From Williamsburg to Flatbush
Rooms for rent in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is where a large share of New York's roommates live. Brownstone floors, converted lofts and newer buildings are routinely shared by three or four people, and most neighborhoods are one train away from Manhattan.
Where to look in Brooklyn
Neighborhoods where people commonly rent rooms and share apartments.
Williamsburg
Lofts and new buildings along the L train, one stop from Manhattan.
Bushwick
Shared lofts and row houses on the L, J and M trains, with an active arts and music scene.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Blocks of brownstones with large floor-through apartments on the A, C and G.
Crown Heights
Pre-war buildings near Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum, on the 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Greenpoint
Low-rise and residential, on the G train and close to the East River waterfront.
Park Slope
Tree-lined streets beside Prospect Park, served by the F, G, R, 2 and 3.
Flatbush
Larger apartments and Victorian houses near Brooklyn College, on the B, Q, 2 and 5.
Sunset Park
Row houses on the D, N and R trains, with harbor views from the park itself.
Getting around
The L links Williamsburg and Bushwick to 14th Street. The A and C, the 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the B and Q run from central Brooklyn into Manhattan, and the G connects Brooklyn to Queens without going through Manhattan. Check weekend service for your line before you commit.
What rooms look like in Brooklyn
You will find floor-through apartments in brownstones, railroad apartments where one bedroom opens onto another, and loft conversions. Ask how the rooms connect, who controls the heat, and whether the lease is in everyone's name.
On Matezer, each place shows its photos, monthly price, type and what the host is looking for in a roommate, so you can rule places in or out before you write to anyone.
Before you pay anything
These apply to every rental in New York, whoever you rent from.
Visit before you pay
See the room in person or on a live video call, and meet the people you would live with. Never send a deposit to hold a place you have not seen.
Know the deposit limit
Under New York State law, a security deposit for a residential lease is generally capped at one month's rent, and application fees are capped at a small amount. Check the current rules with the New York State Attorney General before you pay.
Get the terms in writing
Whether you are on the lease or renting from the leaseholder, write down the rent, what it includes, the move-in date and the notice period, and keep a copy.
Pay in a traceable way
Avoid wire transfers, gift cards and cryptocurrency. A check or a bank transfer leaves a record if something goes wrong.
Renting a room in Brooklyn: common questions
How do I find a room for rent in Brooklyn?
Create a free Matezer account, open Places and filter by borough to see rooms, sublets and lease transfers in Brooklyn. Save the ones you like and message the person who posted them directly.
Which neighborhoods in Brooklyn are good for sharing an apartment?
It depends on your commute and budget. Popular choices include Williamsburg, Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Greenpoint. Compare the walk to the train and the size of the room, not only the neighborhood name.
Can I find a sublet or a lease transfer in Brooklyn?
Yes. Places on Matezer are labeled as shared rooms, private rooms, sublets, lease transfers or full apartments, so you can look only at the arrangement you want.
Is there a broker fee?
No. Matezer is not a broker and never handles rent or deposits. You arrange everything directly with the person offering the room.
Rooms in other boroughs
Find your room in Brooklyn
Join Matezer for free, filter places by borough and price, and chat with hosts directly.
Create my free account