“Winning Live Rent Free for a Year will allow me to help those who need it most”
SpareRoom’s monthly Live Rent Free prize draw offers tenants the chance to win a cash prize equal to one month’s rent, and once a year, a prize of a whole year’s rent. Our 2025 winner of Live Rent Free for a Year is Julia, 71, from Farnborough! She won a game-changing £7.9K*. We got in touch to see how she reacted to winning and what she plans to spend her prize money on. Here’s her story, in her words…
When I received the email saying that I’d won Live Rent Free for a year, I couldn’t believe it. I immediately told my daughters and my housemate, Robert. It was such a surprise! I’ve rented the same house in Farnborough for 19 years and have used SpareRoom to find all of my housemates. At first it was just my daughter and I living together, but when she was a little older and moved out I began renting the spare room. Although I rent the property, I have an agreement with my landlord to rent out the spare bedroom. I’ve continued to have housemates on a long-term basis ever since.
“I’m so happy. I haven’t been able to think straight since receiving the news!”
I lived with a lovely woman called Betty for nearly 6 years. We’re still in touch as she lives close by - In fact, she’s my hairdresser! We also recently went for dinner together with some of our friends. About 8 months ago Robert moved in and in a short space of time we’ve become good friends - he’s younger than me but says I’m bubbly and easy to get on with.
I really enjoy being around people, so it would feel strange to live alone. I love the company and friendship that comes from house sharing. I’m fortunate to have always been blessed with great housemates too. To be honest, I’ve never thought much about who I’ve chosen to live with! I take people at face value I suppose, and it’s worked for me so far.
“I really enjoy being around people, so it would feel strange to live alone. I love the company and friendship that comes from house sharing.”
I’ve been entering the Live Rent Free monthly prize draw since I started using SpareRoom, but this is my first time entering to win a year’s rent. I’m in total disbelief, still! I plan to give 10% of my prize money to the church to help fund their food bank larder project, and I’ll also keep some of the money aside for anyone who may need it in future. So many people have been kind enough to help me over the years and I believe this is my way of being able to pay them back - even if it’s only a small gesture.
I’m so happy, I haven’t been able to think straight since receiving the news! I’d like to thank SpareRoom, but I’d also like to thank God first and foremost as this money will enable the church and I to help those that need it most.