Live Rent Free

Congratulations Jay!

Jay Bossman is this month’s lucky winner. She lives in Mill Hill, London and so wins £520 (the average rent for a double room, inclusive of bills in a shared house in NW7, according to the SpareRoom Rental Index).

Jay says:

Is this real? I really hope it is!!! I’m in complete shock! Thank you so much!

I had first heard about SpareRoom.com while searching for some room mates about 3 to 4 years ago to share my flat after leaving uni. Living in London can be very expensive and I knew flatsharing was a risk but I’ve met and lived with some really cool people from all over the world. I have been entering this competition on and off since then but I would have never imagined that I would have won! I work Monday-Friday 9-5pm and daily I dream about getting away from my desk for even just a week and this money will make my dream come true! Its perfect as I can book a nice weekend away in Europe during the bank holiday weekend!

Thanks again for making my dreams come true, its such a blessing :D

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Jay!

Congratulations Jane!

Jane Hutchings is this month's lucky winner. She lives in Southfields, in SW London and so wins £602.33 (the average rent for a double room, inclusive of bills in a shared house in SW19, according to the SpareRoom Rental Index).

Jane says:

Thanks very much! I first heard about Spareroom.co.uk 3 years ago when on holiday with a friend. She asked to borrow my laptop to check her emails and then started squealing when she found out she'd won the free rent competition. That night she treated me to a slap-up meal at a local restaurant to celebrate. Since then, I've been entering every month. I don't normally enter competitions but having personally known someone who'd won, I thought the chances might be better than with other competitions. Then this morning when I heard I'd also won, I emailed my friend straight away to tell her I owed her a meal :)

I moved into our Southfields flat in November last year with 2 other vegetarians who were interested in the raw food diet and living in an eco-friendly flatshare. In fact, we're currently looking for another flatmate so if you're a non-smoking veggie interested in living in the Wimbledon area please check out our ad!

I'm currently saving up to move to Barcelona because I cannot stand a British winter another year! So this money will go into my savings pot. Thanks again Spareroom.co.uk!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Jane!

Congratulations Sara!

Sara Burbi is this month’s lucky winner. She lives in Cirencester, Gloucestershire where she works as a vet. Her Live Rent Free in March prize comes to a total of £411.66 which is the average rent for a double room (inclusive of bills) in a house or flatshare in Cirencester, according to the SpareRoom Rental Index.

Sara says:

Wow, thank you so much, guys! I think I’ll use the money to buy some books I need for work and also some presents for family and friends. But, before doing so, here’s a little about me…

I am a veterinarian and researcher from Italy and I’m completing my PhD in the UK. I decided to rent a room using spareroom.co.uk because I found the website very useful in my area. There are usually quite a few options in my town all year long, so I decided to try house-sharing. I found it very nice, I got to know nice people and I have never had any problem with my housemates and landlords.

I have recommended the website to other friends and colleagues and I’ve been entering the competition for about a year or so, maybe a bit longer. House sharing saves a lot on the bills and so on, but it also gives you a chance to start new friendships. It’s really important for foreign students like me. I’ve started renting exactly 3 years ago. I’ve now been living in the same place for almost 2 years and I’m very happy.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Sara!

Congratulations Linette!

Congratulations Linette, and sorry we made you cry!

Linette Jensen is the lucky winner of SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free in February competition.

Linette lives in Stoke Newington, London N16, so her prize of a month:’s rent (according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index is £645.66.

Linette says:

Hi all you lovely people at Spareroom. How amazing is this? I didn’t actually believe it till I spoke to Sam in person (there where tears—but happy ones!).

Thank you so so so much for this! I have entered the competition since I moved to London 4 years ago—each month, always hoping but never really expecting to win!

Living in London is tough but fantastic at the same time, while sharing a house/flat can be challenging, it is such a great way to learn about different cultures and make friends for life. For the last 4 years I have shared houses with so many people from all over the world, which means that now I have a hug waiting if I ever come visit them in New Zealand, New York, Germany, Sweden, Thailand etc… How amazing is that?

This prize couldn’t have come at a more convenient time for me, as I am currently in my final year studying Hospitality Management here in London. Studying hard and writing my dissertation does not leave much time for work—so money has been scarce! The extra money will be partly spent on spoiling my boyfriend who has been so sweet and supportive during my time at uni. I will also be buying the Uni-girls a round of pancakes at our favourite cafe (I have to promise this, as they were all there when I found out I won) and finally my mum’s birthday is coming up so this year she will get a nice present, not just a text apologizing for being a poor student who can’t afford gifts. Thank you again!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Linette!

Congratulations Natasha!

Natasha Burton is the lucky winner of SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free in January competition.

Natasha lives in London (N8) so her prize of a month’s rent (according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index ) is £645.66.

