Where should I advertise for a child-friendly stable renter to rent a room to?
I'm a recently single mom of a 4-year-old. I live in a 3-bedroom house in Oakland that I now must cover the mortgage for alone. I would like to rent a room out but I'm nervous about advertising on Craigslist or someplace similar because I have a child and I would really like to be strategic about where to advertise the room for rent. Obviously, I would like to increase my chances of finding someone great or at least stable, reliable, and kid friendly. I would also love any ideas about how to screen candidates. I was thinking perhaps a graduate student would be ideal but I don't know how to target that audience. Thanks very much!
Jun 11, 2017
Parent Replies
CalRentals is a housing service for which the owner /landlord pays a small fee for a listing ($25?). You can post pictures. It is great. It's listing are only open to students, faculty, and U.C. personnel. looking for housing. I get all my tenants through this service. You can list your requirements (graduate student, employee, etc.), and also look for comparable rentals to set your price, which will vary depending upon the distance from campus, transportation access, amenities, etc.
Well, you could try the classifieds here on BPN. Also, another social website that I've seen used to advertise rentals is Nextdoor. It's not as wild, wild west as either Craigslist or Facebook.
Hi Mama C - try this url where Cal students and I think visiting faculty look for places to rent. https://och.berkeley.edu/registration/property-manager This is where you can register your property. There is a fee $25 for 30 days. good luck. You won't have any problem getting renters if your prices are reasonable.
cheers
Hey,
I work at Cal and can put an add up for graduate students (they would all be scientists since thats the area I work in). Message me if you are interested.
Kim
Hi! I am also a single mom w a seven year old and I rent out two rooms in my home. I advertised on Craigslist and BPN and I didn't do this but I think you can also list on a server at Mills College. I would request that the person write me an email describing themselves, work, interests and why they are looking for a room. I also asked about past experience with children. If I liked all those written responses then I would set up a phone call to chat some more. If I still had a good feeling then I would invite them over for dinner. If I still thought it was a good fit, then I called their references, one professional, two personal (I highly recommend not skipping this step!). If I still felt it was a good fit and they did too, then I would proceed with a housemate agreement form (I found one online) that clearly states that the first month is a trial period during which either if us could terminate the agreement with no notice. After one month a thirty day notice agreement would ensue. I LOVE co housing and wish you the best of luck. Intuition and strong references are key!
Try CalRentals (the UCB off-campus website). You may also look into SabbaticalHomes. That way you could targt academic visitors who will stay for about a semester or two. If you rent it out furnished, you can charge more.