What are the best platforms for finding accommodation (Kijiji, Rentfaster, etc.)?

Finding a place to live is one of the most important tasks for many people, especially when it comes to moving, studying, working, or simply changing their place of residence. Modern technology has greatly simplified this process thanks to the emergence of numerous online platforms that collect thousands of ads for renting or selling apartments, houses, rooms, and even commercial real estate. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most popular housing search platforms, their advantages, disadvantages, and features to help you make the right choice.

Kijiji

What is it?

Kijiji is one of the largest and most well-known online platforms in Canada, which works on the principle of a local online flea market. It covers a wide range of categories, from selling used items to finding a job and, of course, finding a place to live.

Features

  • Local search: You can choose a city or region to search for housing, which is very convenient for those who are planning to move to a specific city.
  • Large database of ads**: Due to the popularity of the platform, there are thousands of offers - from budget rooms to luxury apartments.
  • Convenient filters**: You can sort ads by price, type of accommodation, number of rooms, neighborhood, furniture, pets, etc.
  • Mobile app: Allows you to search for accommodation on the go and receive notifications of new listings.

Advantages

  • A wide selection of ads.
  • Possibility to post your own offers for free.
  • Intuitive interface.

Disadvantages

  • Sometimes there are ads with inaccurate data or fraudulent ones.
  • Ads can be distracting.
  • Filters do not always work perfectly, sometimes ads appear outside the specified radius.

Rentfaster

What is it?

Rentfaster is a specialized Canadian platform that focuses exclusively on residential rentals. It is popular among tenants and property owners due to its simplicity and functionality.

Features.

  • Narrow specialization**: The platform is focused exclusively on long-term rental of apartments, houses, rooms.
  • Rental applications: Users can submit applications directly through the site, which simplifies the communication process.
  • Tenant profiles: The ability to create a profile with information about yourself, which increases the trust of owners.
  • Regular updates of ads**: The platform is actively moderated to avoid outdated offers.

Advantages

  • A large selection of rental housing.
  • User-friendly interface for searching and applying.
  • Ability to quickly contact the owners.

Disadvantages

  • There is a risk of fraud, so it is important to check the information.
  • Some ads may contain conditions that require additional attention (prepayment, deposits).

Other popular platforms for finding accommodation

Airbnb

Airbnb is a global platform specializing in short-term housing rentals, popular among tourists and those looking for temporary housing.

  • Advantages**: Large selection of unique housing offers, user reviews, security guarantees.
  • Disadvantages: High commissions, mandatory prepayment, sometimes difficulties with cleaning.

Booking.com

A platform offering both hotels and apartments for daily rent.

  • Suitable for short-term stays.
  • It has convenient filters and a review system.

OLX

A popular platform in Ukraine and some other countries for finding accommodation without intermediaries.

  • Direct contact with owners.
  • Lower commissions.
  • Higher risk of fraud, so caution is required.

European platforms (Agoda, Vrbo, Wimdu)

  • An excellent choice for finding accommodation in Europe and the world.
  • They offer a variety of options - from budget apartments to villas.
  • Convenient booking services and support.