Frequently asked questions

What is Roost?

Roost is a student-to-student housing marketplace built for McMaster University. We connect students who need to sublet or transfer their lease with students looking for a place to live near campus. No anonymous landlords, no bot listings.

Is it free to use?

Yes. Browsing listings is completely free. Posting a listing is also free for verified McMaster students.

How is Roost different from Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace?

Every lister on Roost has a verified @mcmaster.ca email address. That means you know you're talking to a real student, not an anonymous stranger. We also show listings on a map, filter by term, and keep everything in one place for McMaster.

How do I search for listings?

Head to the Browse page and use the filters to narrow by price, term, bedrooms, neighbourhood, and more. You can also use the map view to see exactly where each listing is relative to campus.

How do I contact a lister?

Each listing has a contact form. Fill it in with your name, email, and a message. Your details go straight to the lister's inbox.

What does the verified badge mean?

A verified badge means the student has confirmed their identity with a valid @mcmaster.ca email. It's your signal that you're dealing with a real member of the McMaster community.

Can I browse without an account?

Yes, you can browse all listings without signing up. An account is only required if you want to post a listing or get early access to new ones.

How do I post a listing?

Click "Post a Listing" in the header, fill in the details about your unit, upload photos, and submit. Your listing goes live immediately after you complete each step of the wizard.

Can I edit my listing after posting?

Yes. Go to My Listings in your account and click Edit on any active listing. You can update the price, dates, photos, or description at any time.

How do I mark my place as rented?

In My Listings, click "Mark Rented" on the listing. This removes it from search results and lets interested students know it's no longer available.

What types of housing can I list?

You can list sublets (short-term), lease transfers, and private rooms. All listings should be for housing near McMaster's Hamilton campus.

How do I verify my McMaster email?

After signing up, go to your Account page and click "Verify Email". We'll send a confirmation link to your @mcmaster.ca address. Click it and you're verified.

I didn't receive the verification email. What do I do?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If it's not there, return to your Account page and request a new verification link. Make sure you're checking the @mcmaster.ca inbox, not a forwarded address.

How do I reset my password?

On the Sign In page, click "Forgot password" and enter your email. We'll send a reset link to your inbox.

Is it safe to use Roost?

Roost only allows students with verified McMaster emails to post listings, which significantly reduces the risk of fake or scam listings compared to open platforms. That said, always meet in person before paying any deposit.

What should I never do?

Never send money, a deposit, e-transfer, or payment of any kind, before viewing the unit in person. No legitimate lister will ask for payment before a showing.

How do I report a suspicious listing?

Email us at roost.housing@gmail.com with the listing link and what seems off. We investigate all reports promptly and remove listings that violate our guidelines.