How to Start a Roommate Referral Business

A roommate referral business is a great way to assist people who are searching for just the right roommate. To succeed in this type of business you must have good communication skills and instincts to match different personalities, interests, religions and lifestyles.

Instructions

1. Choose a simple, professional name for your roommate referral service. Select a legal form for your business such as sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability company, etc. Obtain any required business licenses and insurance.

2. Set up the business necessities. Create a database to store information about roommate seekers and rental properties. Get a separate phone line and plenty of business cards. Create a disclaimer for each applicant to sign which absolves you from any liabilty should problems occur between matched roommates.

3. Charge a modest registration fee for roommate seekers to sign up. Also consider charging a finders fee to landlords and rental properties when you bring them business.

4. Establish a means to gather information about the roommate seekers. Create an application form and questionnaire designed to determine the personality of each applicant so you can find a good match. Include a digital picture of each applicant in your database.

5. Market your roommate referral business. Design flyers to advertise your services and post them in college campus bulletin boards, laundry mats and grocery stores. Consider advertising in school and community newspapers.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek advice from a lawyer and accountant when setting up your roommate referral business.

Resources

• Visit the Small Business Administration's website for business planning advice.