How do you write a roommate listing that attracts the right match?

The best listings start with the details that actually determine compatibility: location, rent, move-in date, lease length, and room details. Vague headlines like 'looking for a cool roommate' attract everyone and no one.

• Good: 'Private bedroom in 2-bed apartment, $850/month, move-in July 1, near University District.'
• Avoid: 'Cool apartment, fun people, great energy!'
• Include the neighbourhood, transit access, and proximity to universities or workplaces.
• State the exact rent, deposit, and what's included (utilities, furniture, parking).

Be specific about what life in the apartment is actually like. The right person will self-select in; the wrong person will self-select out.

• Your schedule — early riser, night shift, work-from-home, student.
• Cleanliness standards — how often common areas get cleaned, your tolerance for dishes in the sink.
• Social style — quiet weeknights, occasional guests, or a frequent social home.
• Lifestyle factors — smoking, pets, dietary preferences, substance use.
• What you're looking for in a roommate — not just ' respectful' but specific traits.

Stock photos or old listing pictures breed mistrust. Use current, well-lit photos of the bedroom, common areas, kitchen, and bathroom. If the room is small, show it — a mismatched expectation is worse than a honest photo.

End the listing with two or three short questions that reveal compatibility fast. 'What's your schedule like?' or 'How do you handle cleaning?' tells you more than a long bio.

• Ask for a video call before an in-person tour — it filters out scams and casual browsers.
• Request a reference from a previous roommate if possible.
• State clearly that you require identity verification before meeting in person.