Offering a room: how to attract the best housemate (2026)

You have a free room in your house. Maybe a housemate moved out, maybe you have just rented a larger place and want to share. In Amsterdam, you would think you find someone in a heartbeat. That is true: there is no shortage of interested people. But finding the right person, that is a different story.

Writing a strong ad

Most room ads are dull. "Room for rent, 15 sqm, 650 euros." Done. But if you want a good housemate, you have to offer more than facts.

Show the house, not just the room

People do not just rent a room, they move in with you. Say something about the household. Do you cook together often? Is it a quiet house or social? What do you do on weekends?

Tell readers who you are

Write a few sentences about yourself and your housemates. Age, profession, hobbies. Not as a CV, but as a short introduction. Searchers want to know who they will live with.

Be honest about the room

Mention the upsides and the downsides. Is the room on the small side? Say it. No private sink? Mention it. Honesty saves you hospi-nights with people who get put off by something you could have flagged in the ad.

Good photos

Photos make or break your ad. You do not need a professional photographer, but:

• Shoot in daylight
• Tidy the room before shooting
• Shoot from a corner to give depth
• Photograph the shared spaces too (kitchen, bathroom, living room)
• A street or neighbourhood photo also helps

The practical details

Do not forget:

• Exact rent (all-in or base rent plus service costs)
• Surface in sqm
• Furnished or not
• BRP registration possible
• Available from
• Minimum rental period
• Pets allowed or not

Running the hospi

Once responses come in, time to plan a hospi night. A few pointers:

Make a selection

You do not have to invite everyone. Read the messages and filter by what matters to you. Quiet house and looking for a quiet housemate? Filter on lifestyle. Cooking together matters? Watch the messages for it.

Group or individual hospi?

Both work. A group hospi is more efficient (everyone at once) but allows less depth. An individual hospi takes more time but gives a clearer picture per person.

Our suggestion: with more than 5 candidates, do a group hospi. With fewer than 5, plan individual conversations.

Make it pleasant

Have drinks ready, clean the house and make sure the vibe is relaxed. A hospi is not a job interview. It is an introduction.

Ask the right questions

Prepare a few questions you ask every candidate. That makes comparing easier afterwards:

• What do you do during the day (work, study)?
• What time do you usually go to bed?
• Do you like cooking? Together or separately?
• How do you feel about a cleaning rota?
• How long do you expect to stay?
• Do you have pets, or planning to?

Discuss with your housemates beforehand

If you share the house with multiple people, talk before the hospi about what you are looking for. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. That prevents endless post-hospi debate.

After the hospi: choosing

This is the hardest part. You have met several nice people and have to choose.

Go with your gut. Who felt like the best click? Who fit best in the conversation? Logistical factors (income, rental period) matter, but the click is most important.

Let them know within a few days. Do not keep candidates hanging for weeks. Message or call the one you pick. Send the others a polite rejection. Costs little effort but is hugely appreciated.

Listing a room on Huismaatje

On Huismaatje you can list a room for free. You create a profile for your house, add your housemates, and post the room with photos and details. Searchers can browse your profiles, like them, and when there is a match you chat and plan a hospi.

The difference with other platforms: on Huismaatje the focus is the match, not the ad. Searchers reply because they like you as housemates, not just because the rent fits the budget. That gives better responses.

And it costs nothing. No listing fee, no subscription. Want a deeper look at how to pick the right person? Read our piece on finding the right housemate match. For the broader context on the Amsterdam room market, see our renting a room in Amsterdam guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much deposit may I ask from a new tenant?

Legally the deposit is capped at maximum two months base rent (for contracts signed from 2023). If you ask more, the tenant has the right to claim the difference back. Always document the deposit in writing and confirm receipt.

May I refuse candidates as a landlord without giving a reason?

In principle yes, because you are free to choose your tenant on click and lifestyle. But discriminating on race, religion, sexual orientation or nationality is forbidden under the General Equal Treatment Act. Always select on objective and substantive criteria.

How long should I wait after the hospi before communicating a decision?

Try to decide within three to five working days and inform all candidates. Do not keep people in uncertainty for more than a week. An honest rejection with a short explanation is appreciated and costs little time.

Is a verbal rental contract valid if I rent out a room?

Yes, a verbal rental is legally valid, but it barely protects you as a landlord. In a dispute on rent, deposit or damage, you have no proof. Always make a written rental contract, even for informal renting to a friend.

Should I allow my tenant to register at the BRP?

If the rental is legal and you have the right permits for room rental, BRP registration is mandatory and permitted. Refusing without a valid reason can put you in legal trouble as a landlord. Check with the municipality of Amsterdam whether your home meets the requirements for room rental.

What if my housemate and I disagree on the chosen candidate?

Discuss it before extending the offer. The point of pre-hospi alignment is to surface this kind of disagreement. If you cannot agree, often the best move is to invite the top two for a casual second meeting (coffee, no formalities) and reassess.