Homesharing

Homesharing is when two people who are not related decide to share a home. Most often a homeowner or leaseholder will give a roommate or renter a private bedroom and share the kitchen, bathroom and living area, in exchange for rent and/or services.

Sharing a home is often far more economical than two people each having small apartments.

HomeShare Vermont  has been serving the people of Vermont for over 30 years.  Find a wealth of useful resources on their website including their comprehensive
Vermonter's Guide to Homesharing (.pdf file).

1. Always Use Your Best Judgment
2. NEVER Share Financial Information or Certain Personal Information
3. Be Cautious When Sharing Personal Information
4. Do Your Own Research
5. Take Your Time
6. Make Your First Meeting Safe and Successful
7. Always be Respectful and Kind

While you are free to share your home with any individual of your choice, it is unlawful to discriminate against applicants in your advertising for a tenant. Advertising can be an ad you place on Craigslist or Roommates.com, or it can by a flyer you leave at the local grocery store or university. “Word of mouth” even counts as advertising.

When you open your home to a housemate who will pay you money in return for the right to live there, you become a landlord. Your housemate is your tenant. This means that you will need to follow certain Maine laws that apply to rental property. These are often referred to as "Landlord/Tenant Laws."

Do you have extra room in your home?
Would you like help around the house?
Could you use extra income?