Where Can I Find a Room to Rent as a Senior?
Did you know that over 50% of seniors want to downsize in retirement? It’s not hard to see why! Downsizing can help you declutter your life and enjoy retirement on your terms. And while downsizing can be a headache, here’s the good news: you won’t struggle to find senior living options. In fact, you have dozens of choices in front of you!
The bad news? You might not know which one is right for you!
Plus, you might be on a fixed income, which means moving into an active adult community or renting an apartment might not be an option for you. Even selling your house might not cover rent, especially with the average cost of rent in the USA soaring to a staggering $1,741. So, is there a happy medium between an apartment and a retirement community? Of course! Renting a room can be a more affordable alternative to an apartment. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it’s more convenient, too! It can even help you fill your social quota!
Your next question might be: Where can I find a room to rent? Good news! We happen to have some resources that might help you in your quest!
1. Community Facebook Groups
Facebook is more than a social networking site! It’s also an online marketplace, where people advertise everything from creepy dolls to gently used farm equipment. Of course, many people also list rooms for rent, too! To start your quest on Facebook, you have two options:
Visit Facebook Marketplace.
Change your Location on the left-hand side of your screen and click “Property Rentals” under Categories. Then browse through the options and see if anyone in your area is advertising a room available for rent!
Join Facebook groups.
Using Facebook’s handy-dandy search feature, try and find local Facebook groups. Chances are, there are at least one or two groups related to rental properties in your area. It might take some time, digging, and a little patience, but if you keep your eyes on the group, you might stumble across an ad for a potential roommate.
2. Craigslist
Craigslist has a bad rap, thanks to Lifetime movies and users’ unfortunate real-life experiences. And while you should exercise EXTREME caution when using this option, it can still be a viable way to find a room for rent. Just make sure that you take the appropriate precautions and avoid sharing personal information, like your address or even your full name. If you meet with a potential roommate, do so in a public location and consider bringing along a friend or family member before you do. With that protocol in mind, don’t write off Craigslist because of some horror stories you read on the internet. It can still be a good option, especially when it comes to finding a room to rent!
3. Local Community Boards
Don’t forget to check out the local community boards by visiting senior centers, libraries, and town halls! You might find ads for people looking for roommates or information on how to find affordable housing. Don’t shy away from asking for help. Sometimes, the best answer is on the community bulletin board right down the street.
4. Roommate-Finding Websites
If none of the above options have appealed to you, you’re not out of luck just yet. A lot of websites offer tools to match seniors with potential roommates. Here are just a few that might help you in your search:
- Diggz: In less than 3 minutes, you can create an account on Diggz and begin your quest for the perfect roommate. They promise fast results and a safe, hassle-free experience. You can find roommates in both the USA and Canada.
- Roomster: As one of the most popular roommate-finding websites in the world, Roomster boasts over 20 million users spread across the country and the globe. All you have to do is type in your location and set the search terms, and Roomster will do the rest. They also have a free-to-download app that can make your search that much more convenient!
- Roomies: As the USA’s largest roommate finder, Roomies knows a thing or two about connecting potential roommates. You can list a room or find a roommate. Plus, you can view the profile of your potential roommate, helping you get a feel for them before you even meet in person. This can help you from living out your very own The Odd Couple situation in real life.
- Spareroom: This roommate-finding app comes highly recommended, as it’s been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and CBS News. With nearly 50,000 rooms and roommates available for rent, you’re bound to find a few promising leads in your area.
5. Word of Mouth
Sometimes, you don’t need a phone or a laptop to find a room for rent. You just need to talk to your friends! Tell the people in your social circle that you’re looking to rent a room and ask if they have any leads. They might have a friend of a friend who’s looking for a new housemate. Or maybe one of your friends has been considering renting out their guest bedroom.
4 Other Things to Keep in Mind!
Finding a room to rent is only one part of the equation! Before you tell your friends you’re looking for a room or register on Spareroom, make sure you do these things, too!
1. Set your budget.
Before you even begin your search, have a budget in mind. While rooms are often a cheaper alternative to apartments, that’s not always the case. Make sure that the price is fair and figure out how much you’re willing to spend on a room each month. Also, figure out what’s included in the rent. Are utilities, such as electricity, included in the cost? Will you be expected to pay extra for amenities and maintenance? If a single room ends up being more expensive than a whole apartment, you definitely need to start looking elsewhere.
2. Find out more about your roommate.
So you’ve decided your roommate is trustworthy enough to pass a background check. However, don’t sign any papers just yet! Get to know your new roommate first and make sure you’re compatible. For example, if they’re a night owl and you’re an early bird, can you deal with the noise they might make at night when you’re trying to sleep? Do they keep a clean home? What’s their schedule like? If they work from home, can you handle being around them all day? Even someone who’s kind, friendly, and respectful might not be a great roommate if your lifestyles clash, so really try to dig deep and ask those important questions before you move into their spare room!
3. Ask about their guest and pet policies.
Not everyone is okay with pets or guests. Don’t just assume because your roommate has a cat, they’ll be okay with yours moving in, or that just because they’re friendly and seem like a social butterfly, they’d be open to an out-of-town guest staying in their home. Get those things out in the open first!
4. Figure out their cleaning policy!
For example, do they plan to split cleaning responsibilities with you? Do they even clean their home regularly? How would they feel if you wanted to clean a certain way? Be respectful, but also make your preferences clear so they understand more about you, too!
Looking for More?
Still on the hunt for information? Then check out these great articles next:
- Roommates for Boomers: 5 Ways Sharing Your Home Can Save You Money
- 5 Tips to Help You Find a Roommate After 60
- 5 Reasons Seniors Should Choose Shared Housing
- Shared Housing For Seniors And Retirees: Where Do I Start?
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Originally published August 06, 2025
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