Natasha says:

Wow that’s amazing news!! This will come in handy for my holiday in a couple of weeks and I will be saving some of it as I’m trying to save for a mortgage. After many years of sharing in London I would love to finally own my own home, so thanks SpareRoom, you’ve got me off to a great new year! I have always used SpareRoom and thanks to you guys I met one of my best friends from my first house share, I will most definitely continue to recommend it to all my friends!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Natasha!

Congratulations Max! The boys are on a roll (but still way behind).

Max Heinze is the lucky winner of SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free in December competition, notching up another win for the boys in the process.

Max lives in Canterbury (CT1) so his prize of a month’s rent (according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index ) is £437.67.

Max says:

Thank you very much indeed - this is not just good but great news! I’ve been in shared accomodation since leaving uni, as I’m so far from even beginning to look at a mortgage. Seeing as it’s the festive time of year, a large share of the prize will go on presents and entertainment over the next few weeks, the rest will hopefully go towards a diving holiday in the new year. Funnily enough I was saying to a friend that she should use SpareRoom as she’s now looking for somewhere to live in London. I even went as far as to mention the Live Rent Free competition and that I enter every month but never really thought I’d be a winner!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Max!

One more for the boys - well done Joe

This month’s Live Rent Free winner is Joe Swallow, making it 3 in a row for the boys (although they’re still way behind at 31-12).

Joe lives in Surbiton (KT6) so his prize of a month’s rent (according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index ) is £563.33.

Joe says:

Wow, amazing news! Thank you. I’ve been renting for about 4 years since leaving uni, and I’ve used SpareRoom a few times to find myself a place to live and also to find new housemates. I’ve recommended it to a few of my mates who have successfully used it too. I’ve been very lucky in making a great bunch of friends through SpareRoom (who still live together), so I’ll have to go on a night out with them to celebrate this win! I’ll put the remainder towards a ski holiday this winter. Thank you again so much, this has made my month!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

A hat trick for the boys - congratulations Joe

Another birthday winner! Congratulations to Ed Ashby

Another month, another competition, another male winner and...another birthday boy.

Ed lives in Fulham (SW6) so wins a whopping £836.33, based on the average rent for a double room in Fulham according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Ed won with one of his 16 loyalty entries, which are extra free entries we give out for entering the competition every month. Over 90% of our winners come from loyalty entries so it’s definitely worth persisting.

Ed says:

Thank you so much for choosing me, I have been entering the competition diligently for a couple of years never expecting to win. What a great start to October, and in time for my birthday at the end of the month. I am currently living with my sister in Fulham, which is great for a quiet night in, heading to the cinema or a good night out. Looking forward to going away scuba diving to the red sea later in the year with the winnings. I have been diving for about 10 years and am looking at getting my instructorship this year. I currently work in the middle office for an investment management firm based in the west end, and have been with them for 3 months, and enjoying it a lot.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Ed (and happy birthday to you too!)

Andy's our September winner (and it's his birthday too!)

September’s Live Rent Free winner is Andy McSkimming

Yes, at last folks, we have another male winner. About time too! Andy lives in Tooting (SW17) so wins £585, based on the average rent for a double room in Tooting according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Andy won with one of his 31 loyalty entries - yes that’s 31! - which are extra free entries we give out for entering the competition every month.

Andy says:

This is absolutely fantastic news! I’ve diligently entered this competition for a few years now and not only did this news come through on my birthday, but I’m also in the process of looking to move from SW London to the East, so the news is both wonderful and amazingly timely.

I’ve loved sharing over the years with friends, strangers who became friends, and also living on my own, but sharing for me is my preferred living style. Not only can it help keep costs down but, when you get the right bunch of people together, it really gives me a great sense of a home feeling; somewhere to truly relax in and not just somewhere people are living together in a house!

Once again, thank you so much for all this SpareRoom. You’ve given this boy a perfect start to the new Birthday Year!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Cheers Andy! Happy birthday

Lucy's living rent free in August

This month Lucy Brown has won our Live Rent Free competition

Lucy lives in London’s East End (E1) so her prize, based on the average rent for a double room according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index , is £667.33.

Lucy had 7 loyalty entries (additional free entries we give out to people who regularly enter the competition or encourage their friends to enter) but won with her original entry.

Lucy says:

This is amazing, thank you. I?ve always been unlucky with competitions, but this is literally the best news I’ve had in ages! I’ve been living in a flatshare for a year now, beforehand I was living in one in Bethnal Green with 4 others, but me and my friend Anna have been living together in our little house this year and it?s been lovely.

I really like flatshares because you go through the whole thing together, the bills, the funny little things you learn to do like tidying and cooking - it’s just like having a sister! And we’re both only children so I think we appreciate that. She’s now going off to Warwick and I’m staying in London to pursue my career in Fashion Photography after finishing 3 years at London College of Fashion.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our August winner - Lucy

Benjamin is our July winner

This month it’s Benjamin Barker who’s Living Rent Free

It took us a while to get hold of July’s winner but we found him in the end! Benjamin is living in Grimsby (GM32) so his prize, based on the average rent for a double room according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index , is £305.33.

