Based on looking at the website, Befrently.com appears to be an online platform for apartment rentals, specifically in Kyiv, Ukraine, aiming to connect landlords and tenants directly, bypassing traditional real estate agents.
However, a critical notice on the homepage indicates that the “Site is temporarily frozen and apartments on it are not rented irrelevant. It will definitely not work in the coming months.
Sorry for the inconvenience!” This immediately flags the platform as currently inactive and therefore not a viable option for apartment searching.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Overall Status: Inactive/Unavailable for use.
- Purpose: To facilitate direct apartment rentals in Kyiv, Ukraine, eliminating real estate agent commissions.
- Key Features when active: Direct contact with owners, moderation of listings, various subscription plans for tenants basic, remote assistant, personal assistant, free listing for landlords, verification of owners/documents with certain plans.
- Business Model: Subscription-based for tenants, free for landlords with optional paid services.
- Transparency: Attempts to be transparent about fees and the process, but the current inactive status is a major drawback.
- Ethical Considerations: The direct-to-owner model is generally sound, potentially reducing exploitative fees. However, the current inactivity means it cannot fulfill its stated purpose.
- Recommendation: Not recommended due to current inactivity.
Given that Befrently.com is currently inactive, it’s not a platform you can rely on for finding or renting apartments. While its underlying model of direct landlord-tenant connections has merit, the current state of the website renders it unusable. In any digital service, reliability and active functionality are paramount. A platform that explicitly states it’s “temporarily frozen” and “will definitely not work in the coming months” simply isn’t a tool to invest your time in right now. You’re better off exploring active, well-established alternatives that can actually deliver on their promises. The core concept of simplifying rentals is excellent, but execution requires continuous operation.
|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Befrently.com Review Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
Here are some excellent alternatives for ethical and practical online services:
- Craigslist: Known for its wide range of local listings, including housing, jobs, and goods. It’s a direct-to-consumer platform, often free, and allows users to connect directly for various needs.
- Key Features: Classifieds for housing, jobs, services, items for sale. local focus. direct communication.
- Price: Mostly free for basic listings.
- Pros: Very broad reach, direct contact, often no fees for users.
- Cons: Less structured, potential for scams requires user vigilance, no built-in verification.
- Zillow: A leading online real estate marketplace, offering extensive listings for rentals, sales, and property information.
- Key Features: Comprehensive property listings, Zestimate property valuations, neighborhood information, agent finder, rental applications.
- Price: Free for basic browsing and inquiries. some premium services for agents/landlords.
- Pros: Highly user-friendly interface, vast database, robust search filters, strong brand recognition.
- Cons: Data accuracy can vary, some listings may not be updated frequently, commission-based models for agents.
- Trulia: Owned by Zillow, Trulia provides detailed neighborhood information alongside property listings, making it ideal for those prioritizing location specifics.
- Key Features: Neighborhood maps crime, schools, amenities, lifestyle insights, robust search for rentals and sales.
- Price: Free for users. charges for professional listings.
- Pros: Excellent neighborhood data, visually appealing maps, strong integration with Zillow’s database.
- Cons: Similar data accuracy issues as Zillow, less focus on direct landlord interaction compared to pure classifieds.
- Apartments.com: Specializes in apartment rentals, offering detailed listings, virtual tours, and a streamlined application process.
- Key Features: Large inventory of apartments, 3D tours, photos, floor plans, neighborhood guides, online applications.
- Price: Free for renters. landlords pay for premium listings.
- Pros: User-friendly for apartment seekers, high-quality visuals, often includes move-in specials.
- Cons: Primarily focuses on apartments, less common for single-family homes, some listings might be outdated.
- Realtor.com: The official website of the National Association of Realtors, providing reliable and up-to-date property listings.
- Key Features: Extensive listings directly from MLS, detailed property data, school ratings, local insights, agent connections.
- Price: Free for users. revenue from advertising and agent services.
- Pros: Highly accurate and current data MLS integration, comprehensive market insights, reputable source.
- Cons: Primarily geared towards real estate agents, direct landlord contact can be limited.
- LoopNet: For commercial property needs, offering a vast database of commercial real estate for lease and sale.
- Key Features: Commercial property listings, market intelligence, tenant representation services.
- Price: Varies for professional subscriptions and listings.
- Pros: Dominant platform for commercial real estate, detailed analytics, large inventory.
- Cons: Not for residential properties, geared towards professionals.
- Redfin: A real estate brokerage and platform known for its map-based search and innovative agent model.
