Finding compatible flatmates while prioritizing sobriety—whether for recovery, health, or personal reasons—is surprisingly difficult. Existing flat-sharing platforms rarely offer sobriety filters, forcing users to awkwardly navigate this sensitive topic. This gap in the market leaves many individuals, especially those in recovery, at risk of relapsing or settling for unsuitable living environments.

A Sober-Focused Flatmate Matching Platform

One way to address this issue could be a mobile app dedicated to connecting people who prefer sober living arrangements. The core idea revolves around:

• Customizable profiles where users specify sobriety preferences (e.g., "no alcohol in the home" vs. "okay with social drinking elsewhere").
• A matching algorithm that pairs users based on sobriety, location, budget, and lifestyle compatibility.
• Trust-building features like optional verification through recovery programs or sponsors.
• Community tools such as forums for advice and local sober meetups.

The platform could serve a wide range of users, from those in recovery to wellness-focused individuals and religious groups. Potential revenue streams might include premium features (e.g., background checks), partnerships with rehab centers, or ads from sober-friendly brands.

Standing Out From Existing Solutions

Most roommate platforms, like Spareroom or Roomster, lack sobriety filters, while sober-living directories focus on institutional housing rather than peer-to-peer sharing. This idea fills the gap by combining the flexibility of shared housing with specialized tools for sober living. For example:

1. Unlike generic apps, it could include templates for sober house agreements to prevent misunderstandings.
2. Unlike structured sober homes, it would offer more affordable, informal arrangements.

To test feasibility, a simple MVP could launch in one city with basic matching features, partnered with local recovery groups. If successful, the app could expand to include community features and broader verification options.