Homesharing 101

What is homesharing?

Homesharing is when two people who are not related decide to share a home. Most often a homeowner or leaseholder will give a roommate or renter a private bedroom and share the kitchen, bathroom and living area, in exchange for rent and/or services.

Sharing a home is often far more economical than two people each having small apartments.

Who might want to live in my home?

• A recently widowed or divorced person


• A working or retired person


• A student over the age of 18


• A single parent


• An adult new to the area


• A young couple saving money to buy a home 

How do I find a good match?

Like doing anything else for the first time, there is a learning curve, but many people have found good matches, and so can you.

Know Yourself.
Make a list of characteristics that matter to you, including your tolerance for noise, pets, guests, alcohol use, messiness, and how short or long a period you would want someone there for. How much money would you hope to get? How much room do you have for the person's furniture or belongings? Would you want any help around the house? Fill out the Sample Interview for yourself to understand what type of housemate you'll be.

Ask a trusted friend to help.
Share your list and plan with a trusted friend, family member or counselor. Ask him or her to be with you at any step of the way when you feel uncertain.

Advertise!

• Write up a description of what you are offering and what you will or won’t tolerate.


• Ask people you already know and trust if they know anyone that is looking for a place to live that might be compatible with you.


• Read postings on Craigslist to figure out what might be a reasonable rent to offer.


• Spread word in the communities you are already part of: a church, neighborhood association, walking club or Ollie class, by talking to people and putting up a poster or ad in a group publication.


• Use Craigslist.org, a free online classified website, to post in the  . If you're not computer-savvy, get someone you know and trust to help you.

Don’t use discriminatory language.
You have complete control deciding who gets to live in your home, but it's illegal to use any language in ads that implies discrimination based on race or color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, handicap / disability, sexual orientation, or source of income. Learn more here.
 
Ask good questions.
Once someone expresses interest, ask questions in writing or on the phone about all the things that matter to you. Use our Sample Interview.

Check References.
If the person seems compatible, ask for references and check them. Calling the person’s employer and looking up the person on the internet using Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn can help to see if their story checks out.  The best thing is to find someone you know and trust who also knows that person. If you wish, you can do a background check by using a service such as Tenant-Net.

Tips:

• Don't consider anyone who is moving from another country and wants to wire you money; that's likely to be a scam.


• It’s OK to ask to see evidence of their income or bank account balance.


• If you feel good about meeting the person, invite him or her to visit your home or in a public place. Invite another person you know and trust if it makes you feel better.

Learn more here about Staying Safe.

Try it on for size.
Once you feel comfortable with the person, consider inviting them to do another activity with you: taking a walk, shopping, sharing a coffee break. Get to meet one or more of their friends, and introduce them to your friends or family members. You can also try having your match stay with you as a guest for a one or two-week trial period so there's no pressure and everyone can be sure. Download our Sample Home Share Agreement and modify as mutually agreeable or ask a family attorney to help.  Your arrangement may be for money, household services, or a combination.

Sign a Written Agreement!
When you finally settle on a successful applicant and decide you want to share your home with him or her, you will want to come to a specific agreement about what your arrangement will be. In short, you may choose to have a written lease for a specific term (typically, a year) or you may just have a "tenancy at will" that either party can terminate (end) on thirty days’ written notice. Either way, it is important that you establish the rules of the house in writing. Include in this agreement every single rule or provision that you think is important to ensure you both know what the rules of the house are for each of you.

Read more about the deciding what type of agreement and view a sample agreement here.

It's a Match!
Once you're living together, set up weekly or monthly meeting to discuss how things are going and resolve any issues before they become problems.  Ask for outside help when you need it.

What if there's a problem?

The more screening you do up front, the less likely there is to be a problem. Bring up the problem with your tenant at your regular meeting, or talk to another person you know and trust. Ask for help from a counselor or attorney if you need it.

Revised March 2013