FAQs

What does it cost?

To add, search and view properties is FREE. We also offer other options including being able to upload two photos, tenancy agreements and a standing order form. To contact a potential landlord or tenant, you need to purchase a membership option (available in one, three and six-month packages). Click here to do this.

How does HousePals work?

Searching for a room, flat or house
Simply choose your search criteria from the drop-down list. You can search by:

- postal area
- property type
- maximum rent
- search type

When you have found what you are looking for, click the ‘Enquire Now’ tab to send an e-mail to the owner/landlord.

Advertising your room, flat or house
This is done in two easy steps:

- select 'Place an Advert '
- add your information details and then follow the email prompt.

All entries are checked before they are posted on the HousePals website.

Why is HousePals better than placing a classified ad in my local newspaper?

- We remove your listing when you find your HousePal.
- It is free to search.
- It is secure. We keep your name, house number, phone number, and e-mail address private.
- We hold detailed property information (including photos and maps).
- No wading through annoying advertisements.
- It is interactive and easy to use!
- Rooms are added daily.
- Many adverts have pictures.

How do I contact HousePals?

Visit our contact us page to get a prompt reply.
Call us on 0871 474 0108 , 24 hour answer reply service, or write to us at 13a College Parade, Salusbury Road, London, NW6 6RN

Do you keep my personal information private?

Of course! We don't display your name, house number, phone number, or email address. We only send contact information by email to enquirers. Additionally, we will never disclose your personal information to outside parties.

I found a problem with the site, should I let you know?

Please tell us about it!
Please contact us to report any faults. Please record the error code (if given) and the URL page if possible.

How do I get a refund?

Please contact us within 24 hours of your payment transaction. A refund will be at the managements discretion.

How can i pay?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Switch, Solo and Delta. Payments are processed securely by worldpay. We also use paypal.

Is my payment secure?

Of course, we use paypal and worldpay.com for processing all payments. The secure server software (SSL) encrypts all information you input before it is sent to them. Furthermore, credit card information is not stored on our servers... in fact, we never even see it!

What about "cookies"?

"Cookies" are small pieces of information that are stored by your browser on your computer's hard drive. Our cookies do not contain any personally identifying information. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually change your browser to prevent that. Even without a cookie, you can still use most of the features in our site.

I forgot or lost my advertisers passcode! How do I log in?

Just click here tell us your email address and we'll sent it to straight away.

How do I log in and out?

Click on the login link in the top right-hand corner of the page and enter your email address and passcode that was sent to you by email when you placed your ad. If you forgot or lost your passcode, contact us. Your login session remains active as long as your browser is open. To log out, simply click the logout link in the same place.

How long is my advert listing active?

Your listing will remain active for eight weeks. Once you have a lodger, make sure to log in, select your portfolio and remove your listing from public viewing.

What are the benefits of having a HousePal?

- Share housing or rental costs
- Share bills
- Share food costs
- Companionship
- Security, no empty home
- Extra money !

What is the Section 21 form for?

This form applies to bedsits, flats, rooms and optional for flatshare. (Please refer to point (2) at the bottom of house flatshare agreement). The form must be served at least two months before the expiry of the tenancy agreement and this gives the landlord the repossession of the bedsit / room on the date the contract ends.

What fire precautions should I take?

Please read the Fire and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1993)
Available by writing to the Stationery Office Publications Centre, PO Box 276, London, SW8 5DT for a full copy of the requirements.
What do they apply to? This applies to beds, mattresses, sofas, armchairs and upholstery manufactured post-1950 and pre-1989.
When? This is for new tenancies and re-lets from 31.12.1996
Who they apply to? Anyone who supplies furniture in the course of their business, ie. landlords and any agent who signs the tenancy agreement on behalf of the landlord.
How do you know if the furniture complies? If carries the right labels. If there are no labels, ask the landlord to confirm date of purchase.

What about gas appliances?

The Gas Safety ( Installation & Use ) Regulations 1994 apply.
They state that any person letting a property must ensure that any gas appliance or installation pipework in that property is maintained in a safe condition as to prevent risk of injury to any person by ensuring that all such appliances and pipework are checked annually by an approved contractor. They also require a record is kept of these checks and the record handed to the tenant prior to the tenancy commencing or within 28 days of subsequent checks.

What about electrical equipment?

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 apply.
They state that any person supplying electrical equipment must ensure that it is safe and will not cause danger, and that it satisfies the safety requirements of the 1994 regulations. There is no mandatory requirement for the equipment to undergo any safety testing, nor be checked by an approved contractor.

Can I advertise a room located in another country?

Yes HousePals offers properties in the UK, USA and Australia. Select your country by clicking the relevant flag in the top right hand corner of this page.

How to login to your advert

Go to my profile then login, type in your email address and password.

How do I change my advert details?

If you have not rented your room for a while, then you can adjust the price online to make it more appealing to prospective tenants. Simply log in, go to 'Manage portfolio', click on 'edit listing' and enter your new price in the box and click update.

Legal advice?

The FAQs shown on this page are some answers to the most common questions. If you are unsure, require more information or need legal advice, contact your solicitor or local Citizens' Advice Bureau to give you a more in depth answer to any questions you may have.

Removing your property

Properties are automatically removed after approx eight weeks, but if you have rented your room before this time you can remove yourself. Simply log in, select manage portfolio, then change the status to NOT LIVE.

What are email alerts?

If you subscribe to our email alert service we will let you know as soon as a new property is added to our database. This is a FREE service. If you are advertising a room or a flat you can get a list of all subscribers looking for a property in your area. To view this simply log in to 'My profile' area and click 'Manage portfolio'. You can then view your contact list and are able to see many details about subscribers in your area, but to get their contact details you will need to purchase a passcode.

How do I stop getting email alerts?

To be removed from this service, simply log in, select 'My profile' go to 'Edit profile' and deselect the email alerts checkbox.

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