Facebook housing groups
Can I join a housing group for a city I don't live in yet?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Yes. Most people join a city's housing groups before they move, and moderators expect it. Say in your membership answers that you're relocating, when, and why, such as a new job or a school program. That context is often what gets an out-of-town profile approved rather than mistaken for a scam account.
Out-of-town members are common in city and college groups, so the location on your profile will not count against you by itself. What helps is a clear story that fits your profile: "Moving from Chicago in August for a grad program, looking for a room in Allston or Brighton."
Once you are in:
- Read the rules and a week or two of posts to learn typical prices and areas.
- Post an ISO describing what you need, your dates and your budget.
- Turn on notifications for new posts so you see listings the day they go up.
- Line up a local friend or a live video call for any place you cannot visit yourself.
Renting from a distance carries real risk, so never pay before the place has been seen. The moving to a new city questions cover searching remotely and checking a place from far away.
Want the whole picture? Read How Facebook Housing Groups Work.