- Key Features: Map-based search, comprehensive property data, Redfin agents offer commission rebates, detailed market insights.
- Price: Free for users, agents work on a commission basis.
- Pros: User-friendly interface, excellent map functionality, good for both buying and renting.
- Cons: Agent service availability varies by region, direct landlord contact is less emphasized.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Befrently.com Review & First Look
When you land on Befrently.com, the first thing that hits you, even if you don’t speak Ukrainian, is a prominent banner: “Сайт временно заморожен и квартиры на нем не сдаются неактуальны. Найди свое уютное место в Киеве.” Google Translate quickly clarifies this as: “The site is temporarily frozen and apartments on it are not rented irrelevant. Find your cozy place in Kyiv.” This immediate disclosure is both transparent and, frankly, a deal-breaker.
A platform that’s out of commission fundamentally cannot serve its purpose.
Initial Impressions: A Closed Shop
The website layout itself appears functional, even sleek, at first glance.
There are clear navigation menus for landlords, tenants, reviews, and a blog.
It boasts statistics like “0+ apartments added per week” a stark indicator of its current status, “3604+ viewing requests sent by users,” and “820+ free apartments.” These numbers, however, are misleading given the active “frozen” status. Drudgereport.com Review
It feels like walking into a well-designed store with a “Closed for Business” sign on the door.
The Elephant in the Room: Inactivity
The site’s explicit declaration of being “temporarily frozen” and its apartments being “irrelevant” or “not rented” is the most crucial piece of information.
For anyone looking for housing, this immediately disqualifies Befrently.com as a viable option.
It’s a classic case of good intentions, perhaps, but a critical failure in current functionality.
The site explicitly states it “will definitely not work in the coming months.” This isn’t a minor glitch. it’s a complete shutdown for an indefinite period. Goldenbtc.live Review
Befrently.com Cons
Given that Befrently.com is currently inactive, discussing its “features” in a functional sense would be misleading.
Instead, we’ll focus on the significant drawbacks and why it’s not a recommended platform for anyone seeking housing.
Inactive Service: The Ultimate Drawback
The most glaring “con” of Befrently.com is its explicit statement of being “temporarily frozen.” This means:
- No Current Listings: Any apartment listings you see are explicitly stated as “irrelevant” or “not rented.” You cannot find or rent a place through this site right now.
- No Functionality: The core purpose of the site—connecting landlords and tenants—is non-operational. All its promised features, from subscription plans to personal assistants, are effectively dormant.
- Wasted Time: Investing time in browsing or attempting to use a non-functional website is unproductive and frustrating. Users seeking accommodation need active, reliable services.
Lack of Transparency Regarding Downtime Duration
While the site states it “will definitely not work in the coming months,” it doesn’t offer a concrete timeline or reason for the shutdown.
This ambiguity can be frustrating for users who might have previously considered or used the platform. Madeformedical.com Review
A clear “we’ll be back on X date” or an explanation of the circumstances would be more professional.
Potential for Misleading Data Historical vs. Current
The statistics presented on the homepage, such as “3604+ viewing requests sent by users” and “820+ free apartments,” are likely historical data from when the site was active.
Presenting these numbers without a clear disclaimer that they reflect past activity, not current availability or engagement, can be misleading.
For new users, it might create an illusion of an active marketplace.
Regional Limitation
Even if active, Befrently.com’s focus appears to be solely on Kyiv, Ukraine. Computerhjaelp.eu Review
While this is not inherently a “con” for its target audience, it’s a limitation for anyone outside that specific geographic area.
Most robust online rental platforms aim for broader regional or national coverage to maximize user utility.
Unanswered Questions Regarding Future Operations
The “temporary frozen” status raises many questions:
- Will it ever resume operations?
- What caused the shutdown?
- Will user data be preserved if it restarts?
- How will existing users be notified of any changes?
Without clear communication or a roadmap, the platform appears to be in limbo, making it an unreliable prospect.
Befrently.com Alternatives
The goal is to find a reliable “digital roof over your head” without unnecessary hassle. Videomarketingblaster.com Review
Online Real Estate Marketplaces
These platforms act as central hubs for property listings, connecting various parties.
- Zillow: The giant in the US real estate market. Zillow offers an immense database of rental listings, complete with detailed descriptions, photos, and virtual tours. Their platform allows for direct inquiries to landlords or agents, making it a powerful tool.
- Key Benefit: Huge inventory, user-friendly interface, integrated tools for applications and background checks for landlords.
