have a browse and see what else you can find.
Housemate matching services
There are specific services for matching housemates according to a personal profile, and these businesses usually charge a fee. People Brokers (new window) and FlatmateFinders (new window) provide matching services and advice about maintaining a peaceful household.
Good luck and may all your housemates be good ones!