Benjamin entered for the first time two months previously and won with his loyalty entry (additional free entries we give out to people who regularly enter the competition or encourage their friends to enter).

Benjamin says:

Thank you so much for choosing me as the winner! This has come at a great time as I’m living in a hostel in Grimsby at the moment. This money will be a great help as I’m trying to get enough saved to move back to York. It was a great surprise to win this competition as I have only been using SpareRoom for a couple of months and I would like to say thank you to my girlfriend for encouraging me to enter every month!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Benjamin

Christine is living rent free in June

This month it’s Christine McAuslan’s turn to Live Rent Free

Christine lives in Glasgow (G42) so her prize, based on the average rent for a double room according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index , is £364.

Christine won with one of her 16 loyalty entries (additional free entries we give out to people who regularly enter the competition or encourage their friends to enter).

Christine says:

Thank you so much, this is the best news I’ve had in a while! I’ve been sharing for a couple of years because I don’t have the money to get a flat on my own. I have tried to enter the competition every month as there is no real reason not to because it is so easy to enter, and am now very glad that I did. This comes at a great time as I’m currently trying to get the money together to book flights for my holiday to Greece, and hopefully clear a bit of debt!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Christine!

Maryline is living rent free in May

We’re paying Maryline David’s rent this month!

Maryline lives in Streatham, SW16, so it’s another London winner (and another female winner!). Maryline’s prize, based on the average rent for a double room according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index , is £537.33.

Maryline won with one of her loyalty entries (additional free entries we give out to people who regularly enter the competition or encourage their friends to enter).

Maryline says:

The timing is so perfect that it is hardly believable: I am just ecstatic!!!

I currently live in Streatham, and have just returned to work as a teaching assistant in my local school after 9 months of maternity leave, during which credit card debt had started to pile up. My son, my husband and I currently live in a shared house until we are able to afford a bigger place or decide to move to a cheaper location. I have used SpareRoom in the past and I enter the competition every month when I don’t forget about it. I generally share the link on Facebook for friends to join as it is so easy to enter.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Maryline!

Alex is living rent free in April

Our lucky winner this month is Alex

Congratulations to Alex Fisher, who lives in Peckham (SE15). The average rent for a double room in SE15, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index , is £546 so that’s her prize.

Alex says:

That’s amazing news!! I can’t beleive it! I’ve literally never won anything ever!! And after entering every month for over 2 years I’d almost given up hope!

I’m a Quality Assurance Analyst working in Aldgate and living in the mighty Peckham, SE London. I moved to London in 2008 after a year teaching in Japan and moved straight into a shared house. Living in London is so expensive and, with rent going through the roof, sharing is a really excellent way to make it affordable and meet some great friends along the way. I’ve met a boatload of fun and interesting people and sharing definitely helped me settle into London life!

The money will come in really handy as, being 28, apparently I’m at ’that age’ and all my friends have started to get married! So I think I’ll be using the cash to make sure I’ve got some fantastic outfits for the 4 weddings I have lined up this year! Maybe it will stretch to a few glasses of champers too.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Alex!

Our lucky March winner

Natashka is living rent free in March!

Congratulations to Natashka Brown, who lives in East London (E1). She wins £654.33, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Natashka says:

I’m a West End theatre lighting technician and had been living alone for seven years before I found my present flatshare on SpareRoom last year. It was a good way for me to move into a new area and find out what to do and where to go. Having just ended a six month contract, I’m using the site again to find my dream share apartment, hopefully with a great social element and in a great location. I’ve entered the competition on numerous occasions and never thought I’d win, it has come just at the right time. I’d like to use the money to go to Barcelona and celebrate a friend’s 50th but I’m sure it will come in handy with my room deposit too!! Thank you SpareRoom

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Natashka!

Live rent free in February winner

Well done to Cynthia, who is living rent free in February!

Our latest Live Rent Free winner is Cynthia Speed, who lives in Hammersmith (W6). She wins £766.66, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Cynthia says:

FANTASTIC news. You have made my Wednesday! Every month I enter and never once thought I would be successful! I am currently living in London on a Youth Mobility visa and have been living in the area for 18 months. I share with 2 fellow Australians in the Hammersmith/Fulham hub of good bars, restaurants and nightlife (that’s of course debatable depending on who you ask).

When I am not working in HR/Learning & Development for a bank near the West End of London, I like to travel and spend time with friends. I entered the competition as it is a great initiative (who can say no to free rent!?) and I will most likely be spending the cash on a new wardrobe for travel. I am going to Budapest, Poland and Prague in a few weeks in -20 temps. Might treat myself to a North Face jacket and accessories! (and may shout my friends a round of drinks at the bar if I have any change!)