- Apartments.com: Highly focused on apartment rentals. This site often has exclusive listings from larger property management companies and provides excellent filtering options.
- Key Benefit: Dedicated apartment focus, comprehensive details on amenities, often has video tours.
- Realtor.com: Sourced directly from MLS Multiple Listing Service, ensuring high accuracy and up-to-date information. While often associated with home sales, they have a strong rental section.
- Key Benefit: Highly accurate data, direct connections to real estate professionals who manage rentals.
Classifieds and Community Boards
These platforms lean more towards direct interactions, similar to Befrently’s stated goal, but with less formalized structure.
- Craigslist: Still a go-to for many due to its direct communication and often agent-free listings. Be cautious and verify everything, as the platform has fewer built-in safeguards.
- Key Benefit: Direct landlord contact, often no fees, wide variety of listings beyond just rentals.
- Local Facebook Groups: Many cities and neighborhoods have dedicated Facebook groups for housing, rentals, and roommates. These are often community-moderated and can provide direct connections to landlords or current tenants.
- Key Benefit: Community trust within the group, direct interaction, quick responses, can uncover off-market listings.
- Caution: Requires careful vetting, as these are less formal platforms.
International and Regional Platforms if relevant to Kyiv
Since Befrently.com was Kyiv-centric, exploring prominent Ukrainian real estate sites or international platforms with a strong presence there would be crucial.
- OLX.ua: A major classifieds site in Ukraine, similar to Craigslist but often with better structuring for housing. It’s widely used for various goods and services, including rentals.
- Key Benefit: Dominant local presence, extensive listings across categories.
- LUN.ua / Bird.ua / DOM.RIA: These are prominent real estate portals in Ukraine mentioned directly by Befrently.com as alternatives. They are specialized for property and are likely the most reliable options for finding apartments in Kyiv.
- Key Benefit: Focused real estate platforms, local expertise, likely have more up-to-date and verified listings than a “frozen” site.
When choosing an alternative, prioritize platforms that are actively maintained, user-friendly, and provide clear, verifiable information. Always exercise due diligence by cross-referencing listings, checking landlord credentials, and reviewing lease agreements carefully. Hdschools.org Review
How to Cancel Befrently.com Subscription
Given the explicit notice that Befrently.com is “temporarily frozen” and “will definitely not work in the coming months,” the concept of managing an active subscription or free trial becomes largely moot.
If the service is non-operational, any existing subscriptions would logically be suspended or rendered useless.
No Active Subscription Management
Based on the homepage text, there’s no visible pathway or dashboard for users to actively “cancel” a subscription right now because the service itself is on hold. The site’s primary message is about its inactivity, not about user account management for ongoing services.
Implied Cancellation Through Service Suspension
The most straightforward interpretation is that if Befrently.com is not operating, any associated subscription fees or services are effectively paused or terminated by the platform’s own action.
If you had a recurring payment set up, it is highly improbable that they would charge for a service they explicitly state is “frozen” and “irrelevant.” Fidgetland.com Review
Steps for Past Users If Applicable
For anyone who might have had an active subscription before the shutdown, or if the site somehow resumes operations and attempts to charge:
- Check Payment Records: Review your bank statements or credit card transactions for any recurring charges from “Befrently.com” or “Frently.”
- Contact Support If Available: The website provides a phone number: +380638182134. While the site is down, this might be the only direct line for inquiries about past payments or clarification on subscription status.
- Dispute Charges If Charged: If you are charged for a service that is explicitly stated as non-operational, contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charge. Provide screenshots of the Befrently.com homepage indicating its “frozen” status as evidence.
- Remove Payment Information: If you previously stored payment details on the site, there is no direct interface to remove them while the site is frozen. This is a significant security concern for dormant platforms. You might need to rely on your bank’s ability to block future transactions from that specific merchant.
It’s critical to understand that the primary action to take regarding Befrently.com is not to engage with it as an active service, as it explicitly states it is not. Any advice on “canceling” is purely reactive, aimed at protecting oneself from potential erroneous charges if the site’s status changes without proper notification.
Befrently.com Pricing
The pricing structure of Befrently.com, as described on its homepage, is interesting because it hinges on a “pay after successful rental” model.
However, this entire discussion is theoretical given the site’s current inactive status.
Theoretical Pricing Tiers When Active
When the service was operational, Befrently.com offered three distinct subscription plans for tenants, designed to cater to different levels of assistance required: Thinkroar.com Review
-
Basic Plan:
- Cost: 99 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
- Inclusions: Access to owner contact numbers for apartments up to 12,000 UAH, basic document verification support upon request, access via Telegram, free rental contract copy.
