Senior Roommates - Golden Girls Situation for both Genders

M

McIntyre

New Member
NOrthern Virginia. I am seeking a senior adult (late 60s - ) to do light housework in lieu of rent for a 1 bedroom/private bath. I do not choose gender. I do have pets and allow people to bring pets. And, I cannot let non resident into house due to insurance.

However, here's a good one....the feedback I receive is either negative (I am taking advantage of someone) or the person is much younger (no, I am specific about senior citizens, Not Gender). Further, they dont like dogs or cats. I understand the last two reasons. But, am not taking advantage of anyone. I believe in free will and personal agency. Nobody is forced to do anything. I do honestly believe there is an older senior individual out there desperate for a place to live within a tight budget; who has an animal; and does not have much in common with younger people or other senior citizens. Also, this individual is pretty smart.
You can live in an senior adult community where everyone competes for most money, men, and dates; talk about grandchildren or live with me; keep a house in common areas reasonably tidy. (Not terribly hard) And, keep your pet friend who may or may not be housebroken. You are an adult here, not old. I respect your capabilities and experience.

Yipes, I dont write well.
 

This is actually quite interesting. I think what you possibly propose is a great thing. You might contact social services at your local hospital or the senior center for ideas of how to obtain a roommate. Catholic social services is another idea. While this might seem work all these agencies know people. Good luck on your quest…then come back to visit.
 
If I was alone I would find your offer very inviting. I still do all my own cleaning so the work sound easy. Being able to take my dog would put you at the top of my list. A little housework for free rent is more than fair for the renter.

I can picture us all watching TV together with the animals on our laps.

Questions I would want to ask: Do you mind that I go to bed about 9 and get up (quietly) at 5? Do the dogs have a yard or do they need walking daily? Would we eat together or separately?
 

I wonder if the type of arrangement described might not lead to difficulties in the future. For instance, what could happen if/when one of the roommates can no longer fulfill their responsibilities or care for themself. What if @McIntyre should die suddenly and the roommate refuses to leave the house. I can think of other possible scenarios that could lead to problems.

Food for thought. None of us here are getting any younger. :unsure:
 
The devil is in the details.
You will give a bedroom and a bathroom in exchange for light housekeeping.
Define light housekeeping.
If the boarder gets sick and cannot clean, how long until you give them the boot?
If they are hospitalized, do you take care of their pet?
Do they get use of the kitchen, living room, etc?
Can they have visitors? Overnight guests?
 
I'd worry about the tax implications, would providing lodging be considered having an employee, would the lodger have to pay income tax on the value of the lodging provided, etc.

Probably a lot easier set of rules to understand if one simply rented out a room for a small sum of money and then used that money to hire a house cleaner.
 
McIntyre said:
NOrthern Virginia. I am seeking a senior adult (late 60s - ) to do light housework in lieu of rent for a 1 bedroom/private bath. I do not choose gender. I do have pets and allow people to bring pets. And, I cannot let non resident into house due to insurance.

However, here's a good one....the feedback I receive is either negative (I am taking advantage of someone) or the person is much younger (no, I am specific about senior citizens, Not Gender). Further, they dont like dogs or cats. I understand the last two reasons. But, am not taking advantage of anyone. I believe in free will and personal agency. Nobody is forced to do anything. I do honestly believe there is an older senior individual out there desperate for a place to live within a tight budget; who has an animal; and does not have much in common with younger people or other senior citizens. Also, this individual is pretty smart.
You can live in an senior adult community where everyone competes for most money, men, and dates; talk about grandchildren or live with me; keep a house in common areas reasonably tidy. (Not terribly hard) And, keep your pet friend who may or may not be housebroken. You are an adult here, not old. I respect your capabilities and experience.

Yipes, I dont write well.
Click to expand...
JMO. I dont think its a good idea to have someone do chores in lieu of rent. What if they dont do the chores. Or do a half job.
Best to charge rent and tell them you will pay them x amount for chores. Also if you dont charge rent it will be harder to evict them if things go sideways.
 
McIntyre said:
NOrthern Virginia. I am seeking a senior adult (late 60s - ) to do light housework in lieu of rent for a 1 bedroom/private bath. I do not choose gender. I do have pets and allow people to bring pets. And, I cannot let non resident into house due to insurance.

However, here's a good one....the feedback I receive is either negative (I am taking advantage of someone) or the person is much younger (no, I am specific about senior citizens, Not Gender). Further, they dont like dogs or cats. I understand the last two reasons. But, am not taking advantage of anyone. I believe in free will and personal agency. Nobody is forced to do anything. I do honestly believe there is an older senior individual out there desperate for a place to live within a tight budget; who has an animal; and does not have much in common with younger people or other senior citizens. Also, this individual is pretty smart.
You can live in an senior adult community where everyone competes for most money, men, and dates; talk about grandchildren or live with me; keep a house in common areas reasonably tidy. (Not terribly hard) And, keep your pet friend who may or may not be housebroken. You are an adult here, not old. I respect your capabilities and experience.

Yipes, I dont write well.
Click to expand...
This arrangement would work for me in NJ. I am 69. No Pet Issues. Still work occasionally but need to stay in Essex County , NJ. I can afford to pay some rent that would not be a problem.
 
Marie5656 said:
This OP has not been here since the eseday they joined over a month ago. So, a moot point, I guess
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Yes. I belong to another forum where new people are notorious about asking for help on a serious issue then never return🤐🤐

She does pose a good question, however. After husband passed, I thought about it then quickly dismissed the idea for many of the reasons mentioned above.🤠
 
Imogene said:
Yes. I belong to another forum where new people are notorious about asking for help on a serious issue then never return🤐🤐

She does pose a good question, however. After husband passed, I thought about it then quickly dismissed the idea for many of the reasons mentioned above.🤠
Click to expand...
Yes. When I still had my house I took in a room mate for a while. To help with expenses. They bought their own food and generally were just expected to clean up after themselves
 
McIntyre said:
NOrthern Virginia. I am seeking a senior adult (late 60s - ) to do light housework in lieu of rent for a 1 bedroom/private bath. I do not choose gender. I do have pets and allow people to bring pets. And, I cannot let non resident into house due to insurance.

However, here's a good one....the feedback I receive is either negative (I am taking advantage of someone) or the person is much younger (no, I am specific about senior citizens, Not Gender). Further, they dont like dogs or cats. I understand the last two reasons. But, am not taking advantage of anyone. I believe in free will and personal agency. Nobody is forced to do anything. I do honestly believe there is an older senior individual out there desperate for a place to live within a tight budget; who has an animal; and does not have much in common with younger people or other senior citizens. Also, this individual is pretty smart.
You can live in an senior adult community where everyone competes for most money, men, and dates; talk about grandchildren or live with me; keep a house in common areas reasonably tidy. (Not terribly hard) And, keep your pet friend who may or may not be housebroken. You are an adult here, not old. I respect your capabilities and experience.

Yipes, I dont write well.
Click to expand...
This same 'ad' is on Craigslist here where I live in central NYS. Almost ver batim.
 
Tommy said:
I wonder if the type of arrangement described might not lead to difficulties in the future. For instance, what could happen if/when one of the roommates can no longer fulfill their responsibilities or care for themself. What if @McIntyre should die suddenly and the roommate refuses to leave the house. I can think of other possible scenarios that could lead to problems.

Food for thought. None of us here are getting any younger. :unsure:
Click to expand...
I think you'd have to start with very clearly understood rules around an arrangement like that. Maybe even draw up a legal contract with a lawyer checking it.
 

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