Safety Guidance
- Video chat before meeting. Whether you're offering a room or looking for one, we strongly recommend video chatting with matches before meeting in person or sharing personal information. A live video call helps confirm you're talking with a real person who matches their profile.
- Request a live video tour. If someone is offering a room, ask them to show the space on video before you commit. A refusal to provide a live walkthrough is a significant warning sign and one of the most common indicators of a rental scam.
- Verify independently. Consider searching for the person online, asking for references from previous roommates or landlords, and confirming details they've shared. Roomsy does not verify users, and you should not rely on any platform information as a substitute for your own due diligence.
- Meet first in a public place. Before visiting someone's residence, meet at a coffee shop, cafe, or other public location. When you do visit a property, consider bringing a friend, visiting during daytime, and sharing your location with someone you trust.
- Watch for common rental scams. Be cautious of:
- Listings with prices significantly below market.
- Listers who pressure you to sign or pay quickly.
- Listers who refuse to meet or show the property in person.
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Requests for application fees or deposits before any meeting has occurred.
- Verify the lister can legally rent the space. Ask for proof that the person offering the room has the right to lease or sublease it. Subleasing without permission is common in rental scams.
- Protect your personal information. Do not share sensitive personal information — such as your home address, Social Security number, bank or payment details, copies of your ID, or financial documents — until you've met the person in a safe setting and verified their identity and listing are real. Never send money, deposits, or wire transfers before signing a written lease or roommate agreement.
- Get a written agreement. Whether it's a formal lease or a roommate agreement, put your arrangement in writing. Cover rent and utility splits, security deposits, length of stay, termination conditions, and any house rules.
- Report suspicious activity. If you suspect a scam, fraud, harassment, or any other concerning behavior, report the account immediately by tapping the three dots (⋮) on the top right corner of their profile. You can also block users who make you uncomfortable.
- Trust your instincts. If a conversation or situation feels wrong — pressure tactics, inconsistent stories, evasive answers — take a step back. You're under no obligation to follow through with anyone you've matched with.
- In an emergency. Roomsy is not equipped to respond to emergencies. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673).