- Target User: Those ready to handle most of the search independently.
-
Remote Assistant Plan:
- Cost: 249 UAH
- Inclusions: Access to owner numbers for any price category, remote assistance with apartment selection, verification of listing relevance and owners, free rental contract copy, route planning for viewings, remote document verification, search on other resources if no suitable options on Befrently.
- Target User: Those who value time and want more curated assistance.
-
Personal Assistant Plan:
- Cost: 549 UAH
- Inclusions: All features of the Remote Assistant plan, plus a personal assistant who accompanies you to viewings and helps with apartment inspection knowing what to look for.
- Target User: Those seeking maximum comfort and reliability, wanting hands-on support.
The “Pay After Rental” Model
A notable feature of Befrently.com’s pricing was its “Оплата после аренды !” which translates to “Payment after rental !” The site repeatedly emphasizes: “Ты платишь только если снимешь квартиру, которую нашел у нас на сайте” You pay only if you rent an apartment that you found on our website. This “success-based” payment model is consumer-friendly, as it eliminates upfront risk for the tenant.
Free for Landlords
In contrast to tenant subscriptions, “Размещение объявлений является бесплатным” Placing ads is free for landlords. Horizonsuppliers.com Review
This is a common strategy to attract a large inventory of properties, making the platform more appealing to potential renters.
Landlords could also opt for full moderation assistance, implying a potential paid service for higher levels of support, though the homepage text primarily highlights the free listing.
The Reality of Inactivity
Currently, all pricing discussions are academic.
Since the site is “frozen,” there are no active services to purchase, and no apartments to rent.
This renders the pricing information irrelevant until and if the platform resumes operation. E-vpn.net Review
The transparency of the “pay after rental” model was a significant pro, aiming to build trust, but trust is irrelevant if the service isn’t running.
Befrently.com vs. Other Platforms
Comparing Befrently.com to active competitors reveals its inherent disadvantage due to its current inactive status. However, we can analyze its intended model against what established platforms offer.
Befrently.com’s Original Value Proposition
Befrently.com aimed to be a disruptor in the Kyiv rental market by:
- Cutting out Realtors: Directly connecting landlords and tenants to avoid commissions. This was its primary ethical and financial advantage.
- Success-Based Payment: Charging tenants only after they successfully rented a property found through the site, which is a rare and highly tenant-friendly model.
- Tiered Assistance: Offering various levels of support, from basic contact access to a personal assistant for viewings, giving tenants flexibility.
- Moderation & Verification: Attempting to reduce fraud by moderating listings and offering document checks.
Comparison with Traditional Real Estate Platforms e.g., Zillow, Apartments.com, Realtor.com
- Commission Structure:
- Befrently.com: No realtor commission for tenants. subscription fee after success.
- Traditional Platforms: Many listings involve real estate agents, who charge commissions typically 1-2 months’ rent to tenants or landlords, or both. Some direct listings exist, but they’re often a smaller percentage.
- Service Scope:
- Befrently.com: Highly focused on direct rentals in Kyiv, with tiered personal assistance.
- Traditional Platforms: Broader scope, covering sales and rentals across vast geographical areas. While they offer tools, direct personal assistance from the platform itself is less common. rather, they connect you with agents.
- Verification & Trust:
- Befrently.com: Claimed moderation and document checks, but the actual efficacy would depend on implementation.
- Traditional Platforms: Rely on agents who are licensed and regulated for verification, or direct listing rules. Larger platforms also have internal fraud detection mechanisms and user reporting tools.
- User Interface & Features:
- Befrently.com: Appeared clean and functional, with an emphasis on direct communication.
- Traditional Platforms: Highly sophisticated, with advanced search filters, map views, virtual tours, online application processes, and extensive neighborhood data.
- Market Dominance & Reliability:
- Befrently.com: Niche player, currently unreliable due to inactivity.
- Traditional Platforms: Market leaders, highly reliable, continuously updated, and backed by significant resources.
Comparison with Classifieds e.g., Craigslist, OLX.ua
- Structure & Moderation:
- Befrently.com: More structured than raw classifieds, with explicit moderation claims and tiered services.
- Classifieds: Minimal structure, user-generated content with little moderation, high risk of scams, requires significant user diligence.
- Direct Contact:
- Befrently.com: Designed for direct landlord-tenant contact.
- Classifieds: Purely direct contact, no intermediaries.
