FAQ's

FAQ's

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FIND A MATCH FOR ME?

Plan on anywhere from several weeks to a month or more. You can expedite the process by making sure you provide appropriate references and that they are available and will respond to our inquiries. Also, be sure to give us your current phone numbers (and let us know if they need to be updated) so that we can easily reach you. If we have someone currently on our list who meets your needs, the process will be faster than if we have to wait for the right person to come along. Some people find a match quickly, sometimes it takes weeks or months, and some never find the right situation for themselves. It all depends on you, your specific needs and preferences, and the availability of other seekers or providers who can offer the qualities you are looking for.

HOW MUCH IS RENT?

It varies. Each HomeShare provider sets her or his own rent.

All household members are expected to do their share of chores to keep common areas clean and safe.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CHARGE?

HomeShare SLO cannot make that decision for you, but we can tell you what some other people in similar situations have charged. We suggest you talk it over with family or friends. You can look in the newspaper or craigslist for market value rents.

WHAT ARE THE FEES TO PARTICIPATE?

Providers pay no application fee, but half of the first month's rent is paid directly to Smart Share Housing Solutions (HomeShareSLO), to support program costs. (May be prorated for matches terminated early.)

Home seekers pay a $50 screening/application fee when applying. The fee is good for two years. We can't guarantee we'll make an introduction for you that will result in a homeshare match, as it's the provider's decision who they decide to share with.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THE PERSON AFTER WE ARE LIVING TOGETHER?

This is the reason for the trial period option. It gives you some real experience together before a definite decision is made. Even after the agreement is signed you can terminate the arrangement. But don't give up too easily. Sometimes all that is needed is some honest communication and clear statement of your needs. HomeShare is available to help smooth out the rough spots in your relationship.

HOW LONG DO HOMESHARE MATCHES LAST?

It varies. Some last for years, others for months. The average time home shares last is between one and four years. Sometimes a person moves away, or an older homeowner may become disabled and need to live in a more supportive environment. Family situations change and with that living arrangements are altered. 

OKAY, WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT SPONGE-SQUEEZING?

It's the little things, right? Some folks squeeze the excess water out of their sponge after using it, and some don't. You can't cover everything in those first face-to-face meetings, but we try to include questions about all the important areas, to get the conversation going. For instance, 'how important is it to you that the home's common areas are kept clean and tidy?' is meant to get the whole sponge-squeezing controversy out in the open. Compatibility is comprised of details like this-- preferred home temperature, television viewing, guests, storage, noise--our mission is to find folks that align well in the big and the little areas of living.