Housemate wanted: how to find a housemate for free

Housemate wanted? Start with a clear listing

Most people decide in a few seconds whether to open a listing, so make the first things they see count. Lead with the type of room and its best feature, for example "Large double room with built-in robe, bills included", rather than "Room available". Then give the basics in plain numbers.

• Weekly rent, and exactly which bills it covers (power, gas, water, internet).
• Bond and the date the room is free.
• Furnished or not, and what stays in the room.
• House facts: parking, pets, couples, smoking and any minimum stay.
• Photos of the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area and outdoor space, taken in daylight.

Describe the household and the housemate you want

A housemates wanted ad works best when it reads like an honest introduction. Say who already lives there, what a normal week looks like (early starts, shift work, working from home, quiet nights or a social house) and how you share chores and the kitchen.

Then describe the person who'd fit in by lifestyle, not by who they are: tidy, happy to share cooking, rarely home on weekends, likes a quiet house. Keep it fair and don't include anything that could be discriminatory.

How to find a housemate: step by step

1. List the room with the details above. On MateHaus it's free, and "Write it with AI" can draft the description from the facts you enter.
2. Browse people looking for a room. Renter profiles show their budget, preferred suburbs and lifestyle answers, so you can message good fits yourself.
3. Chat before you meet. Ask about work or study, routines, guests, cleaning and how long they'd like to stay.
4. Meet at an inspection. Let them see the home and meet everyone who lives there. Pick a time in the chat and you both get a calendar invite once it's accepted.
5. Check a reference from a previous landlord or housemate, and take your time deciding.
6. Agree it in writing: rent, when it's paid, bond, how bills are split, notice period and the main house rules.

Using a roommate finder safely

Roommate is the American word, but many people use it when they search for someone to share with. Whatever you call it, choose a roommate finder or housemate site where members are verified and listings are checked, and keep the conversation on the site until you've met.

• Never send money before you've seen the room and met the person.
• Share your full address only once you've chatted and arranged an inspection.
• Be wary of pressure to decide on the spot, on either side.

Our guide to room rental scams covers more warning signs.

Finding a housemate on MateHaus

• No paywall to reply. Renters message you free, so you hear from more people, sooner.
• Lifestyle match. Set your household's answers and who you're looking for, and each renter sees how well they'd fit.
• Open for inspection times on your listing, so people can pick one straight away.
• Already posted on Facebook? Paste the post and the listing form fills itself in.
• Optional, one-off upgrades: Featured (15 days, $24.49) or Premium (30 days, $31.49) shows your room first, and they end on their own.

Common questions

How do I find a housemate?

List your room for free on MateHaus with photos, the weekly rent, what bills cover, the bond and who you're looking for. Chat with the people who message you, meet the best fits at an inspection, then agree the rent, bills and house rules in writing.

Where can I post a housemate wanted ad for free?

On MateHaus. Listing a room is free, messaging is free for everyone, and every member verifies their mobile number by SMS. Each new listing is checked by the MateHaus team before it goes live.

What should a housemates wanted ad include?

A clear headline, bright photos of the room and shared areas, the weekly rent, what bills are included, the bond, the move-in date, and an honest description of the household and the kind of housemate who'd fit in.

Is MateHaus a roommate finder?

Yes. Roommate, housemate and flatmate mean the same thing here: someone to share a home with. On MateHaus you can list a room, browse renter profiles of people looking for a room, and see a lifestyle match score.

Do I need permission to get a housemate?

If you rent, check your lease and get written permission from your landlord or agent first. If you own, check your insurance and any strata by-laws. This is general information only; your state or territory tenancy authority has the rules that apply to you.