- Revenue Model:
- Befrently.com: Success-based subscription for tenants.
- Classifieds: Primarily free for basic listings, revenue from premium ads or site-wide advertising.
In essence, Befrently.com’s model was a compelling hybrid, attempting to combine the directness of classifieds with the structure and some of the safeguards of a dedicated platform, all while offering a tenant-friendly payment model.
However, its current “frozen” status means it cannot compete, and users must turn to active, reliable alternatives, whether they are traditional large-scale real estate portals or more direct, but less regulated, classifieds. September.immo Review
The critical takeaway is that even the most innovative model fails if the service isn’t operational.
FAQ
Is Befrently.com currently operational?
No, Befrently.com is currently not operational.
Its homepage explicitly states that the “site is temporarily frozen and apartments on it are not rented irrelevant” and “it will definitely not work in the coming months.”
Can I find apartments on Befrently.com right now?
No, you cannot find or rent apartments on Befrently.com at this time, as the site is inactive and all listings are deemed irrelevant by the platform itself.
Why is Befrently.com not working?
The website’s homepage states that it is “temporarily frozen,” but it does not provide a specific reason for its inactivity. Navypanda.com Review
Will Befrently.com resume operations in the future?
The website states it “will definitely not work in the coming months,” but it doesn’t give a definitive date for potential resumption or confirm if it will ever fully resume operations.
What was Befrently.com’s main purpose when it was active?
When active, Befrently.com aimed to connect landlords and tenants directly for apartment rentals in Kyiv, Ukraine, bypassing traditional real estate agents and their commissions.
How did Befrently.com charge tenants?
Befrently.com used a “pay after rental” model, meaning tenants were only charged their subscription fee if they successfully rented an apartment found through the platform.
Were there different subscription plans on Befrently.com?
Yes, when active, Befrently.com offered three tiered subscription plans for tenants: Basic, Remote Assistant, and Personal Assistant, each offering different levels of support and access.
Was it free for landlords to list properties on Befrently.com?
Yes, placing apartment listings was free for landlords on Befrently.com. Cantquitcartel.com Review
Did Befrently.com offer any verification services?
Yes, the platform claimed to moderate listings to reduce fraud and offered document verification for apartment owners, especially with its higher-tier subscription plans.
Are the statistics on Befrently.com’s homepage current?
No, the statistics like “3604+ viewing requests” and “820+ free apartments” are likely historical data from when the site was active and do not reflect current operational status or availability.
What alternatives to Befrently.com are available for finding rentals?
For finding rentals, you can use established online real estate marketplaces like Zillow, Apartments.com, Realtor.com, or local classifieds and community groups like Craigslist or region-specific sites like OLX.ua, LUN.ua, Bird.ua, and DOM.RIA in Ukraine.
Is Befrently.com a scam?
While the site is currently inactive, its transparent message about being “temporarily frozen” suggests a cessation of service rather than an active scam. Cesmebook.com Review
However, any inactive service carries risks if personal or payment information was previously stored.
What should I do if I was a past subscriber to Befrently.com?
If you were a past subscriber, check your bank or credit card statements for any lingering charges.
If charges appear for an inactive service, contact your financial institution to dispute them.
The site’s listed phone number +380638182134 might also be a point of contact for inquiries.
Does Befrently.com have a mobile app?
The website mentions a “Telegram-bot Frently” which implies integration with the Telegram messaging app for service use, but it does not indicate a standalone mobile application. Accessari.us Review
Can I contact Befrently.com for support?
The website lists a phone number, +380638182134, which might be a way to contact them, although their ability to provide active support for a frozen service is questionable.
Is Befrently.com still accepting new landlord listings?
No, since the site is frozen and not accepting new rentals, it is highly unlikely they are accepting new landlord listings.
What areas did Befrently.com cover?
Befrently.com focused on apartment rentals primarily in Kyiv, Ukraine, with listings broken down by various districts within the city.
Did Befrently.com offer rental contracts?
Yes, the Basic, Remote Assistant, and Personal Assistant plans all included a “free copy of the contract for rent.”
What if I had a dispute with a landlord found through Befrently.com when it was active?
For past disputes, your recourse would depend on the terms of your signed rental agreement and local tenancy laws.
Befrently.com’s role was primarily facilitative, though their personal assistant service offered some help with inspection.
Should I delete my account on Befrently.com?
Since the site is frozen, there is no apparent user interface to delete your account.
If you are concerned about your data, the best practice is to remove any linked payment methods via your bank and avoid using the site.
Leave a Reply