How much does it cost to use the site?

Nothing!  It is absolutely free to list a property on The Room Exchange Network, or to search for a property.

 

As a landlord, what information must I provide (at minimum) to list my property?

To list your property on The Room Exchange Network, first register as a landlord on the Network.  Next provide your contact information, the address of your property, and the dates on which your property is available for rent.  This information will enable prospective tenants to locate rentals suitable to their needs.  (Please note that we will never display your personal information, nor will we distribute it to third parties.)  To increase the likelihood of finding a tenant, we also encourage you to include information concerning your rental property’s amenities, photos of your property, and a short description. 

 

How much should I charge for my room?

The answer to that varies greatly depending on your local market.  We suggest looking at similar listings on our site and charging a similar price.  Keep in mind that new listings may be viewed less favorably than “established” listings with a good reputation.  A lower price is more likely to draw interest.  Also, be very explicit in your description if you are willing to negotiate or if you offer any discounts.

 

I’ve completed the registration process for my room or property.  Now what?

After completing the Landlord registration form, we will email you a confirmation email.  That email will contain a link to confirm your listing.  Your listing will not be available to prospective tenants until you have confirmed it. We take this step to guard against spammers, and to confirm that you have a working email address at which tenants can reach you.

 

My room is no longer available on the dates that I initially specified.  What do I do?

Log into The Room Exchange Network using your username and password supplied when you registered your account.  You will be directed to your property listing, where you can modify any of the details of your listing.

 

How often should I update the availability of my listing?

As frequently as possible!   This will ensure maximum exposure for your listing, and that prospective tenants are able to find your listing on dates that you would like to rent it.  As a general rule, we encourage landlords to update the property’s availability on a monthly basis.  If you fail to update your property’s availability at least once during a six-month period, your room will no longer appear in search results! 

 

How can I increase interest in my property?

The most popular and frequently requested rooms have several things in common.  First and most importantly, they are lower priced relative to other properties of similar size and location.  Second, the listings provide short, succinct descriptions, and photographs of the property.  Third, the most popular rooms have several good recommendations by prior renters - reputation is very important since most of your renters will be unknown to you, and you to them!  As a way to build your account, you might consider renting your room once at a lower price, until you get a couple good reviews, and build your brand.

 

The last characteristic of rooms receiving the most requests is that they are updated frequently.  Our search algorithm places rooms that have been updated most frequently first.  All the above can be generalized into a general rule: Anything you do that assures a prospective tenant that they will receive a restful, stress free stay will help your listing draw attention.  Staying at an unknown place can be very worrisome at any price – keep that in mind.

 

How will I know when someone wants to stay at my place?

If a prospective tenant is interested in renting your property, you will receive an email from the member, indicating his/her desired rental dates, as well as their contact information.  We ask that you respond within 24 hours to ensure a great experience for all members of the Network.  Email the requesting member to coordinate rental details, and then update your property’s availability on the site.  Please be sure to respond to all emails - even if you cannot host the person - or your room may be subject to negative reviews for lack of responsiveness.

 

How can I ensure the reliability of a prospective renter?

Prospective renters who have rented from another member or members in the past will have a feedback rating associated with their profile.  We encourage you to leave a review of your renters to contribute to the community knowledge and create a better experience for other landlords.   In addition, make sure to read the message from the prospective renter in the initial email we send.  Finally, some landlords require a portion of the rent up front to reserve the room.   Doing so will protect you against any unexpected change in plans.

 

What happens if I no longer want to rent my property on dates requested or to that renter?

Please make sure to communicate the lack of availability to the prospective tenant.  Failure to respond to rental requests in a timely manner may result in receipt of negative feedback from the renter.

 

I have more than one room to rent - can I list them all?

Yes, in that case you may simply create separate accounts for each of them.  Our system will treat them completely independently.  Although listing multiple rooms is permitted, we ask that the same room not be listed multiple times - please edit your existing account instead of creating new ones. 

 

A tenant wants to rent my place.  How do I collect payment?

At the present time, The Room Exchange Network offers no funds transfer or payment collection services.  Landlords should collect fees directly from tenants.

 

A tenant will be staying in my place.  Do I need to provide them with anything?

At minimum, landlords must provide tenants with clean sheets, a clean bath towel, and a private room.  Additional amenities are not required, but they might increase interest and/or repeat business for your property.

 

How will I give my key to the tenant?

This is up to you.  Some owners leave keys at the front desk of their building; others leave them with friends, neighbors, or roommates; still others ship the keys via certified mail, FedEx or UPS.  Retrieval of keys at the conclusion of a tenant’s stay is also at your discretion.

 

What happens if something gets damaged, stolen, and/or broken in my room/apartment?

Good sense and judgment should minimize such incidents.  Make sure valuables are not left in the room when you leave, charge a security deposit, and most importantly check the renter’s reviews prior to accepting their reservation.   You may also consider signing a sublet contract with the tenant, which will outline each party’s accountabilities in the event of the unexpected.  Please note, that,The Room Exchange Network assumes no liability or loss of any kind for claims assessed either against a tenant or a landlord, and both parties enter into agreements at their own risk, independent of the Network.

 

The tenant has checked out.  Now what?

Shortly after your renter leaves you will receive an email soliciting feedback.  Please complete the evaluation.  Your feedback is critical to ensuring that all users have a positive experience.  You should constrain your comments strictly to the experience with the tenant, the condition of your apartment upon check-out, and the ease of payment.  After completing your evaluation of the departing tenant, you are ready to rent your property again!

 

I have another question or questions.  What should I do?

Email us!