How two expats created a system to protect against flat scams

Moving to Luxembourg presents significant financial and organisational challenges for young professionals starting out on their careers. Due to high rents, estate agents’ fees and landlords’ strict requirements regarding financial guarantees, many expats are forced to look for shared accommodation options, known as ‘co-living’ – a tenancy arrangement where tenants share communal areas whilst maintaining their personal space. However, even in this sector, prices remain high, so the search for accommodation often turns to social media. As tenants are usually under considerable time pressure after signing their employment contract, this rush leaves them vulnerable to online scammers and fraudulent adverts that flood the internet.

That is precisely why Javier Geisseler and Salvador Reynés launched the Roomie Radar platform in mid-2024. The project acts as a filter to weed out fraudulent listings and ensure transparency in the rental process, protecting newly arrived professionals from scams. Almost two years after its launch, the platform has over 1,500 users and manages a pool of 260 verified listings. This growth is driven by partnerships with local landlords and co-living companies, who pay a fixed commission to list their properties on the site. At the same time, the service remains completely free for tenants. As Javier Geisseler emphasises: “People already struggle to find accommodation; we don’t want to add any extra costs.”

Combating fraudulent schemes is a key priority for the team. To prevent the publication of fake listings, the founders personally inspect the rooms being let and verify the profiles of those registering. At the same time, the moderation process requires considerable effort, as the founders manage the project alongside their full-time day jobs. At present, there are no plans to hire additional staff, as all profits are reinvested in the platform’s further technical development.

In addition, the start-up has already entered the Belgian market, listing current offers in Brussels, Liège and Antwerp, and is currently in talks with potential partners in Norway. Looking ahead, the founders plan to establish a foothold in the Spanish market, with which they are familiar, although Luxembourg remains their top priority. Ultimately, the creators of Roomie Radar intend to turn their project into the leading platform for room rentals across Europe.