What Is
Letting Style?
Express, Planned, or Selective — a single badge that tells you everything about how a landlord works.
Express
Keys ready, highly responsive. Checks messages multiple times per day.
Planned
Steady and organised. Available soon, checks messages regularly.
Selective
Carefully vets candidates. May ask for references and background checks.
What is Letting Style?
Letting Style is an optional label that landlords set on their Flathive property listing. It gives tenants an immediate sense of how the landlord approaches the process of finding a flatmate — before a single message is exchanged.
Instead of guessing from a listing description whether a room is available right now or in a few weeks, whether the landlord checks their inbox hourly or once a day, or whether they will ask for references — the Letting Style badge answers all of that at a glance.
There are three styles: Express, Planned, and Selective. Each reflects a different approach — not a judgement on how good or bad the listing is, just honest context about how the landlord works.
Letting Style helps both sides. Tenants can prioritise listings that match their timeline. Landlords attract applicants who are genuinely ready for how they work.
Express, Planned & Selective
Keys ready — let's move fast
- Room is available now or very soon
- Checks messages multiple times per day
- Ready to close the deal for the right person
- Quick to arrange viewings
Tip for tenants
If you see Express on a listing, send your message promptly. The landlord is actively looking and may fill the room within days.
Steady and organised — available soon
- Room becomes available in the near future
- Checks messages regularly
- Has a clear timeline in mind
- Organised approach — expects the same from applicants
Tip for tenants
Planned landlords appreciate a well-written message. Mention your move-in date and introduce yourself — they are comparing applicants thoughtfully.
Carefully vets all candidates
- Takes time to find the right fit
- May ask for references before proceeding
- May request a background or identity check
- Prioritises long-term compatibility
Tip for tenants
Selective landlords move slower by design. Come prepared with references, a short personal introduction, and patience. Quality over speed is their priority.
Think of it like driving
The highway analogy
Not everyone drives at the same speed — and that is not a problem as long as everyone knows which lane they are in.
Fast lane
ExpressYou are merging onto the motorway and need to get up to speed immediately. The room is empty, the clock is running, and you want someone in as fast as possible. You are checking your mirrors constantly.
Middle lane
PlannedYou are cruising at a steady pace. You know where you are going, you are not in a rush, but you are not stopping either. You have a destination in mind and a reasonable timeline to get there.
Slow lane
SelectiveYou are driving carefully, checking every exit, and making sure conditions are right before you accelerate. You would rather arrive a little later than take a wrong turn that costs you weeks of frustration.
The important thing is that no lane is wrong. A tenant who needs a room in two days should look for Express listings. A tenant on a four-week notice period is a perfect fit for Planned. And someone who wants a long, stable tenancy with a professional landlord will thrive with a Selective one. Letting Style helps everyone find their lane.
Why it matters
The real value of checking carefully
Selective landlords are sometimes seen as difficult. In reality, they are protecting everyone — including the tenant.
References reveal more than a bio
A reference from a previous landlord tells you how someone actually behaved — not just how they describe themselves. It takes five minutes to ask and can save months of conflict.
Identity checks build mutual trust
Asking for identity verification is not distrust — it is professionalism. The same way a landlord should verify their listing is real, a tenant should expect the landlord to confirm who they are sharing with.
Background checks reduce long-term risk
Evicting someone who turns out to be a poor fit is a lengthy, stressful, and expensive process. A background check before move-in is infinitely easier than addressing problems after.
Both parties benefit from a careful process
Tenants who pass a thorough vetting process move into a well-managed home with a landlord who takes things seriously. That is a significantly better living experience than rushing into a situation that falls apart in month two.
If a Selective landlord asks for a reference or ID check, take it as a green flag — not a red one. It means they run a professional, well-managed property and want to protect both sides of the arrangement.
For landlords
How to set your Letting Style
Go to your listing wizard
Open your property listing and navigate to the "Describe yourself and your property" step (Step 6).
Choose your style
Select Express, Planned, or Selective depending on how quickly you need to fill the room and how thoroughly you vet candidates.
Save and publish
Your Letting Style badge will appear on your listing card and detail page, visible to all tenants browsing your listing.
For tenants
How to use Letting Style when searching
Moving soon?
Filter for Express listings. These landlords have the room ready and are actively responding. You could be moved in within a week.
Planning ahead?
Planned listings suit you well. The room opens up in the near future and the landlord has a clear timeline — perfect if you're on a notice period.
Long-term move?
Selective landlords take their time and so should you. If you have good references and want a well-managed, stable living situation, this could be the one.
No style shown?
Listings without a Letting Style set are still great listings. The badge is optional — just reach out and ask the landlord directly about their timeline.
Letting Style is a signal, not a guarantee. Always message the landlord directly to confirm the timeline, viewing availability, and any requirements before applying.
Which style are you?
“The room is empty and I'm losing money every week.”
→ Express
“My current flatmate is leaving in 3–4 weeks and I have time to be picky.”
→ Planned
“I have had bad experiences before and I want to do proper checks this time.”
→ Selective
“I'm listing in advance and won't be ready for a few weeks.”
→ Planned
“I run a professional property and require references and ID checks.”
→ Selective
“I just need someone good in here as soon as possible.”
→ Express
Remember
It's optional — and you can change it
Letting Style is completely optional. If you are unsure, leave it blank. You can always come back and set it once you have a clearer sense of your timeline.
And if your situation changes — the room fills faster than expected, or you decide to be more selective — you can update it any time from your listing wizard.
How Flathive helps
Flathive is New Zealand's peer-to-peer flatmate and shared housing platform. Whether you are listing a spare room or searching for your next home, Flathive makes it simple to connect, communicate, and move in safely — with verified profiles, direct messaging, and listings across the country.