Accommodation in Exchange for Services: Living with an older person

In the face of ever-rising rents and a housing crisis, some homeowners are starting to offer housing in exchange for services. This new form of rental can be cheaper and help both the owner and the tenant. Why not get on this new trend of living with an older person.

Accommodation in exchange for services- how to live for less

A landlord may decide to charge only part of the rent or no rent to a tenant who can help with daily tasks such as childcare, help with homework, cleaning, cooking or helping people with disabilities or the elderly. In exchange, the tenant has their own room and personal space in the accommodation. In cities where rent can be very expensive like London, this practice has seen a huge increase. The tenant could also receive an allowance if the workload is a lot or highly skilled.

If this process is completely legal, it is always preferable to establish a contract or lease that outlines the rights and duties of each person with a start date and a date the end, just so everyone is clear with the agreement. The rules of living in the common areas and the working hours for the tenant must be specified.

Accommodation in exchange for services with elderly people

Accommodation in exchange for services is an excellent solution for students, who can stay in their area of study without paying astronomical sums. This type of service is developing rapidly between student tenants and senior homeowners, as many older people have a home far larger than their needs, because their children no longer live at home, so there is often a room or two are free.

These elderly people then offer their vacant rooms, mainly for students, against accompanying services such as cooking, cleaning or simply for walks. The idea of living with an older person is not only beneficial financially for students and for getting help doing things for the older people, but it also create links between two generations, to get some seniors out of loneliness and to teach students life stories and intergenerational respect.

Living with an older person in exchange for services is therefore an excellent solution for students and for those who are struggling to find housing within their means. This creates social bonds between the elderly and the young, which will be more or less sustainable depending on the experiences of each.

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