How to rent a room long term: offers from owners
A room is not just a room
“A room” can mean different kinds of housing. A private room in a flat where other tenants also live is one thing. Sharing a room with someone else is quite another. A room in a hostel or a flat where the owner lives has its own points too. So say in the request exactly what suits you, or you will get offers that are ruled out at once.
What to put in your request
- area — the city and neighbourhood, a college or metro station nearby;
- rent — how much you can pay per month;
- type of housing — private room, shared room, room in a hostel;
- who will live there — student, woman, couple, any pets;
- neighbours — whether the owner lives there, how many people are in the flat;
- move-in date — when you need to move;
- rental period — for the academic year, six months, long term;
- furniture and conditions — furniture, internet, washing machine, a lock on the room door.
Example: “I am looking for a private room in Central near a university for a female student, no pets. Preferably without the owners living in, furnished, with Wi-Fi and a washing machine. Move in from 1 July for the academic year, up to HK$630 a month.”
What to agree before moving in
Ask for the rent together with utility charges: they may be included or charged by the meter, especially in the summer when air conditioners run. Ask about the security deposit, usually one or two months' rent, and the terms for returning it. Find out whether guests are allowed, whether there are rules for the kitchen and bathroom, and how many people share the bathroom.
Ask for a rental agreement even for a room: it should have the amounts, payment dates, the terms for asking you to leave and the notice period. See the room in person and check that the fan or air conditioner works, there is no damp or mould and it is not noisy. Also ask about noise from neighbours and the road and about transport and shops nearby. A common mistake is paying a deposit on the basis of photos without a visit. If someone asks for an advance without having met you, be careful.
How it works with BlaBlaPrice
You describe what you are looking for, and owners reply with offers in the chat: which room, price, terms, photos. The request is checked before it is shown, and BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer by content first. Owners see where they stand among the others and can improve their terms. Your phone is hidden until you choose whom to give it to. More: how it works.
If you plan to buy instead of rent, see rooms for sale, and for a general overview, the “Rooms” section.
