Finding a roommate should not feel like a gamble with your safety and finances. Yet many people searching for housing have discovered that Roomster, once a popular roommate-finding platform, has serious trust issues that make it risky to use.
The FTC found Roomster guilty of posting fake reviews and misleading customers about listings in 2022. This means the “great” reviews you read might be fabricated, and the apartments listed could be scams designed to steal your money.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to find a roommate when you do not trust Roomster. You will learn safe alternatives that actually work, red flags that signal a scam, and proven screening methods that protect you from bad matches and financial loss.
Table of Contents
Why You Cannot Trust Roomster: The FTC Warning
Before we explore better options, you need to understand why Roomster lost credibility. The Federal Trade Commission filed charges against Roomster in August 2022, exposing a pattern of deception that put users at risk.
According to the FTC, Roomster posted fake positive reviews on websites like Trustpilot and App Store listings. They also allegedly suppressed negative reviews and misled customers about the availability and quality of listings. When you are making decisions about where to live and who to live with, this kind of dishonesty is dangerous.
Beyond the fake reviews, users report that Roomster has few legitimate postings. Most listings are outdated, already rented, or outright scams. People have lost money to fake landlords asking for deposits on apartments that do not exist.
Safe Alternatives to Roomster for Finding Roommates
The good news is that you have several trustworthy alternatives for finding roommates. These methods rely on real connections, verified identities, and community accountability rather than anonymous app profiles.
Facebook Housing Groups
Facebook Groups remain one of the most effective ways to find roommates. Search for housing groups specific to your city or neighborhood, like “Chicago Roommates” or “NYC Housing.” These groups often have thousands of active members and are moderated by volunteers who remove scam posts.
What makes Facebook groups safer is the social proof. You can see a potential roommate’s profile, mutual friends, and posting history. Look for groups that require approval to join and have active moderators who enforce rules against spam and scams.
When posting in these groups, include specific details about your budget, preferred neighborhoods, move-in date, and lifestyle preferences. The more transparent you are, the more likely you are to attract genuine matches.
Nextdoor and Neighborhood Networks
Nextdoor connects you with people in your immediate area who might know someone looking for a roommate. Because Nextdoor requires address verification, the platform has fewer fake accounts than general social media.
Post in your neighborhood’s Nextdoor feed explaining your situation. Many people find roommates through friends of neighbors, which adds a layer of trust. You can also browse posts from people in nearby neighborhoods who might have a spare room.
Verified Roommate Apps
While Roomster has trust issues, other apps have built better verification systems. Look for platforms that require ID verification, background checks, or employment confirmation before users can message others.
Some reputable options include Roomi, which verifies identities and employment, and Bungalow, which manages properties directly rather than just connecting strangers. These platforms offer more accountability than Roomster’s free-for-all approach.
Your Personal Network
The safest way to find a roommate is through people you already know. Post on your personal social media accounts asking if anyone knows someone looking for a place. You might be surprised how many friends-of-friends are in the same situation.
Ask coworkers if they know anyone seeking housing. Check with college alumni networks. Post in professional Slack channels or Discord servers. Personal connections create accountability that anonymous app users lack.
How to Find a Roommate If You Do Not Know Anyone
Moving to a new city where you do not know anyone makes finding a roommate harder, but not impossible. You just need to be more strategic about building connections quickly.
Start with your existing networks even if they are not local. Tell your friends and family back home that you are moving. They might know someone in your new city who needs a roommate or can introduce you to people who do.
Join groups specific to your new city before you move. Many cities have newcomer groups, neighborhood associations, and hobby-based communities on Facebook, Reddit, and Discord. Build relationships in these groups first, then mention your housing search.
If you are relocating for work, ask your employer about employee housing boards or relocation resources. Companies often maintain internal lists of employees looking for roommates or have partnerships with housing services.
College alumni networks are powerful tools. Even if you did not attend school in your new city, your alumni association likely has a local chapter with members willing to help fellow graduates find housing.
Screening Questions to Ask Potential Roommates
Once you find someone who seems like a good match, thorough screening is essential. These questions will help you determine compatibility and spot red flags before committing to living together.
Financial Questions
Can you comfortably afford the rent and utilities each month? What is your monthly income range? Have you ever been evicted or had trouble paying rent on time? These questions are uncomfortable but necessary. You need to know your potential roommate can pay their share.
Ask about their expectations for splitting expenses. Will you split utilities equally or by usage? How do they feel about shared purchases like cleaning supplies and toilet paper? Financial disagreements are the top cause of roommate conflicts.
Lifestyle Compatibility
What does your typical weekday evening look like? How often do you have guests over? Do you have pets or plan to get any? Are you a smoker or okay with smoking? These questions reveal whether your daily routines will clash.
Ask about cleaning habits directly. How often do you clean common areas? What is your definition of “clean”? Many roommates fight over cleanliness standards, so align expectations early.
Work Schedule Alignment
Do you work from home or in an office? What are your typical hours? This matters more than ever in 2026 with remote work becoming standard. Two people working from home in a small apartment can create noise and space conflicts.
If one person works nights and the other works days, you might never see each other, which some people prefer. But if the night worker needs to sleep during the day while the day worker is on video calls, problems arise.
