“Winning a year’s rent made a huge impact on my life, all because I clicked enter.”
SpareRoom’s monthly Live Rent Free sweepstake 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. Aaron, 36, from Washington DC, won our 2024 Live Rent Free for a Year sweepstake, winning a game-changing $14.5K*! We got in touch to see how his life has changed over the past year, how he spent the prize money, and what he’s been up to since winning. Here’s Aaron's story, in his words…
I first started entering Live Rent Free sometime in 2017, when I was still living in my hometown of Austin. I never thought I could actually be chosen as a winner, but here I am! When I received the email telling me I’d won, I was shocked at first, then elated. I couldn't believe it was real - I figured it had to be a prank. When it eventually sank in, I immediately called my mom to share the good news, followed by going for celebratory drinks with my closest friends.
“When I received the email telling me I’d won, I was shocked at first, then elated. I couldn't believe it was real.”
A year ago, when I was asked what I planned to spend the prize money on, I said I would treat myself to a concert ticket or two. I also wanted to buy a bike to help me get around the city better and explore more of beautiful DC, to which I’d recently relocated for work! Using the money, I was able to attend some really fun concerts, and I did finally buy myself a bike. I’m excited to pedal around in the nice fall weather!
Aside from what I planned to do with the prize money, I was also able to save, as well as travel to Anfield this past March to see Liverpool FC for the first time - a truly life-changing experience that I may not have been able to afford otherwise. It meant so much to me to see them in the same season they won the title. I also traveled to Mexico City around the same time for a wedding and was able to do fun activities like ride a hot air balloon, go on a pyramid tour, as well as eat some amazing food!
“The stress of financial instability had defined much of my adult life, but this money helped me to finally reach a place of peace, and I am very grateful for it.”
Winning Live Rent Free for a Year certainly gave me peace of mind, as it helped me climb out of some debt I had accumulated as a graduate student. The stress of financial instability had defined much of my adult life, but this money helped me to finally reach a place of peace, and I am very grateful for it. My lifestyle is still the same, but I certainly have a stronger sense of optimism and wonder now - anything can happen, and you never know what good fortune can come your way unless you put yourself out there and try!
“My lifestyle is still the same, but I certainly have a stronger sense of optimism and wonder now - anything can happen, and you never know what good fortune can come your way unless you put yourself out there and try!”
Entering takes no time at all, and it was less than a month after winning that I received the prize money in my account. As improbable as it may seem, the only way to have a shot at winning the competition is to enter. What do you have to lose? It made a huge impact on my life, all because I clicked that little button to enter.