Are there any websites or apps for finding roommates in Edmonton?

Finding a roommate in Edmonton is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Today, there are several proven ways to find the perfect person to live with. Some platforms specialize in finding roommates, while others are more general rental sites that also list rooms. This article gives you a complete overview of all the options, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as safety tips.

1. Roomies.ca — Canadian specialized platform

Roomies.ca is the first recommendation for Ukrainians and other immigrants in Canada. It is designed specifically for the Canadian market and is the most popular platform in the country for finding roommates.

• How it works: The platform is completely free. You create a profile, describe yourself, your preferences, and requirements for a roommate, then browse other people's profiles. The site already has over 20,000 active listings across Canada, including many in Edmonton. All communication takes place through the platform's built-in chat. There are no fees for messaging and no hidden commissions.
• Advantages: This is a Canadian service, so users are mostly people who actually live in Canada and understand Canadian customs. The platform has high ratings on Trustpilot (rated “Excellent” by over 3,000 people). There are no scams or spam — the administration actively monitors the site. Many ads include photos of the room, a description of the roommate, and the terms and conditions. You can filter by area, price, and type of accommodation (for example, whether utilities are included).
• Cons: However, the ad database is smaller compared to platforms such as Kijiji or Facebook (if you have specific requirements, there may be fewer options). It also requires registration and profile verification.

2. Kijiji — Canada's largest classifieds site

Kijiji is the Canadian equivalent of the American Craigslist, but more reliable and with a better reputation. It has ads for everything, but the “Rooms for Rent / Shared Living” section is very popular in Edmonton.

• How it works: Go to kijiji.ca, select the “Rooms for Rent” category, and enter Edmonton. You will see a list of ads from people who are renting rooms or looking for roommates. You can contact them through the built-in messaging form on the site.
• Pros: There are tons of ads — both individuals and real estate agencies post on Kijiji. Many ads have photos. You can see how active a person is on the platform (when they first posted the ad, how often they update it). Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji has certain safeguards against fraud.
• Disadvantages: However, since the platform is open to everyone, there is a risk of encountering scammers. Some ads may be outdated. If the account is not verified, the people may not even be real.

How to avoid problems on Kijiji: Always pay attention to the date the ad was posted. If the ad was posted 3 months ago but says the room is available “now,” that's suspicious. Make sure the seller's account has other ads or information about them. If someone asks for money in advance without you seeing the room, it is 100% a scam. Ask for a video tour before paying. Meet your roommate in person in a public place before signing a contract.

3. Facebook groups — an informal but very active method

There are several Facebook groups dedicated to finding housing and roommates in Edmonton. The most popular ones include “Edmonton AB Roommates” and “Edmonton Apartments, Roommates, Rooms for Rent and Shared Housing.”

• How it works: You join the group and browse the ads posted by other users. People mostly write directly in the group: “Looking for a roommate” or “Room for rent.” You comment on their post or write them a private message.
• Advantages: The groups are very active — new ads appear every day. People often join groups to find smart people, so the quality of ads may be higher than on Craigslist. You can see a person's profile (whether they have a real photo, are active on Facebook, etc.) — this is a certain guarantee that they are not a bot. Some groups have moderators who remove obviously fraudulent ads.
• Disadvantages: However, moderation is not strict, so fraudulent ads still occur. Groups can be oversaturated, making it difficult to sort through hundreds of posts. The Facebook format is less structured than specialized sites. People rely on messaging on Facebook, which can be less secure than regular email.

Safety rules for Facebook groups: Check if the person has a real Facebook profile (at least a few years in the system, photos of friends, etc.). Never send money via Facebook Pay or Gift Card. Save all conversations — Facebook automatically saves the history. Ask for a phone number and talk before meeting. Meet in a public place (cafe, park) before going to the room.

4. Rentser — a specialized platform for furniture and utilities

Rentser is a relatively new platform that focuses on renting furnished rooms with flexible rental terms. They are active in Edmonton.

• How it works: On Rentser, you can browse fully furnished rooms in different areas of Edmonton. All utilities (electricity, gas, water, WiFi) are usually included in the price. You can view virtual tours on the platform before booking.
• Pros: All rooms are verified and vetted by the platform. There are no hidden fees. All utilities are included. Flexible lease terms (from a few months to a year). The platform has a support team to help with any issues.
• Disadvantages: However, the database of ads is smaller compared to Kijiji or Facebook. Prices may be higher because Rentser takes a commission. You need to pass a profile verification before renting a room.

