Find the Right Housemate, Faster

Find the Right Housemate, Faster

If you’re living in a rented place and want to split costs, the “housemate hunt” can feel like a second job. The good news: you can make the process smooth with a thoughtful listing, clear expectations, and a bit of structure. And if you’re in Singapore, listing on Hozuko is simple — and verification helps your post stand out.

Listing on Hozuko is straightforward: sign up, click “List property”, fill in the details, and you’re done. If you verify your identity with Singpass, your listing earns a Verified badge and appears above unverified posts in search results. That extra trust signal means more (and better) messages.

Before you post: know the basics

• Minimum stay rules (private homes): Singapore’s minimum stay is 3 consecutive months for private residential properties; short-term stays under 3 months are not allowed. ^{1 2}
• HDB realities: HDB rentals carry a minimum 6-month tenancy per approval and occupancy limits; owners must register tenants correctly. ³
• NC Quota context: The Non-Citizen (NC) Quota does not apply to renting out bedrooms when the owner stays in the flat (it does apply to whole-flat rentals). ⁴
• Temporary relaxation of occupancy caps: Larger HDB flats and private homes can (with registration/approval) house up to 8 unrelated persons from 22 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2026. ⁵

Quick takeaway: If you’re inviting a future housemate to share your current place, you’re aiming for a multi-month, rule-compliant arrangement — not short-term stays.

What great housemate listings include

Stronger listings attract compatible people and reduce back-and-forth. Use this checklist:

If you’re short on time, even a tight, honest paragraph works:

“Master room with ensuite in a 4-room flat near [MRT], available from late April. Furnished, AC, strong Wi-Fi. I’m a 29-year-old consultant, WFH twice a week, quiet on weekdays. Rent $1,600 + utilities split by headcount. Weeknight quiet hours 11pm–7am, no smoking, occasional weekend guests ok. Prefer tidy, considerate housemate. Verified on Hozuko.”

Why verification helps (a lot)

People hesitate when a listing feels anonymous. Verifying with Singpass on Hozuko adds a badge next to your profile and moves your listing above unverified ones, so serious renters spot you first. It also filters inbound messages: verified hosts typically get fewer low-effort pings and more compatible enquiries. The badge can’t guarantee chemistry, but it reduces uncertainty — and that speeds decisions.

Set fair, simple house rules up front

The most common conflicts are mundane: dishes, noise, guests, and chores. You’ll avoid friction by agreeing on 6 things on day one:

1. Quiet hours (e.g., 11pm–7am weekdays; headphones for late videos).
2. Guests & overnights (notice period, weekly frequency caps).
3. Cleaning (shared rota vs paid cleaner every two weeks; what’s “clean”).
4. Shared items (how to stock basics — split costs, rotate, or separate shelves).
5. Kitchen habits (labelled shelves; time limits for sink/drying rack).
6. Utilities & AC (how you split and sensible temperature norms).

You don’t need a 10-page contract. A one-page housemate note pinned on the fridge (or shared in Notes) is enough. If anything changes, update it together.

Copy-paste blocks to speed things up

First-message form (put this in your listing):
“Please share: (1) move-in date, (2) budget range, (3) daily routine/WFH days, (4) cooking frequency, (5) any must-haves or deal-breakers, (6) earliest viewing time.”

One-page housemate note (start here):

• Quiet hours: 11pm–7am on weeknights; 12am–8am weekends
• Guests: occasional, with a heads-up; overnights by prior agreement
• Cleaning: alternate weekly; cleaner every 2 weeks is okay if we split
• Kitchen: label shelves; wash/dry within 30 minutes after cooking
• Shared basics: paper towels, detergent, toilet paper — we rotate purchase
• Utilities/AC: split by headcount; AC sensible use at ~25–26°C
• Payments: rent on the 1st; utilities the week the bill arrives

List your room to find a housemate now

References