A clear, accurate, and complete listing helps potential tenants find accommodation that suits their needs and understand what to expect before booking. As an advertiser on HousingAnywhere, you are responsible for ensuring that your listing accurately represents the accommodation, its costs, facilities, rules, and condition. Since tenants book without an in-person viewing, the information and photos you provide are especially important. Follow these guidelines to create a high-quality listing and provide a positive booking experience.
Provide the correct accommodation address
Make sure the address in your listing is accurate. HousingAnywhere uses this information to display the approximate location on the map, helping potential tenants assess the neighbourhood and estimate their commute to work or university. An incorrect address may create misleading expectations about the accommodation's location.
Clearly communicate all costs
Make sure your listing explains all rental-related costs, including:
Monthly rent.
Utilities and other recurring expenses, including whether they are included, charged separately, or subject to a limit.
Deposit amount, payment deadline & method, and relevant conditions for its return.
Any other mandatory or potential rental-related charges, including when and why they apply.
Transparent pricing helps tenants understand the expected costs and make informed decisions before booking.
Select the correct accommodation details and tags
Choose the options that accurately describe your accommodation so potential tenants can find it using HousingAnywhere's search filters. Check that you have selected the correct:
Accommodation type, such as a studio, private room, or shared room.
Property size, referring to the space being offered. For example, for a private room in a shared apartment, enter the room size rather than the size of the entire apartment.
Number of housemates.
Other relevant tags and property details.
Write a clear and informative description
Your description should help potential tenants understand the accommodation and the rental arrangements. Where applicable, include:
A brief overview of the accommodation, available space, and neighbourhood.
Private and shared areas, including any areas tenants can or cannot access.
House rules, quiet hours, guest policies, and any additional charges for overnight guests.
Check-in arrangements, including weekday and weekend availability.
Utilities, including what is included in the rent and any applicable limits.
All additional costs and deposit payment arrangements, including when payments are due.
The expected booking and move-in process, so tenants know what to expect after confirming a booking.
If you live in the accommodation yourself or have any unusual restrictions, make sure these are clearly communicated before a booking is confirmed.
Ensure your facilities and amenities are accurate
Select all facilities and amenities that are genuinely available to the tenant, including internet access, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and other relevant features. Clearly indicate whether facilities are private or shared. If access is restricted or additional charges apply, explain this in your listing.
Upload recent and representative photos
Provide clear, good-quality photos that reflect the accommodation's current condition. Tenants fully rely on these photos when making their booking decision. Include photos of:
The room or property being offered.
All relevant shared areas, such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and toilet.
Important facilities and amenities included in the rental.
You can also add a floor plan or a short video to help tenants understand the layout and available space.
What should I avoid in my photos?
To keep your listing accurate and protect your privacy, avoid including:
The property address, building number, direct contact details, personal name, or company name.
Wide-angle photos or editing that make rooms appear larger than they are.
Photos that hide damage, stains, mould, or signs of wear.
Furniture, equipment, views, or features that do not match the actual accommodation.
AI-generated images or photos of another property presented as your own listing.
Can I edit my photos?
Yes. Basic adjustments to lighting, colour, and sharpness are acceptable. You can also remove personal belongings or people and blur faces or private details, provided the photo remains a truthful representation of the accommodation.
If you use AI to enhance your photos, please ensure that the room reflects its actual size and layout, and that furniture, including beds, appears in its correct proportions. Any enhancements should provide a realistic representation of the accommodation and must not create a misleading impression of the available space or facilities.
The key principle is simple: show the accommodation as it is. If a tenant would notice a meaningful difference when arriving at the property, do not use the edited photo. Misleading photos may lead to complaints or cancellation requests and, depending on the circumstances, further action under the applicable HousingAnywhere policies.
Keep your listing up to date
Review your listing regularly and update it whenever something changes, including the accommodation's condition, facilities, costs, house rules, or living arrangements. Before accepting bookings, make sure the description, photos, and selected details still match what you offer. Inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to misunderstandings, complaints, or disputes. Keeping your listing up to date helps set clear expectations and supports a smoother rental experience.
Quick checklist before publishing
Before publishing your listing, make sure that:
The address and accommodation details are correct.
All rental costs and additional charges are clearly explained.
The accommodation type, size, housemates, and tags are accurate.
The description explains the relevant house rules, facilities, costs, and check-in arrangements.
All amenities are correctly listed, including whether they are private or shared.
Photos are recent, clear, and representative of the actual accommodation.
The booking and move-in process is explained clearly.
Remember: A high-quality listing is accurate, transparent, and up to date. Providing clear information helps potential tenants make informed decisions, builds trust, and creates a better experience for both parties.