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How to Take in a Boarder

4,521 views · Published 29 June 2009 · 2:01 · Indexed 14 November 2026

Channel: Howcast · 2009 · Howto & Style

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

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. 

Did You Know?
Actress Carol Burnett grew up in a boarding house in Hollywood, California.

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