Thank you so much SpareRoom. 1) for helping me find a house on your site and 2) assisting me with this much needed cash!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Cynthia!

Live rent free in January winner

The winner of our first Live Rent Free of 2012 is...Nina!

January’s Live Rent Free winner is Nina Dibb, who lives in Newry (BT35), so wins £312, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Nina says:

I’ve been sharing house for the last 3 years, which gives me the opportunity to live in a lovely area and big beautiful house. I would have had a difficult 3 years if I didn’t share, as I was studying at the university full-time (Monday-Friday 9am -5pm) and have no time to earn much money. Finishing university and starting first year work is not easy either when you have a student loan behind you, so I am so excited and pleased that I won this month, especially this is a first time I won something in my life. I never believe in competitions, same as many other people, but it’s all changed now. I am so excited. I will pay for my mammy’s holiday, so she can finally visit me in Ireland, and maybe visit my friend in Amsterdam.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Not a bad start to the New Year for Nina

Live rent free in December winner

Well done Kerry, winner of Live Rent Free in December.

This month’s Live Rent Free winner is Kerry Phillips. Kerry lives in Brixton (SW9), so wins £611, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Kerry says:

What a windfall just before Christmas, thank you so much SpareRoom! I’ll spend the money on a some more gifts, wine and chocolate for my family. And some new shoes for me. I share a flat in Brixton with my flatmate who I found through SpareRoom, we’re both saving for a place of our own but in the meantime we’re happily ensconced in a two-bed near the Academy! I always click on this competition and can’t believe I’m the winner this month - Happy Christmas everyone!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Happy Christmas Kerry!

Live rent free in November winner

Congratulations to Natalie, winner of Live Rent Free in November.

We have a winner of our special Live Rent Free in November competition - run in conjunction with Sarah Beeny’s Mysinglefriend.com . The winner is...Natalie Ross who wins an iPad plus a month’s rent. Natalie lives in Leeds (LS13), so wins £320.66, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Natalie says:

I live and work in Leeds. I’m sharing at the moment so I can afford to live somewhere a bit nicer than I could afford on my own. I have had a tough year so it was great to have a bit of good luck for a change, I can’t believe that I won in the month you were giving away an iPad too!!! I’ve wanted one for ages but couldn’t justify the cost. I have a couple of weekends away planned, visiting friends in Galway and Zurich so I’ll be changing the money into Euros and treating myself to Guinness and glühwein.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Cheers Natalie!

Live rent free in October winner

Congratulations to Maurizio, winner of Live Rent Free in October.

At last, we have another male winner (our last was back in April)! SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free in October competition has been won by Maurizio Parenti. Maurizio lives in Kensington (W14), so wins £758.33, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Maurizio says:

I am a sales manager working in London and a monthly "bonus" is something I always look forward to. I’ve used SpareRoom a few times before and started entering the competition religiously every month, so it now finally paid off! I have also recommended it to a number of people I know. I live in a very expensive area, Kensington (W14) and thanks to this great news I can pay off my credit card and buy a nice gift for my mum who lives in Italy.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Maurizio!

Live rent free in September winner

The winner of Live Rent Free in September is Tanne. Congratulations.

SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free in September competition has been won by Tanne. Tanne lives in Vauxhall (SE11), so wins £567.66, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Tanne says:

I’ve used SpareRoom a couple of times, and I have been entering the competion each month since last summer. I’m sharing with one other in Vauxhall at the moment, but until recently was living in a house of four girls in Fulham and found SpareRoom really useful for finding new flatmates each year. I’ve built up quite a number of entries - it’s so easy to click on the link in the email each month, but I never thought I’d actually win! The timing is perfect as my laptop has just broken so I will put the money towards a new one, and I am also going on holiday in a couple of weeks so it should fund a few nights out!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Tanne!

Live rent free in August winner

Congratulations to Ivana, our 28th Live Rent Free winner

Our August Live Rent Free winner is Ivana. Ivana lives in Acton (W3), so wins £546, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index . Ivana won with one of her 17 loyalty awards, given to people who enter regularly. Most of our winners do so it definitely pays to keep entering.

Ivana says:

I received the good news while on holiday. It was a great surprise as I usually don’t enter any competitions. I will definitely spend the money I have won on a few lovely presents for my loved ones, as well as some books I need for my profession and leisure time. I am just about to move to a new place so the money will come handy to make my new home really cosy too. Thank you very much once again!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our August winner - Ivana

Live rent free in July winner

Congratulations to Jennifer, our Live Rent Free in July winner

Do girls just enter competitions more than boys do? Certainly looks that way as we have yet another female Live Rent Free winner to announce.

Our Live Rent Free in July winner is Jennifer Hall, who lives in W5 (Ealing), so wins £663, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index . Jennifer won with one of her 11 loyalty awards, for entering regularly. Most of our winners do so it definitely pays to keep entering.

