Find Shared Housing for Seniors and Retirees Near Me

two senior women who live in a shared housing situation drinking coffee together at the kitchen table

If you're a senior or retiree living on your own, shared housing could be the ideal option to explore! By sharing a home with fellow community members, you can relieve financial burdens, enjoy companionship, and focus on living life to the fullest. Let's talk about all of the benefits of shared housing and how it can even improve your retirement experience.=

On this page, you will find:

What is Shared Housing for Seniors?
Benefits of Shared Housing for Seniors
How to Find a Shared Housing Opportunity as a Senior or Retiree
How to Find Senior Rooms for Rent
- Researching Senior Rooms for Rent
- Networking and Community Living
When You Find a Room for Rent or a Shared Housing Opportunity
The Home Share Agreement
Read More About Shared Housing

What is Shared Housing for Seniors?

intergenerational shared housing, a young woman cooking with a senior woman

Shared housing is when two or more people share a living space for mutual benefit. There's usually a “head-tenant,” the owner or renter of a property, and a “sub-tenant,” who moves in after agreeing to terms and conditions, which often includes rent and housework.

The terms of each home share agreement are unique! Terms depend on personal needs, preferences, and financial situations. While no two circumstances are exactly the same, home sharing is largely just people helping people.

Benefits of Shared Housing for Seniors

Shared housing offers a unique supportive living option - companionship, affordability, and a sense of community! Here are some of the best benefits:

Companionship and Social Connections - Shared housing provides an opportunity for seniors to form meaningful relationships and combat feelings of isolation. With a roommate or housemate, there's always someone to share stories, laughter, and support.

Financial Stability - Sharing costs, such as rent, utilities, and groceries, helps seniors manage their finances more effectively. By splitting these expenses, you can stretch your retirement income further and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.

Practical Assistance - In a shared housing arrangement, roommates often help one another with daily tasks and responsibilities. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or running errands, having a supportive network within the home ensures that everyone's needs are met.

Emotional Well-being - Living in a shared housing environment can contribute to improved mental and emotional well-being. The presence of caring companions can reduce stress levels, increase happiness, and create a warm and comforting atmosphere.

Sustainable Living - Shared housing promotes sustainable living by encouraging resource-sharing and reducing individual carbon footprints. Retirees and roomates can work together to conserve energy, minimize waste, and contribute to a greener future.

How to Find a Shared Housing Opportunity as a Senior or Retiree

senior male friends sitting on the souch and laughing hysterically together

Once you’ve decided that this is all for you, explore your options!

During your search, keep in mind compatibility and safety. Seek out people with similar interests, lifestyles, and values. Also, include a loved one in your search so that someone close to you is always aware of what you're doing, who you're talking with, and where you are.

Here are some ways you can find shared housing opportunities:

Senior Living Communities - Many senior living communities offer the option of finding a roommate to share an apartment or living space. This can be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the mutual benefits of companionship and cost-sharing. Check with local senior living communities in your area to explore this option.

Co-housing and Intergenerational Communities - Co-housing communities and intergenerational living arrangements are gaining popularity among seniors. These communities promote social interaction, shared resources, and a sense of belonging. Explore options like co-housing and intergenerational communities to find the perfect shared housing arrangement.

Local Housing Resources - Don't forget to tap into local housing resources such as senior centers, libraries, churches, synagogues, and community organizations. They often have information about shared housing opportunities and can connect you with potential roommates or programs.

Senior Resource - We have a directory for shared housing (it's at the bottom of this page)!

How to Find Senior Rooms for Rent

Whether you're looking for convenience, community, or simply a change of scenery, finding the right room for rent can be easy!

Researching Senior Rooms for Rent

The internet is FULL of places to search for housing options. Platforms like SeniorRoommates.com or Over60Homeshare cater explicitly to senior shared housing needs, offering listings that highlight accessibility features and community aspects.

Don't overlook local senior centers and housing agencies that may have leads on available rooms in well-suited neighborhoods or even offer roommate-matching services tailored to seniors.

Networking and Community Living

By simply joining organizations and attending events, you open the door to meeting potential roommates who share your interests and lifestyle preferences. Personal connections can often lead to the most compatible living situations. So, don't hesitate to tap into your existing community network or venture out to make new acquaintances who might be seeking a roommate just like you.

When You Find a Room for Rent or a Shared Housing Opportunity

older woman and younger woman sitting on the couch talking

After you find a potential candidate (or two, or three…) it’s a good idea to set up an interview and home visit - after all, you wouldn’t want to share space with someone whose personality isn't for you. This is also the time to discuss expectations for each party. Many seniors find it helpful and safer to conduct background and credit checks. Services like TenantReports.com can assist easily at a minimal cost.

writing and signing a shared housing agreeement

Once you’ve found your ideal housemate, the final step is to draft a home-share agreement. This should be a written document that states all duties and responsibilities of each person. It can be as brief or detailed as you like. But, a typical agreement will include rent and utility payments, household duties, guest and pet policies, kitchen use and food sharing, internet use, and privacy.

These agreements are flexible and customizable to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. When drawing up your agreement, consider the following factors:

Household Responsibilities - Agree upon shared responsibilities, such as chores, maintenance, and household rules, to maintain a clean and organized space.

Privacy and Personal Space - Establish boundaries and respect each other's need for privacy and personal space within the shared living arrangement.

Clear Communication - Maintain open and honest communication to address any concerns or conflicts that may arise, fostering a supportive and respectful atmosphere.