How to Rent a Home for Free

Money is tight these days and for many of us the cost of renting our homes can break the budget. What if I told you that you could rent a home for no out of pocket money?

Instructions

1. There are a lot of homes out there that have been foreclosed. Many of these homes have been damaged by their previous owners and are in need of repairs. These homes are currently empty and the current owners would love to have someone in the homes that could occupy them and help repair them until they are repaired and can be rented out for money or can be sold. That is where you come in.

2. Make a list of skills that you have that can you can give to potential 'landlords'. If you have construction skills great, you're ahead of the game. But don't sell yourself short if you don't. Most people can use a paintbrush, clean, do yard work or whatever. If you don't think you have any skills, spend a few weekends helping with a local Habitat for Humanity project. Just a few weekends assisting with this organization will benefit you in more ways than you're benefiting the person you're helping.

3. Once you have a list of skills, you now need to locate someone to 'rent' from. A great place to start is with Real Estate agents. They always know the pulse of the local community and can give you leads on who might need your services as a house-sitter and restorer.

4. Once you find someone how has a place available that they'd be willing to let for cash outlay, determine what you are legally able to do and what will need to be contracted out. Determine who will pay for the materials and for the contracted work. Determine exactly how long you have to live in the home if it gets rented to someone else for cash or if the home is sold.

5. Be flexible with what you're willing to do and where you are willing to live. With persistence, you will find a situation that is good for you and for the homeowner.

6. This kind of living situation may require moving often so learn to live light. This kind of living isn't right for everyone but it can help you save money and keep a roof over your head during the roughest part of this economy.

Tips & Warnings

• Another place to look is with apartment owners. Sometimes they need managers who do minor repairs. This may be another way to get an apartment with no cash layout.

• Be sure that the owner gives you a fair exchange for your time and for any materials that you are responsible for providing. Judge the fairness of the situation by the fact that housing costs should be no more than 1/3 of your total income. This means that you should be spending no more than 13 and 1/3 hours per week average of your time on the house.