Jennifer says:

Like so many young professional Londoners, I can’t afford to rent a place on my own so sharing is my only option. SpareRoom.co.uk has been my lifeline for the past few years and I have found my last 3 homes (including my current one) through here. It is far superior to other flat sharing websites because it gives you details about the flat / house as well as the flat mates, it is so important to know who you will be living with as well as where you are living. I am going to spend the money on a trip to see my best friend and her baby boy, because I missed his first birthday last month as I was moving to my new flat.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

July?s winner - Jennifer

Live rent free in June winner

Our Live Rent Free in June winner is Rachael

This month’s Live Rent Free winner adds another to the ’Girls’ column - the totals now stand at 19-7 in favour of the ladies.

Our Live Rent Free in June winner is Rachael Chambers, who lives in EH11 (Edinburgh), making her prize £351, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index . Rachael won with one of her loyalty awards for entering regularly.

Rachael says:

It was a huge surprise when the e-mail arrived telling me I’d won and I’m still in shock about it. I always enter the competition as it only takes a minute to click on the link from the e-mail. I’ve found my past two flatmates on SpareRoom as the website was really easy to use and I got loads of responses. I’m going to Madrid this summer so this will make it an even better trip.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Rachael

Live rent free in May winner

Our Live Rent Free in May winner is Gemma - congratulations!

Another month, another year, another winner (and another one for the ’girls’ column). Live Rent Free has now been running for 2 years - who’d have thought it!

Our Live Rent Free in May winner is Gemma Harrison, who lives in SW19 (Wimbledon). According to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index the average monthly rent in the home of British tennis (and therefore the prize) is £546.

Gemma says:

I used SpareRoom when I first moved to London in August 2009 - I thought the best way to meet people would be by living in a shared flat. I found the website really easy to use. I also used SpareRoom again when a flat mate was moving out - the response we had was great and we filled the room in no time! I enter the competition every time I see the email, it’s free to enter so there is no harm in trying. I never thought I would win but it goes to show you have to be in it to win it! The money will come in handy, I will hopefully put it towards a nice holiday somewhere hot!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our May winner - Gemma

Live rent free in April winner

Congratulations to Neil McCallum, our Live Rent Free in April winner

This month’s winner is Neil McCallum, who lives in BT7 (Belfast). According to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index the average monthly rent in Neil’s postcode (and therefore his prize) is £281.66.

Neil says:

Thank you SpareRoom.co.uk, couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the email! This will definitely come in handy! I’ve been doing this competition fairly on and off since I signed up to SpareRoom a few years ago when I was living in England. I was looking for new living arrangements and it helped me get in touch with quite a few property shares which I was interested in. It also was a great help when I was moving back home to Northern Ireland as it had a great selection for there also. I’m currently sharing in an apartment near the centre of Belfast with a couple of friends which suits me down to the ground as I’m close to all my other friends and it’s handy for work (and socialising of course). Going to put the money towards paying off the snowboard holiday I’m just back from and it’ll hopefully help me along the way to booking my next holiday sooner than I was expecting! Happy days! Thanks again!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Neil enjoying the snow

Live rent free in March winner

Congratulations Annalena Oestreich, our March winner

Our Live Rent Free winner this month is Annalena. Annalena lives in N19 (north London) so wins £550.33, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, based on SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Annalena says:

When I received the news, I couldn’t quite believe it – I’ve never won anything, so I’m completely bowled over! I used SpareRoom.co.uk to find a new place to live over a year ago and have been entering the competition almost every month since then – without really expecting to win (I just compulsively enter every competition I come across...). I’ve been living in a house-share in Tufnell Park for a while since it’s cheap and in walking distance of my work, but I’m planning on moving again soon, so the money will certainly come in handy. Or maybe it will go towards my well deserved holiday that I’ve been planning to go on for ages instead…

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Annalena

Live rent free in February winner

Well done to Hayley Reader, this month’s winner

February’s Live Rent Free winner is Hayley, who lives in Balham (SW12) so wins £606.66, the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

As this month’s competition is promoted in conjunction with Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo, Hayley also wins one of 5 signed copies of their new CD ’Almanac’ (which SpareRoom was happy to be able to help finance). 2 further winners also get tickets to one of Emily’s upcoming UK gigs.

