New app makes finding a roommate in Boston less ‘sketchy’
The creators of a new app called ‘Sumu’ say it helps users screen potential roommates.
Sometimes, we’re comfortable not knowing.
Like the meat inside fast food chicken tenders, there are many things in life that can remain beautiful mysteries. But when it comes to finding a roommate, obscurity can lead to awfully sketchy situations.
Which is why Boston locals Ethan Setnik and Daniel Tewfik created ‘Sumu,’ an app that aims to match prospective roommates in a non-creepy way.
Tewfik told Boston.com he and Setnik had experienced their fair share of uncomfortable situations hunting for roommates on Craigslist, and were fed up with the website’s lack of transparency.
“It’s a generally sketchy environment,’’ Tewfik said. “You’re talking to random people without meeting up with them. It felt counter-intuitive.’’
Sumu, which translates to “to live’’ or “to reside’’ in Japanese, encourages users to create profiles with photos, much like they would on dating sites. This allows potential roommates to screen one another, learning details like where they went to school and what jobs they have. Users can sign up as a seeker, meaning someone searching for a roommate, or a poster, someone looking for a living space.
“People are more likely to want to live together if their social circles overlap,’’ Tewfik said. “Even if you went to the same school and your time there didn’t overlap, there’s a higher likelihood you’ll want to live with that person.’’
Sumu’s map allows users to view available listings in their area that can include photos, amenities, rent, move-in date, and information about any roommates that already live there.
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Currently, the app only works for desktops with mobile usability, but Tewfik said they plan to launch mobile apps for Android and iOS soon. They’re also hoping to add a feature that would allow users to filter listings based on level of priority.
“So you could say, ‘Rent is most important to me, and living with someone who went to Northeastern is important to me, but less so,’’’ Tewfik added.
Since the app’s beta launch on June 7, Sumu has seen about 300 accounts created and 30 posts, Tewfik said. Most have been women, which Tewfik attributes to the element of safety Sumu offers.
Sumu is still in the fledgling stages, but the founders have high ambitions. “One goal is to corner the Boston market and bring people to this safer, more inclusive environment,’’ Tewfik said. “There are 250 posts per day on Craigslist. If we could get to that number, that’s our stretch goal.’’
Though Boston is the app’s target market, anyone in the world can make an account and post a listing.
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