Renting a room in someone else’s home is a great way to save money on housing costs. However, it can be tricky to find a roommate that will be compatible with your lifestyle. In addition, you must be able to define the terms of your agreement and meet legal requirements. It is a good idea to consult a lawyer before renting a room in your house.
First, decide what type of room you want to rent. This will depend on how much space you have to offer and whether your home has amenities that you can’t spare, such as a pool or gym. Some families are willing to share these spaces with other people who live in the home, which can be a cheaper alternative to paying for an apartment complex that offers similar amenities.
You also need to determine the amount of money you are willing to charge for your room. You should be able to find information on local market rents by checking online or talking to real estate agents. Using the information you gather, write an advertisement for your room for rent. It should describe the room and any shared areas that your potential tenant will be able to use, such as a kitchen or bathroom. It should include the amount of monthly rent, whether it is paid weekly or monthly, and the day on which it is due (such as the first of each month). It should also state if you will charge a security deposit and what amount that will be.
Once you’ve outlined the details of your ad, it is time to screen potential tenants. You should require that all applicants fill out a standard rental application, including a background and credit check. You should also ask for references from previous landlords or roommates, because this will give you a better sense of what the person is like in his or her daily life.
Be sure to include any special requirements that you may have regarding your roommate, such as whether you want to limit guests, or if you don’t allow smoking or pets. You will also need to make a note of whether or not you want your roommate to help with chores around the house, such as mowing the lawn, cooking, cleaning or babysitting in lieu of paying some portion of the rent.
When advertising for a roommate, be aware of federal fair housing laws. You must not discriminate based on sex, age or race in your ad. You can, however, specify a preference for a roommate of a specific gender or age in your ad if you are the owner of the property. In this situation, nondiscrimination rules only apply if you are renting your entire home and not just a single room. You can also set up a contract with your roommate that specifically addresses these issues. This is a great way to avoid future problems, and ensures that all parties understand the terms of the agreement.