How to Have Free Rental Housing – Part One

With today’s economic realities, many of us are looking for rent-free solutions when it comes to housing. Here are some rent-free living advice and possible solutions.

Housesitting

In the old days, this would be similar to a groundskeeper or majordomo. In exchange for maintaining the house and property, you can get to live in the house rent-free. Other responsibilities may include vehicle maintenance and keeping the kitchen well-stocked. Since this arrangement is applicable to houses whose owners are away most of the time, or for people who own multiple houses, it’s best to look in university towns and resort areas. You should have no problem moving around extensively, as housesitting can be as short as two-weeks to as long as a few years. If you’re lucky, you can create a sequence of houses where you stay at various times of the year.

Helping the elderly

Elder homeowners may have difficulty maintaining their houses, and this is an opportunity for you to get free rent. Responsibilities may include cooking, cleaning, providing transportation and other home maintenance tasks. It’s best to look in cities with a sizable elderly population, or areas that specialize in “retirement” real estate, like certain places in Miami and Seattle.

Going Green

There are programs that allow people to work in gardens, farms and ranches for free accommodations. The owners will teach you basic gardening, cooking, maintenance and mechanical skills. It’s a modernized version of a ranch hand, with more all-around skills.

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