Finding a roommate involves meeting strangers and sharing personal space. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself throughout the process.
Confirm the address exists using Google Maps or a similar service. Cross-reference the listing details — if the rent seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Look them up online. If they have a profile on the Site, check how long they've been a member. A brand-new account with a too-good deal can be a red flag.
Keep initial conversations on RoommateAds. Be cautious about sharing your phone number or social media too early.
A quick video call is one of the best screening steps you can take before meeting a stranger in person or visiting a property. RoommateAds has a free built-in video call feature in every message thread.
Scammers and catfishers almost always refuse video calls or make excuses to avoid them. If someone declines multiple requests for a quick video chat, treat that as a significant red flag.
Open your message thread with the person and tap the green Video Call button in the top-right corner of the chat. No app download needed — it runs in your browser on any device. The other person gets a notification and a join link in the chat.
Ask the person to do a quick walkthrough of the space on the video call before you commit to visiting. A genuine poster will usually be happy to show it. If they can't or won't, be cautious.
If the person has a verified badge on their profile, their face has already been matched to a government ID by our system. A video call lets you confirm the person you're talking to is the same verified individual.
Before visiting the property, meet at a coffee shop, library, or other public place. This gives you a chance to gauge the person in a safe setting.
Share the address, time, and the person's name with a friend or family member. Consider sharing your live location on your phone.
If possible, bring someone along for the first visit. There's safety in numbers, and a second opinion on the living situation is always helpful.
If anything feels off — about the person, the property, or the deal — walk away. Your safety is more important than any apartment.
Legitimate landlords and roommates will not ask you to wire money, send gift cards, or use cryptocurrency. Use traceable payment methods like checks or bank transfers.
Never send a deposit or first month's rent before physically visiting the property and verifying the person has authority to rent the space.
Always get a written receipt for any payment — deposits, rent, or fees. Keep records of all financial transactions.
Read the entire lease before signing. Know who the landlord is, what's included in rent, the lease duration, and the terms for breaking the lease.
Put expectations in writing: rent split, utilities, chores, guests, quiet hours, shared spaces, and move-out notice. This prevents misunderstandings later. Use our free template.
Take photos of the property's condition on move-in day. Note any existing damage. This protects your security deposit.
Familiarize yourself with tenant rights in your state. Most states have free resources through the Attorney General's office or local housing authorities.
Watch for these common red flags:
If you encounter a suspicious listing, please report it to us so we can investigate and remove it.