Finding a room, PG or flatmate? Ask these questions first

Decide what you need before browsing

Write down a monthly budget that includes more than the advertised rent. Electricity, water, internet, food, maintenance and travel can change the total substantially. Keep the deposit and any moving costs separate so you know how much money you need upfront.

Then choose your priorities. A PG may suit someone who wants meals and a simpler setup. A shared flat may offer more flexibility but require agreement about bills and chores. A private room may offer quiet at a higher cost. There is no single best option for every newcomer.

Use local conversations to narrow the search

Liev includes housing posts in the feed, with a tag that makes their purpose clear. You can also ask in a relevant group about a neighbourhood, a PG or the practical experience of living nearby. Read the group’s rules before posting a request or advertising a vacancy.

Make your question specific: ‘Looking for a room within a manageable commute of my workplace, with a kitchen and a clear deposit policy. Which areas should I compare?’ Add your approximate budget and move-in period if you are comfortable doing so. Avoid sharing identity documents or financial details in a public post.

Take a checklist to the viewing

Visit in person when possible and check the basics yourself. A video call may help you shortlist a room, but it cannot answer every question about the building or neighbourhood.

• Costs: rent, deposit, electricity rate, maintenance, food and any brokerage.
• Terms: notice period, refund conditions, minimum stay and written agreement.
• Condition: water supply, ventilation, locks, mobile signal and usable sockets.
• Routine: commute at your usual travel time, cooking access, guests and quiet hours.
• Responsibility: who handles repairs, who receives payment and who can authorise the rental.

A compatible flatmate matters as much as the room

Discuss everyday expectations before deciding to share. Work shifts, food preferences, cleaning, visitors, smoking, shared purchases and noise can all affect the arrangement. Being from the same district can make conversation easier, but it does not mean your living habits will match.

Agree on how rent and bills will be divided and what happens if one person leaves. Keep a simple written record that everyone understands. Ask whether the landlord permits the sharing arrangement and whether each person’s responsibilities are reflected in the agreement.

Check the listing before you pay

Do not let a claim that ‘someone else will take it today’ replace your checks. Confirm the property exists, the person has authority to rent it and the payment details match the arrangement. Ask for receipts and written terms. If you cannot visit, a trusted local person may be able to help with an initial check.

Liev is a place to discover community posts, not a party to a rental agreement or a guarantee of a listing. Some groups can require verification for listings, but a badge does not replace checking the property and paperwork. Report suspicious posts and walk away from arrangements you cannot verify.

Common questions