FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS:
1) What is RainbowRoommates.com?
2) How long does it take to find a roommate?
3) Should I list my apartment with RainbowRoommates.com?
4) What if I find a room or roommate, but realize it's not working out?
5) What should I ask when meeting with a potential new roommate?
6) How specific can you tailor my reports?
7) Who uses RainbowRoommates.com?
8) Who can answer my questions?
9) How long will my available apartment share be listed?
10) How often do I get updated listings?
1) What is RainbowRoommates.com?
RainbowRoommates.com helps lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender,
and gay-friendly roommates from around the country and the globe to find an
affordable and comfortable home. Over the years, we have focused on providing efficient assistance in
your gay roommate search of accommodations in the Greater
New York Metro area. We are pleased to offer a large database of roommates
throughout the New York City Metro area which consists of quality roommate
share listings that are easy to use, regularly updated. We have refined the roommate search process to the point that we are able to
assist you effectively in making the best possible decision about your growing accommodation
needs. As NYC's gay roomie and roommate finder, it is our goal to help you find an affordable, congenial,
convenient place to live in New York City.
We are a trusted and well know service
provider. And for that, we are able to offer secure and productive options for your
search. We specialize
in NYC gay roommate shares and have grown our database over many years. Unlike
.com's or "free-access" services, we are an established local entity; well known throughout the city for excellent
and secure service
through professional assistance to the public. We are licensed as a New York State Department Division of Licensing
Apartment Sharing Agent, while most others are not. Focusing our efforts
throughout the all areas of NYC, we have amassed the largest share GLBT database in
New York City and the most diversity and breadth of clientele.
Additionally, we are always strengthening our resources to further increase our attention to customer service and
value added services. Your understanding of our share listings and interview
strategies of an efficient roommate search are our priorities.
Read
our Testimonials!
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2) How long does it take
to find a roommate?
Of course the length of a search will vary from person to person, but on average,
Rainbow Roommates clients find a new home within 2 weeks or less.
Granted, some individuals can be selected as a roommate within their first
week. We recommend that you take the time necessary to find
those roommates with whom you feel very comfortable and secure. You make
the decision to grant or accept an offer. So remember to make your choice using your
best discretion.
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3) Why should I list my apartment with Rainbow Roommates?
Our market is not restricted to a handful of readers that see an ad in
a fee based newspaper nor does it suffer the security issues that follow "free-access"
web sites. Though listing with RainbowRoommates.com is FREE, membership for
access to your listing is not. We understand the importance of your
personal privacy. "Free-access" sites easily open the door to the problems
associated with unsecured distribution of your personal information without
taking into consideration the need for personal information privacy standards.
Furthermore, our managed database is unlike traditional classifieds which are
quickly outdated a day after publication. Our detailed and customized listings help to better inform potential members by giving
them an accurate description of your situation, This helps minimize wasted time and
questions. A well secured yet more diverse market means more potential,
quality matches for you. As we maintain reference information on all our
clients, you can contact us at anytime to further assist you in making your
search for a new roommate a success.
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4) What if I select a person or situation, but realize it's not working out?
If within 2 months of signing your roommate agreement, you realize that your
situation is not working out, we will give you 1 month of service at no charge.
The following information must be presented before consideration:
- Your name, e-mail address - Your roommate's name, e-mail address - Address of
apartment found through Rainbow Roommates.
If
you have an apartment share, let us know, and we'll add your listing back into
our database database immediately. Communicating with us as often as possible
concerning your progress, performance and about the results of your interviews
could highly improve your chances of success. NOTE: The goal of the
"roommate" process is to connect with the prospective roommate who likes,
appreciates and most of all, respects you and who you are. Make every
effort to honestly stress your strengths and skills that would help improve and
maintain your home environment. Please be sure to use the roommate agreement
to make your situation more manageable.
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5) What should I ask when meeting with a potential roommate?
RainbowRoommates.com offers a sample contract
between new roommates that addresses many issues and topics. Be sure to look at
the agreement and review it to your satisfaction. Members
can check out our roommate guidelines which cover sample questions and interviewing techniques.
Generally, be as candid as possible as honesty
is the best policy when living with another . Discuss work schedules (which can impact your sleep time or bathroom-time in the morning), overnight guests, household chores, deposits, utility payments and
telephone bills. The more you talk about your expectations and habits
the greater the chance of a successful roommate match.
NOTE: Never pay with cash and get a receipt
for any payments made or received. And make sure that you and your
roommate put the security deposit in an escrow account at your local banking
institution.
For additional information, consider "A
Roommate Survival Guide."
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6) How specific can you tailor my listing reports?
Your reports can be as specialized as you wish. We can give you lists, for example, that show apartments
for specific areas and budgets. But remember, the more narrow your search, the fewer listings you
will receive. We recommend a broad, flexible search if you need an apartment immediately, but a more specific search if you have more
time and resources to look for a roommate.
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7) Who uses
RainbowRoommates.com?
Our client base represents all people of various ages, professions, both
male and female, lesbian, gay, "gay-friendly" straight, in every borough of New York and
from around the world.
We strive to assist each and every person to find a shared home in New York
City. Most need to find or fill that available "extra" room in an
otherwise increasingly high rental market.
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8) Who can answer my questions?
Please ask us for assistance or to answer any
questions you may have. We are available to discuss in detail any aspect
of your search. Speaking about the process and possible post move-in
issues can many times make your experience less stressful, more efficient and
ultimately a success. Please email
us or call
212-757-2865
with your questions. Additional online help is
available.
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9) How long will my available apartment share be listed?
Your apartment will remain in our database until you have found a roommate or for
3 months, which ever is sooner.
We will contact you weekly to verify if you have found a roommate or are still looking; in which case, your listing will continue to be distributed.
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10) How often do I get updated listings?
Updates are emailed periodically Monday thru Friday,
as new listings which match your criteria are received. But if you choose
to pick-up your updates. Please
call
212-757-2865
to schedule a pick-up for the latest listings.
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