Spareroom

SpareRoom, founded in 2004, operates as a prominent online platform specialising in flatsharing and shared accommodation services across the UK and internationally. com, a London-focused flatshare site established in 1999, before expanding its reach nationally. SpareRoom's core business involves connecting individuals seeking rooms to rent with those offering available rooms, facilitating shared living arrangements. The firm is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom, and has expanded its services to include operations in the United States, with a focus on major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The platform maintains a significant presence in the shared accommodation market, listing thousands of rooms for rent and available flatmates at any given time. SpareRoom reports that a flatmate is found through its service every three minutes, indicating a high volume of user activity and successful matches. The company offers both free and upgraded services, allowing users to post room wanted advertisements or list rooms for rent. Upgraded accounts provide additional features such as enhanced visibility for listings and immediate contact with new advertisements.

SpareRoom aims to simplify the process of finding suitable housemates by enabling searches based on individual preferences and priorities. SpareRoom places emphasis on user safety and support, employing a dedicated team of moderators who work seven days a week to review advertisements and content on the platform. This moderation process is designed to maintain the quality of listings and to help prevent fraudulent activity. The company provides customer service via phone, email, and webchat during operational hours, offering assistance to users.

Additionally, SpareRoom offers various educational resources, including guides on the Rent a Room scheme, advice for taking in a lodger, and information on shared home insurance and tenancy agreements. The firm also engages in social partnerships, including a collaboration with Crisis to support efforts aimed at ending homelessness. While SpareRoom's primary focus is on general flatsharing and shared living, the company also provides dedicated services for students. Its "Student SpareRoom" and "Student Accommodation" sections cater specifically to individuals seeking shared living arrangements while attending university.

This service allows students to find rooms in existing student flatshares or locate student flats and houses suitable for groups of sharers across numerous university towns and cities throughout the UK. The platform facilitates connections between students and available accommodation, offering a resource for those looking to rent rooms near their educational institutions. The company has also been involved in initiatives to support landlords, such as campaigning to raise the tax-free income threshold for the Rent a Room scheme to £7,500, demonstrating its engagement with the broader rental industry. SpareRoom's operational model is designed to adapt to market dynamics and customer needs, offering a comprehensive suite of services for both those seeking and offering shared accommodation.