Posting a listing
How do I write an ISO post when I'm looking for a place?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Start with ISO, then your budget, the type of place, the areas you'd consider, your move-in date and how long you want to stay. Add a line about yourself, such as your job or school and habits, and when you can view. Specific ISO posts get replies from landlords and people with rooms. Vague ones get ignored.
Example: "ISO: Room or studio, up to $1,100 all-in, moving October 1 for 12+ months, near downtown or along the Red Line. I'm a nurse working days, quiet, non-smoker, no pets. Can view any evening this week."
What makes an ISO post work:
- A real budget number. "Affordable" means something different to everyone.
- Two to four named neighborhoods, or a commute limit, rather than "anywhere in the city".
- Firm dates, or a clear range if you are flexible.
- Deal-breakers up front: pets, parking, a private bathroom.
- When you can view, which tells people you are ready to move.
Keep personal details out of the post. A general description of your job or school is enough. Share ID or documents only after you have seen the place and trust the person, and your phone number only once a conversation is going somewhere. ISO posts attract scammers who reply with a perfect place and ask for a deposit to hold it, so treat any reply that asks for money before a viewing as a scam.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Write a Housing Post That Gets Approved.