Hayley says:

I am so shocked that I’ve won. I’ve never won anything in my life! I have entered this competition every month for about 2 years and never for a second thought I would get picked. I have been renting in Balham for 4 years but I fancied a change recently and www.SpareRoom.co.uk is a fantastic website in helping you move/look to move, especially when you cant afford to buy yet. I was planning a trip to Paris for my 30th so the money is going to ensure I can have the best birthday ever! Thanks so much.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Hayley

Live rent free in January winner

Happy New Year (and congratulations) to Kelli Pearson

Our first winner of 2011 is Kelli, who lives in north London (N1) so wins £641.33, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Kelli says:

Fantastic! I will be moving soon (that’s why I’ve been on SpareRoom.co.uk) and could REALLY use the cash towards my new place. I want to stay in the Angel area and I’m looking for a place with more space for doing art, as I am an aspiring painting and sculpture artist. I’m sharing at the moment with a very good friend to save some money and because she’s super easy and fun to live with! :) I entered the competition because I saw it on the site and have entered every now and again for over two years. SO YAY! It worked! :)

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Kelli

Live rent free in December winner

Congratulations to Richard Leeds, winner of our Live Rent Free in December competition

So, to our final Live Rent Free of 2010 - well done Richard Leeds. Richard lives in Mile End (E14) so wins £593.66, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index. Richard won with one of his loyalty entries, as it would seem most of our winners do! Proof, if any was needed, that its worth entering every month..

Richard says:

That’s brilliant news - will certainly make Christmas shopping a bit easier this year! I’m currently sharing in Mile End with friends - still trying to put off the thought of buying a house yet as renting is so much more flexible (and more fun living with mates). I’d seen a friend post a link on Facebook for the competition and thought I’d give it a go a while back and have kept clicking back each month. Not having to pay rent for a month will be great and will let me spend a bit more on Christmas shopping this year, maybe take a short trip away (and possibly pay off some bills!). Thanks so much - it’s started the week off with a bang!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Congratulations Richard

Live rent free in November winner

Well done to Sonya Weiss, winner of our Live Rent Free in November competition

Sonya lives in Middlesex (UB3) so wins £411.66, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index. Sonya won with one of her 7 loyalty entries, which we give as free additional entries to anyone who regularly enters the competition.

Sonya says:

I don’t believe it! I have been entering for 6 or 7 months now but never expected to win - I am not generally lucky at this sort of thing; what a nice surprise. This is very good timing - my job situation is a bit precarious at the moment, and I’m waiting to find out if I will still have a job in a month’s time, so any extra to put towards the rent will help. Also I can buy some early Christmas presents and will treat myself to a couple of nice theatre outings, because life is too short to worry about money.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Sonya, our November winner

Live rent free in October winner

Well done to Zara Martin, winner of our Live Rent Free in November competition

Zara lives in Elstree (WD6) so wins £468 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Zara says:

Well how shocked was I! I’ve entered a few times and this time had the winning feeling so to win bought a massive smile to my face. I share a house in Elstree and have my own large double room as I have so much stuff. SpareRoom.co.uk was and is amazing and has helped me and friends so is fully recomended. Having a month off not paying the rent and bills has left me free to spoil the ones I love - a nice meal is on the cards and some treats for my yorkies Fudge and Toffee and a stress free massage for me. Thanks again, it was well worth entering.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Zara, our October winner

Live rent free in September winner

We’re happy to announce the winner of Live Rent Free in September - Naomi. Once again we have a winner who won with one of their loyalty entries (extra free entries we give away for entering the competition every month). Naomi wins a month’s free rent paid by SpareRoom.co.uk - her prize, based on the average rent for a room including bills in her postcode (N5) is £619.66

The prize is calculated using SpareRoom.co.uk’s Room Rental Index

Naomi says:

Wow! Thank you! I’m currently living in central London and used SpareRoom.co.uk recently, as one of my flatmates was moving, and filled the room immediately - the new flatmate moves in this weekend. I find the site easy to use and a really efficient way of filling a vacant room in a flatshare. The money will certainly come in handy!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our September winner Naomi

Live rent free in August winner

We’re happy to announce the winner of Live Rent Free in August, run in association with Speed Flatmating . This month’s winner is Sophie. Sophie wins a month’s free rent paid by SpareRoom.co.uk - her prize, based on the average rent for a room including bills in her postcode (LA1) is £346.66

The prize is calculated using SpareRoom.co.uk’s Room Rental Index

Sophie says:

Wow! I’ve entered this competition every month for the past year but never expected anything to come of it! Me and my fiance moved to Lancaster so I could go to the uni and we only had 3 weeks to find somewhere to live after Plan A fell through! SpareRoom was so brilliant and we found somewhere in no time! We now live in a house with a friend of ours and a cat, Oscar. We’ll all enjoy the bubbly I’m going to buy with this money (maybe not Oscar!) then I’ll be reasonably sensible with the rest! Thanks SpareRoom!!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our August winner Sophie

Live rent free in July winner

Persistence pays off - it’s official and this month’s winner Dominique is the perfect example. Dominique won with one of her 5 loyalty entries, gained by entering the competition every month - her prize is £485.33, which is the average monthly rent for a double room in her postcode of N15, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Dominique says:

Sweet lord you have no idea how large this smile on my face is. Clicking the ’enter now’ link became habitual and I never expected to win...definitely couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m living in London in a converted warehouse with a bunch of young lovelies, trying to juggle all manner of things as I can’t imagine having my own place for a little while yet. Amazing, cheers Spareroom you’ve enabled me to breathe a little easier!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our July winner Dominique

