No Responses on WGZimmer? A Frustrated Renter's Guide to Getting Replies in Zurich

Have you applied to dozens of WGZimmer ads in Zurich and received no responses? You're not alone and most probably you are doing nothing wrong. It is just a feature of imbalanced supply and demand in Zurich. Nonetheless, there are things you can do to give yourself the best chance of being offered a room.

Why Am I Getting No Responses on WGZimmer?

Zurich's tight housing market means popular flatshares often receive over 100 applications within days, leaving most applicants without replies Reddit WGZimmer Discussion. With so many applicants most rooms will have more people that would be good candidates than the lister can respond to, let alone invite.

Here are other possible reasons you did not get a response:

Dead adverts: Flatfox and other platforms need listings to attract users. That means they have no incentive to remove inactive listings. I cannot prove how many are inactive, but having posted rooms myself on Flatfox I know they are not removed. WGZimmer as much as it could be improved in terms of user experience is far better at removing inactive listings.
You responded too late: Ads older than 1–2 days are often filled or overwhelmed.
Your message didn't stand out: Generic or lengthy messages are easily overlooked.
Language barriers: German-language ads might prefer German speakers.
Profile mismatch: Age, profession, or lifestyle mismatches deter responses. Some flats say what they are looking for but many do not. So you just have to keep trying.

"I Barely Get Any Replies" – How to Increase Your Response Rate

If your applications are mostly ignored, here's how to change that:

Respond immediately: Unfortunately you need to house hunt like a maniac and treat it like a job. This is very unplesant but necessary if you are looking for affordable housing near to your university. Early responses drastically improve your chances.
Short, personalized messages: Introduce yourself briefly, mention why you match their specific needs.
Highlight positives: Emphasize you're reliable, clean, easy-going, and stable.
Add a photo or profile link: Humanizes your message, increasing trust. Use an external link if necessary.
Use the ad's language: Even basic German for German ads significantly increases your odds. Though if it is a German speaking house, you will not get an offer unless you are comfortable in the language.
Offer flexibility: Clearly address specific requests (move-in dates, visits, virtual calls).

Implementing these tips significantly boosts your chances of receiving responses and ultimately securing viewings. Persistence is key.

Insights from People Offering Rooms

Hosts typically receive 100+ applications quickly, so standing out is essential. They dislike generic messages, greatly value cleanliness and friendliness, and appreciate applications that clearly meet their listed criteria.

The issue for hosts is everyone pretends to be clean and considerate. Their job is to spot the fakers. Early, enthusiastic, personalized replies are more likely to get attention.

Consider Alternatives: Other Ways to Find Housing in Zurich

If WGZimmer isn't yielding results, expand your approach:

Use multiple platforms: Check every platform you have the time to. This increases the number of places you can apply to which will increase your chances of getting a room.
Expand search area: Suburbs and nearby towns like Winterthur or Baden can offer more availability. Our guide has more information: Zurich Commuting Suburbs
Networking: If you are in Zurich already, get out and meet more people, personal contacts often reveal hidden opportunities. Our short term housing guide has more tips on networking No Room At Semester Start?

From Frustration to Success