What are the Top Reasons Someone Would Want to Live in a Shared Housing Arrangement?

Many people have a hard time thinking about sharing housing. The idea of making a change in the way they live is difficult and easily rejected. When a person considers sharing housing, a whole range of objections quickly surface.

"I can't imagine living with a stranger(s)."

" I don't want to lose my privacy."

"I'm too sloppy."

""I'm too neat."

"I don't like loud music."

"I'm too set in my ways."

"What if it doesn't work out?"

"No one could live with me."

If you are considering sharing housing and are hesitant, the best thing to do is to go through the Shared Housing portion of the site. Once you understand the process of finding and keeping good Home-Mates, you will see that you can manage most of the particular concerns about sharing housing that you have.

The top reasons to share housing are:

For a person who is limited in what they can do by virtue of age or infirmity, a Home-Mate can mean the difference between being able to stay at home or having to move to a facility with paid assistants. There are programs around the world that work specifically to match seniors and others with Home-Mates for reduced or even free rent in exchange for regular help around the house.

This help can include:

Cooking
Shopping
Cleaning
Companionship at meals

Program staff often screen candidates, makes matches and helps the Home-Mates to ensure that the match is satisfactory for both parties.

Other people turn to sharing housing when looking for help with child care. Single parents might be interested in having a live-in person who would occasionally be able to baby-sit their children. Often this individual will get reduced rent for their service and possibly a stipend.

Whatever arrangement you have, it is essential to be clear about your expectations when advertising and interviewing for potential Home-Mates.

Sources: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates

Contributors: Annamarie Pluhar