5. RentFaster — Canadian rental website

RentFaster is a Canadian website designed for finding housing in general, but it also has a section for shared accommodation. The website features listings from private individuals and agencies.

• How it works: Go to rentfaster.ca, select the province (Alberta), city (Edmonton), and category (Shared Accommodation). You will see a list of ads with photos, descriptions, and contact information.
• Advantages: It is a Canadian platform, so users are mainly people from Canada. There are a large number of ads. The interface is simple. You can save your favorite ads for later viewing.
• Disadvantages: However, the quality control of ads is less strict than on Roomies.ca. There are outdated ads. As with other platforms, caution is needed regarding fraud.

6. Liv.rent — “the safest rental platform in Canada”

Liv.rent advertises itself as the safest rental platform in Canada. It is available in several provinces, including Alberta, and has special features for students and immigrants.

• How it works: You create a profile, go through verification (including submitting ID), then browse room listings. The platform has an integrated chat feature for communicating with landlords. You can apply for a room directly through the website.
• Pros: Strict verification of all landlords and tenants (including ID verification). Built-in ability to apply and sign lease agreements digitally. Special options for students and immigrants (for example, if you don't have a Canadian credit history). Detailed information about neighborhoods and schools. Live chat with landlords.
• Cons: However, it has a smaller database of listings compared to Kijiji. Requires more time to verify your profile. Not all landlords use this platform.

7. Major mobile apps

For those who prefer mobile apps over websites, there are several options.

• Roomie is a global app for finding roommates, available in 200+ cities. You specify your preferences, and the app uses AI to match you with roommates. It has a built-in verification system and chat feature. The basic version is free, with the option to get additional matches by viewing ads or subscribing to Roomie Pro.
• Roomster is a global app with millions of users. It supports 18 languages and covers 192 countries. You can browse profiles and filter by lifestyle (student, professional, vegetarian, pet owner, etc.).
• PadMapper — one of the most popular apps for finding apartments and rooms in the US and Canada. It integrates listings from many sites (including Craigslist), giving you more choices in one place.

8. General classifieds: Craigslist and others

Craigslist is the oldest and most versatile classifieds site in North America. It is less popular in Canada than in the US, but still has rental ads in Edmonton.

• Pros: Huge database of ads. Completely free to post.
• Cons: However, there is virtually no verification. High risk of fraud. Outdated ads. Minimal moderation. The interface is outdated and difficult to use.

Safety tips for Craigslist: Never make a payment before seeing the room in person. If the price is significantly below market value, this is a red flag. Do not transfer money in advance to someone you do not know. Bring someone with you to view the property. Verify that the address is real (enter it into Google Maps).

9. University resources (for students)

If you are a student at the University of Alberta, Concordia University of Edmonton, or MacEwan University, these institutions often have their own bulletin boards for finding housing and roommates.

The University of Alberta offers information about off-campus housing on its website. Concordia has an official “Off-Campus Housing Tips” page. MacEwan also has resources for students. Ads from students who already attend the university. People often post ads on specialized Facebook groups for students of a particular university.

Comparison table of platforms

Tips for a safe roommate search

Regardless of which platform you choose, follow these rules.

• Before meeting: Always talk on the phone or video chat before meeting someone in person. Check if the person is real (pay attention to their profile, photos, other ads). Ask for several photos of the apartment from different angles. Ask why the room is available (moving, separation from a partner, etc.).
• During the meeting: Bring someone with you. Meet in a public place first (cafe, park). Check how the person presents the room (are they willing to show you all the details or are they hiding something). Pay attention to cleanliness, smells, and the condition of the room. Ask for utility bills for the last few months (to check if the stated cost is accurate). Talk about house rules and how conflicts are resolved.
• Before signing the contract: Ask for all the details in writing. Check the contract against the Residential Tenancies Act in Alberta. Make sure everything you have agreed upon is written in the contract. Do not pay any money in advance until you have signed the contract.
• After moving in: Take photos of the apartment on moving day (to have proof of its condition in case of disputes). Keep all receipts for payments. If problems arise, resolve them in writing (text message, email) so you have proof.

Conclusion

There are many ways to find a roommate in Edmonton. For most people, the best option is a combination of several platforms. Start with Roomies.ca (the safest for Canada), then check Kijiji and Facebook groups (for more choice). If you want a guarantee of safety and are willing to pay a little more, try Rentser or Liv.rent. Never rush into a decision — take the time to see the room in person, talk to your roommate, and read the contract. The right roommate can make your life in Edmonton much more enjoyable and affordable.