Finding a housemate in Amsterdam: write a strong profile

In Amsterdam, finding a good housemate is almost as hard as finding a room. The platforms exist, the people exist, but the match is rarely automatic. A strong profile helps in both directions: when you search for a room, and when you look for a housemate.

This article focuses specifically on writing a strong, appealing profile for Huismaatje and similar platforms.

Why is a good profile so important?

When you search for a room, you respond to dozens of listings, but so does everyone else. The landlord or the housemates get dozens of messages and choose based on first impression. Your profile is that first impression.

When you search for a housemate, the same principle applies in reverse: you do not want the first person who replies, you want the right person. A strong profile attracts the right people and filters out the wrong ones, saving a lot of hassle later.

What should be in a good profile?

1. Who are you? Not just name and age. What do you do? Where are you from? A short, authentic introduction in two or three sentences. "I'm Priya, 24, doing a sociology master's at UvA. I'm originally from Utrecht but have been in Amsterdam for two years now" is better than "I'm a student."

2. How do you live? This is the single most relevant section for housemates. Be honest:

• Morning person or evening person?
• How often are you at home?
• Do you cook a lot or are you rarely in the kitchen?
• Music or silence?
• Guests over often or never?
• Tidy or "not really my thing"?
• Pets or allergies?
• Smoker?

3. What are you looking for in a housemate? Be specific. "I'm looking for someone respectful who helps with cleaning" is vaguer than "I'm looking for a housemate around my age who also works or studies and isn't out late at night a lot. I work from home, so daytime quiet matters to me."

4. What are you looking for in a room? Budget, location, desired move-in date. Concrete and realistic.

Which photos work best?

A photo brings your profile to life. Use a recent, clear photo of yourself: no group photos, no holiday shots with sunglasses where you are barely recognisable. A photo where you smile and look natural is the most effective.

Extra photos of interests (sport, music, cooking) are optional but give more context.

What to avoid in your profile?

• Vague clichés: "I'm friendly, tidy, and enjoy a good vibe at home." Everyone writes this. It says nothing.
• Overly formal: as if you are writing a job application. A housemate profile can be personal and casual.
• Excessive enthusiasm: "I'm SUPER FUN and LOVE PARTIES!" can scare off people who want quiet.
• Negative framing: "I don't like mess and I'm not happy with guests who stick around." Phrase it positively: "I value tidiness and prefer a calm home atmosphere."

How do you respond to a listing?

Your profile is the foundation, your reply to a listing is the supplement. Write a short, personal message of at most 5 sentences. Why does this specific room or this specific house appeal to you? A generic copy-paste falls flat instantly. Our room viewing questions checklist helps you prepare for the next step too.

What if you are a hospita looking for a tenant?

If you are the live-in landlord (hospita) and looking for a lodger, your profile works the other way. You describe what kind of person fits in your home and what your daily rhythm looks like. Honesty about house rules, expected involvement (eating together or completely separate), and your own lifestyle helps the right people self-select. Our hospita hub has the full toolkit for the landlord side.

Avoid screening based on protected characteristics. Read our guide on tenant screening without discrimination for the legal framework and practical tips.

What if the platform is new to you?

If this is your first time on Huismaatje or a similar platform, here is the practical onboarding:

1. Build the profile first, before you respond to listings. A complete profile boosts your reply rate.
2. Add at least one photo. Profiles without a photo are filtered out by many users.
3. Fill in the lifestyle questions completely. Skipping these signals you have something to hide.
4. Update your profile when something changes. New budget, new move-in date, new study or job, update the same day.
5. Use the platform's messaging. Do not jump to WhatsApp before you have a basic match. Platform messaging keeps a record if there is a dispute later.

For broader search advice across Dutch cities, see our renting a room in Amsterdam main guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a housemate profile be?

On average 150 to 250 words. Long enough to show personality, short enough to be read. A wall of text backfires.

Should I mention my income in my profile?

Not required, but mentioning "employed" or "studying" gives context. Specific amounts you do not need to state in a profile; that is for the next step.

Is it smart to mention I have a pet immediately?

Yes. Do not hide this. If it comes out after a match, it causes problems. Be honest; some landlords are fine with pets.

Can I update my profile after creating it?

On Huismaatje and most platforms you can update your profile at any time. Adjust it when your situation changes (different budget, different move-in date).

How quickly should I respond to a listing?

As fast as possible. In Amsterdam, rooms can be gone within hours. Turn on notifications for new listings that match your criteria and respond within the hour if you can.

Should I use the same profile across platforms?

You can use the same core information, but adjust the tone to the platform. Huismaatje, Kamernet, and Facebook groups have slightly different vibes. A profile that works on one might feel too formal or too informal on another.

What if I get rejected after viewing?

That happens to almost everyone in the Amsterdam market. Read our guide on coping after a hospi-night rejection. The match is two-way; not getting picked usually means it would not have worked anyway.