Personal flatmate matchmaker

Room seekers paying a matching fee, householders wanting a reliable flatmate, and sometimes universities or employers who refer newcomers.

A fee per successful match or a small upfront fee per client, with optional extras like a flatmate agreement template or follow-up check-in.

• Interviewing and listening
• Organising and follow-up
• Judging personalities and fit

• Rules on who can charge fees linked to rental housing differ by state and territory, so check with your state's fair trading or licensing body before charging
• Privacy: check your obligations for collecting and sharing personal information, and get clear consent before introductions
• Safety: suggest meeting in public first and never guarantee a perfect match
• A fee only for a successful match means unpaid effort when matches fail, so test your pricing
• Check the Australian Consumer Law so your claims are accurate

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on the tools you use to take enquiries, run interviews and promote your service. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own approach.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many matches you complete and the fees you charge. This is revenue before costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 10 hours of work a week.

Check with your state's fair trading or licensing body, as rules on who can charge fees linked to rental housing differ by state and territory. Also check your privacy obligations and consent, and the Australian Consumer Law so your claims are accurate.