Guest and Social Policies
How do you feel about overnight guests? How many nights per week is acceptable? Do you expect partners to stay over regularly? These boundaries prevent major conflicts down the road.
Also ask about parties and social gatherings. Are you looking for a quiet home or a social hub? There is no wrong answer, but you need to find someone with similar preferences.
Red Flags When Searching for a Flatmate
Scammers have developed sophisticated methods for tricking people looking for roommates. Watch for these warning signs that indicate you are dealing with someone dishonest or dangerous.
Pressure to send money before seeing the apartment is the biggest red flag. Legitimate landlords and roommates will let you view the space before asking for deposits. Anyone who says “someone else is interested, send money now to secure it” is likely running a scam.
Reluctance to video chat or meet in person suggests the person is hiding something. Even if they claim to be out of town or have an emergency, insist on seeing the space and meeting face-to-face before exchanging money.
Vague or evasive answers about basic details are concerning. If someone cannot clearly explain their work situation, why they are moving, or details about the apartment, they might not actually live there.
Requests for payment through unusual methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency apps should trigger immediate alarm. These payment methods are untraceable and favored by scammers. Legitimate arrangements use checks, bank transfers, or established rental platforms.
Unverified identity is always a risk. If someone will not share their full name, social media profiles, or references, proceed with extreme caution. You are considering living with this person; you have every right to know who they are.
Safety Precautions for Meeting Potential Roommates
Your safety is more important than finding the perfect apartment quickly. Follow these precautions every time you meet someone from the internet.
Always video chat before meeting in person. This lets you confirm the person matches their photos and gives you a sense of their communication style. If they refuse a video call, that is a red flag.
Meet in public places first. Coffee shops, busy parks, or public library meeting rooms are good options. Do not go to someone’s apartment or invite them to yours until you have built some trust.
Bring a friend to the first meeting if possible. Having another person present deters bad actors and gives you a second opinion on the potential roommate.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a person or situation, walk away. No apartment is worth your safety. Scammers often rely on people feeling awkward about asking too many questions or seeming paranoid.
Check references thoroughly. Ask for contact information from previous roommates or landlords. Actually call them and ask specific questions about payment reliability, cleanliness, and any conflicts.
Financial Arrangements and Verification
Protecting yourself financially is just as important as physical safety. These steps ensure you will not get stuck with bills you cannot afford or roommates who disappear without paying.
Request income verification before signing any lease. This can be recent pay stubs, an employment letter, or bank statements. You are not being rude; you are being responsible. Any legitimate roommate candidate will understand.
Consider running a credit check if you are the primary leaseholder. Services like Experian Connect let you request credit reports from potential roommates without seeing their full social security number.
Handle security deposits through official channels. If possible, add both names to the lease so you share legal responsibility. If you are subletting, get everything in writing and verify with the landlord that subletting is allowed.
Set up rent payments through bank transfers or checks rather than cash apps. These create paper trails that help if disputes arise. Decide in advance who will pay utilities and how you will split shared expenses.
Creating a Roommate Agreement
Even if you are not the leaseholder, a written roommate agreement protects everyone. This document covers expectations that leases often ignore.
Include rules about guests, quiet hours, cleaning schedules, and shared expenses. Specify what happens if someone needs to move out early. Outline the process for resolving conflicts.
Templates are available online from legal aid organizations and university housing offices. Having everything in writing prevents misunderstandings and gives you something to reference if disputes arise.
Both roommates should sign and date the agreement. While it might not be legally binding in all jurisdictions, it shows good faith and creates accountability.
FAQ
Can Roomster be trusted?
No, Roomster cannot be trusted. The Federal Trade Commission found Roomster guilty of posting fake reviews and misleading customers about listings in 2022. Users report that the platform has few legitimate postings, with most listings being outdated, already rented, or outright scams designed to steal deposits.
How to find a roommate if you don’t know anyone?
Start by leveraging your existing networks even if they are not local. Tell friends and family you are moving and ask for introductions. Join city-specific Facebook Groups, Nextdoor, and Discord communities before you arrive. Check with your employer about employee housing resources and connect with college alumni networks in your new city. Build relationships first, then mention your housing search.
What are the red flags when searching for a flatmate?
Watch for pressure to send money before viewing the apartment, reluctance to video chat or meet in person, vague answers about basic details, requests for payment through wire transfers or gift cards, and refusal to verify identity. Any legitimate roommate will let you see the space, meet face-to-face, and provide references before asking for money.
What are some red flags to watch for on Roomies?
Roomies shares similar risks with Roomster. Watch for listings without photos or with stock images, prices significantly below market rate, landlords who claim to be out of the country, and requests to communicate outside the platform immediately. Always verify listings independently and never send money before seeing a property in person.
Conclusion
Finding a trustworthy roommate without using Roomster requires more effort, but the safety and peace of mind are worth it. By leveraging your personal network, using verified platforms like Facebook Groups and Nextdoor, and following proper screening protocols, you can find a compatible roommate without risking your money or safety.
Remember the core principles: verify identities before meeting, never send money before seeing a property, trust your instincts, and get everything in writing. These habits will protect you from scams and help you build a positive roommate relationship that lasts.
Take your time with the process. A good roommate match is worth waiting for, and rushing into arrangements with strangers from untrustworthy platforms like Roomster can lead to months of conflict and financial loss. Your safety comes first, always.