How to Take in a Boarder

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Before you rent a room in your home, be sure to take a few precautions.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Referrals
A home-sharing service
Due diligence
A signed agreement
Graciousness
A rental license
A background check

Step 1: Make sure it's legal

Check with your city or county clerk's office to make sure that taking in roomers is legal in your area.

Tip: The difference between a roomer and a boarder is that the latter's deal used to include meals. Today, the terms are interchangeable.

Step 2: Know the score

Know what you're getting into. Because a boarder is sharing your home, they are not legally considered a tenant. That means you are not entitled to help in evicting them from either the police or your local housing court. If there's a problem, you'll have to file in civil court to get them legally ejected.

Tip: Having your boarder sign a rental license from the landlord and tenant court may offer you some protection should you need help one day in evicting them.

Step 3: Seek referrals

Contact the National Shared Housing Resource Center to see if your city or state has a nonprofit home-sharing service that will screen boarders for you. If not, ask friends, family, and members of your religious community if they can refer anyone.

Step 4: Compare lifestyles

When interviewing prospects, compare your lifestyles and expectations. Discuss issues like smoking in the house, entertaining guests, pets, noise curfews, cleaning, and kitchen privileges.

Step 5: Practice due diligence

Once you've found someone compatible, ask for references. Consider paying for a background check.

Step 6: Sign an agreement

Write out all the house rules you agreed upon, sign the document, and ask them to do the same.

Step 7: Be gracious

Be gracious to your new boarder. While it is still your home, remember that they are paying to live there, so afford them the proper privacy and respect.

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Category:

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Tags:

• HotHowTos
• business
• finance
• making
• money
• fast
• cash
• taking
• boarder
• room
• renting

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