Live rent free in June winner

Congratulations to Helen

Summer is here (sort of) and it’s time to announce our Live Rent Free in June winner - congratulations go to Helen Roberts. Helen lives in IP33 Bury St. Edmunds), London so wins £403 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Helen says:

Thanks very much! I’m very happy to win. I’m currently living in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk but have been using the site to look for somewhere to live in Cambridge as I have started working there. I’m a 26 year old female and like living in houseshares as a way to meet new people. The money is really going to come in handy as I am about to move again, for the 3rd time in 9 months (!) so it will really help with the costs - hopefully I can use a little bit of money to help me enjoy all this sunny weather.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our June winner Helen

Live rent free in May winner

Congratulations to Margarida

Margarida Mendes is the latest winner of SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free competition and wins a month’s rent. Well done! Margarida won with one of her loyalty entries (an extra free entry we give away to anyone who enters each month). Margarida lives in N1, London so wins £658.66 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Margarida says:

I can’t believe I really won this month’s competition! I could not be happier, thank you so much SpareRoom. I’m 24 years old and I’m Portuguese - I just moved to London recently and life here can be very expensive, this money will help me a lot. Thanks to the competition I will be able to save some money and follow one of my dreams - to take a web design course

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our May winner Margarida

Live rent free in April winner

Cathy Miggin wins a month’s rent

Cathy is our latest winner of 2010 and is owed an apology after our MD getting stranded in Tokyo by the volcanic ash drama delayed us getting her prize out - sorry Cathy! Cathy lives in HA3 (Harrow Weald) so wins £411.66 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Cathy says:

Wow this could not have come at a better time! I am working as a temp and this money is a godsend! It’s been a quiet week for work with not many shifts. I recently moved to the UK just 8 weeks ago and renting in harrow HA3. Unbelievably five years after finishing secondary school in Ireland I am now living the dream in London with my classmates Michael and Rachel. Finding it hard to believe I am here but l love the area and glad to have SpareRoom.co.uk to help me in my search

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our April winner Cathy

Live rent free in March winner

Well done Robert Kingsbury

Robert is our 3rd winner of 2010 (and our second male winner in a row, is the tide turning in favour of the boys?). He lives in BH9 (Bournemouth) so wins £372.66 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Robert says:

Im sharing at the mo as things at home changed. The site’s been really helpfully and easy to use - the search is really easy to use and great for getting a room were you want. I never win anything so this is a great surprise.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Robert wins a month?s rent in March

Live rent free in February winner

Congratulations Ian Evans

Ian is our second winner of 2010 so well done Ian. He nearly wasn’t though as his computer broke and he didn’t get any of our emails - we were about to pick a new winner after a month trying to get hold of him when we got his phone call to say he’d just checked his emails and got our messages!

Ian lives in B20 so wins £368.33 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Ian says:

I cannot believe I have won, I have never won anything like this before and to be honest never thought I would.

With just starting a new job it has been pretty tough catching up with all my bills, so winning this fantastic prize with SpareRoom has now given me the chance to do this and also have a fun month with money I would never have had (and I think a good night out with the lads is very much needed).....cheers SpareRoom.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Well done Ian (god job you checked your email!)

Live rent free in January winner

Congratulations Claire Parker

Well done Claire Parker, our first Live Rent Free winner of 2010!

Claire lives in NE1 so wins £398.66 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index .

Claire says:

That is brilliant! This has definitely just made my January! I’m 22 and just about to start my new job this month as a Marketing Co-ordinator, after graduating from Newcastle University last year. As I am starting my new job one month rent free will really take the financial strain off me (and my parents!). I will most likely go and spend the money on beautiful new furniture for my bedroom or maybe a weekend away, and definitely several bottles of wine for me and my lovely new housemate! Thankyou Spareroom!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Claire celebrating (before she even knew she?d won!)

Live rent free in December winner

Congratulations Graham Jones

Well done to Graham Jones, our final Live Rent Free winer of the year

Graham lives in S2 so wins £301.28 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Graham says:

It’s been a tough year, with the current recession and redundancy halting any plans I had for buying a house, so renting’s my only current option. SpareRoom’s my first port of call for checking what’s currently available in and around the area (as well as all over the UK), and has made looking for a cosy place of residence a lot easier. The site’s just so easy to use!

I entered this competition thinking- "it’ll never happen- but ahh- what the heck...", so to think I’ve actually gone and been picked has really made my Christmas (and year). Inevitably I guess most of the money won will go on prezzies for friends and family but not before cooking up a decent slap-up Christmas meal for me and my mates.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our December winner, Graham

Live rent free in November winner

Well done to Claire Lander!

Congratulations to Claire Lander, winner of our Live Rent Free in November competition

Claire lives in BS16 so wins £338 which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Claire says:

I am a student living in Bristol. I house share with a family (the owners), I’m having a great time but do need to work to help with living expenses, this money will go towards Christmas pressies instead of me having to do extra shifts. Thank you very much, this is fab.

