A Brief Guide to Accommodations in Exchange for Work

Today, it is easy for young adults to access information on how to plan their future. This isn’t just limited to choices of universities and career paths, but also how to move into their first home. As a result of how easy it is to procure this information, today’s “young generation” are more adept than previous generations in finding their own place to live. Since it is easier to find an array of different style of accommodation, the concept of renting an accommodation in exchange for work has become something they are often keen to experience. This practice is beneficial to all who are involved and that is why Roomlala wants to encourage more people to give it a try.

In order to present this concept to you, we want to give you a brief definition of what it is. In most circumstances where this practice is used, property owners will “lend” a portion of their property and use of some or all facilities to the tenant in exchange for services such as gardening, child care, and/or cleaning.

It is necessary when taking on this kind of tenant that rules are set forth the moment they arrive; that is to say, where they will be staying (is the space a sub-let or full), what bills will be covered, amount of time expected each week/month in order to cover said bills, and what facilities or rooms they will have access to.

While this style of accommodation does typically result in no addition pay other than the coverage of rent, it is sometimes necessary, depending on where you reside that you do establish a formal contract of payment since they are technically employed by the landlord. In most areas, this contract reflects the legal amount of work time per week that is allowed by law or required of the tenant by the landlord and the compensation that will be paid (ie. compensation of cost of rent, meals, etc.). With this said, since this is technically a form of employment is also often necessary that the landlord pays certain work related taxes that are proportionate to the amount of work done by the tenant and paid for by the landlord. In addition, laws, again depending on your area, may limit the type of work that is allowed by the tenant. For example, most areas do not allow the tenant to perform any type of construction, handle dangerous products or tools, or anything else that requires special qualifications. Other types of work, however, are possible, such as foreign language or other types of tutoring, landscaping, light cleaning services and so forth and so on.

There are also rules that dictate the minimum specifications allowed for a space to be exchanged in this way; again these differ from place to place. These specifications are typically no different than those related to renting a room to any kind of tenant. They are often that the room must be of a certain size, condition, have a window and lock on the door. Laws also require that water, utilities and appliances are easily accessible, but again these are subject to the laws in your jurisdiction.

The benefits of offering this style of accommodation are endless. It doesn’t just mean that there is someone to help out around the home, but more! Relief of everyday expenses, company for those who are single, renewed autonomy, someone to watch over your home when you are away… the list goes on.