How to Check If a Homeowner Is Renting out Part of Their Home

If you are a single person with no children or pets, renting a room in someone's home may make more sense then leasing an apartment. By renting a room, you can save money, live in a better neighborhood than you would normally be able to afford, and have flexibility as to the length of your stay.

Instructions

Renting a Room in a Private Home

1. Ask friends and co-workers if they are aware of anyone who needs a roommate or who rents out rooms in their home. Homeowners may be wary of renting to a stranger, so rely on personal referrals.

2. Craft a "housing wanted" post to place on Craigslist and other housing sites. In the post, share a bit about yourself (age, sex, interests) and state your needs (Do you just need a room on weekends? Do you need a pet-free household?), as well as the amount of rent and utilities that you are willing to pay.

3. Contact local agencies for seniors and the disabled. They may offer programs to match homeowners who need help with household tasks or personal care with those who need a place to live.

4. Check out "shared housing" or "roommates wanted" ads online.

5. Visit community bulletin boards located in libraries, laundromats, churches and grocery stores. Notices of rooms to rent are often posted in these places.

6. If you live in a college town, stop by the school's housing office. They may have rooms for rent posted.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people will not allow renters the use of the kitchen or other common living areas. Check on these restrictions before committing to a home.

• If you are renting a room in someone's home, you may not be protected by standard landlord-tenant laws. Be sure to get a rental agreement in writing from your new landlord.

References

• Metro International: Help Yourself to Private Housing
• LA Times: A Sweet Place to Bunk