Networking tips for finding Roommate(s)? (college, temp, bedroom, house)

[DisciplesOfTheWatch]

I'm a sole tenant in my current residence; the lease is up at the end of November and I'm anticipating a 60-day "renewal-or-vacate" letter at the end of next month. Due to the inevitable rent increase (and market inflation in general) I plan on either starting a lease elsewhere with a roommate or joining an active lease with a roommate(s).

So far, the process has been anything but simple:

- Nobody in my immediate social circle (friends, co-workers, etc.) has any ideas. I've even offered a hundred dollar "finders fee" to anyone who can track down a successful lead; no takers.

- Most "roommate matching" websites are either virtual "ghost towns" or require both users to have paid memberships to send/read messages. CraigsList's housing section is a boon for spammers and pranksters (as usual), deterring me from including contact info in my own ads.

- Most of the ads I've read are very specific (e.g., FEMALE ONLY, or NO PETS, or MUST BE 4/20 FRIENDLY). I'm an adult male, one cat, and "avidly" don't toke.

- The 60-day notice at my current abode doesn't mesh with 30-day notices elsewhere (in that case, would it be unorthodox to not renew the lease and continue looking, as risky as that sounds? A few roomie ads meet the criteria I'm looking for; unfortunately, the availability is NOW.)

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[Meemur]

Do you belong to a church? Go there and chat with the secretary. You might also look for a room in a house if that will work for you. I've found rooms to rent with elderly church members, mostly in college towns.

[DisciplesOfTheWatch]

Nope, not a member of a church.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by DisciplesOfTheWatch

Most of the ads I've read are very specific
(e.g., FEMALE ONLY, or NO PETS, or MUST BE 4/20 FRIENDLY).

Which is exactly what you need to do as well.
Focus on types of people like grad students and junior faculty
and the recurring sort like temp assignment workers (medical mostly).

Be prepared to give THEM the Master Bedroom with separate bathroom.

[DisciplesOfTheWatch]

Originally Posted by MrRational

Which is exactly what you need to do as well.
Focus on types of people like grad students and junior faculty
and the recurring sort like temp assignment workers (medical mostly).

Be prepared to give THEM the Master Bedroom with separate bathroom.

Hmmm, not quite sure how this passes as a "networking" tip.