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our November winner, Claire

Live rent free in October winner

Well done to Fraser Colebrook!

At last we have another male winner! Congratulations Fraser.

Fraser lives in BN20 so wins £300.31, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Fraser says:

I’m currently beginning a degree course in International Tourism Management in Eastbourne, and I’m sharing a house because its good fun, and the student banter is good! I entered the competition because it seemed worth a try, especially with all the Uni debt I have to look forward too! The money will be a fantastic start to Uni life!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

The boys are catching up...

Live rent free in September winner

This month’s winner is Aisling O’Neill - congratulations Aisling!

We’re delighted to announce our 4th Live Rent Free winner, congratulations Aisling O’Neill, winner of Live Rent Free in September! Aisling lives in Bath so wins £351.17, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Aisling says:

I am 22 and a second year student in Bath. I wanted to live away from the traditional student lifestyle, so I found a room on SpareRoom living with young professionals. Unfortunately the rent is slightly higher than I had budgeted for, so I would imagine that the money will go towards that, while I hope to save a little for a holiday and for my course books. Thank you!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our lucky winner

Live rent free in August winner

This month’s winner is Lauren Tones - congratulations Lauren!

We’re delighted to announce our third Live Rent Free winner, congratulations Laura Tones, winner of Live Rent Free in August! Lauren lives in Streatham, London SW16 so wins £472.33, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Lauren says:

I am 26 and have been living in London for just under 2 years with my wonderful flatmate/landlady Sally (who I found on SpareRoom). With life in the capital being much more expensive than my hometown of Hartlepool, renting a room nearby to my workplace in Brixton was the best and cheapest option. The money will pay off my credit card bill - but I should probably put some of the money towards a mop and bucket, as I don’t do enough on that front! I can’t believe I’ve won - I’m so happy! Thank you!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our lucky winner

Live rent free in July winner

This month’s winner is Natasha Rattu - congratulations!

We’re delighted to announce our second Live Rent Free winner, congratulations Natasha Rattu, winner of Live Rent Free in July! Natasha lives in Duffield, Derbyshire so wins £337.50, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Natasha says:

I was amazed to learn I had won, as I never usually enter competitions and to win is simply fantastic! I hope to save some of the money for when i go back to university in September to continue with my legal studies. I also hope to save some of the money for a little break with my loved ones!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our lucky winner

Live rent free for a year winner

The winner of our competition to win a whole year’s rent is Joanne Ley - congratulations Jo!

We’re thrilled to be able to announce the winner of our Live Rent Free competition. So far we’ve given away 4 month’s rent to winners of the single month competition but it’s great to be able to give someone a whole year’s rent. Jo lives in London SW12 so wins £7,072, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

As some of you may have read, Jo nearly missed out on her prize when her email junk filter junked our email telling her she’d won! Luckily we managed to get hold of her in the end - for the full story see the SpareRoom blog . Don’t forget, the competition to win a month’s rent is still running every single month so enter now

Joanne says:

I’m 24 years old, I moved to London from Manchester in order to go back to university, where I study illustration. I first went on SpareRoom.co.uk because it seemed a more personal and friendly way to find people to live with - I entered the competition on a whim then forgot all about it. I have to say when I read your email my brain stopped responding to what I was seeing which is a bit worrying for an art student. Now the shock has worn off only marginally I can say with confidence that I’m pretty freakin chuffed. I have no idea what I’ll spend the money on, I guess once the surprise has worn off (which frankly will take a while) I’ll have a mull around the old noggin. Probably gona be a Cintiq which is a sort of computer screen you can draw on. Then I guess lots of nice books and beer for my friends. In conclusion if I really have won this competition I love you sincerly and forever!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Jo wins a year?s rent

Live rent free in June winner

We’re delighted to announce our very first Live Rent Free winner, congratulations Stefan Berry, winner of Live Rent Free in June! Stefan lives in Chiswick so wins £606.67, which is the average rent for a double room including bills in the area, according to SpareRoom’s Room Rental Index.

Stefan says:

Wow! I’ve never won anything before. I am in something of a state of shock - that’s absolutely fantastic - I’m completely staggered and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m 35 - I’ve been sharing housing in London ever since I moved here in 1998, basically because it’s the best way to get yourself somewhere nice to live where you’ll have enough room to swing your proverbial cat, have enough cash to spend some of it on enjoying yourself rather than everything on rent, allows you the flexibility to see a lot of different areas of London before deciding where you might like to settle (I have lived all over London in the last 11 years) and is a good way to meet new people - a lot of my best friends now are people I’ve lived with over the years. I expect I will spend the money on my summer holiday, which will be a major shot in the arm!

Don’t forget, for your chance to win a month’s rent enter now

Our lucky winner celebrates