FAQ – Hidden Housing Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Home sharing is a big change and we understand that you might have questions.

General

What is home sharing?

Home Sharing is a shared living arrangement where a Home Owner offers a private bedroom in their home to a Home Seeker. The Home Seeker has their own room and shares agreed common spaces, such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, living room, or outdoor space. In exchange, the Home Seeker pays a monthly financial contribution to the Home Owner. This financial contribution is guided by the Home Seekers’ income and is intended to be affordable.

How does Hidden Housing work?

We take time to get to know each person carefully – their lifestyle, routines, personality, and what they’re looking for in a shared living arrangement. From there, we thoughtfully match people based on compatibility and provide support throughout the process to help everyone feel comfortable and supported.

Is there a fee to participate?

No, there is no cost to be part of the program.

Is this a rental program?

No, this is a home sharing program not a traditional rental program.

The Home Seeker lives in the home under a License to Occupy agreement, rather than a tenancy agreement. This helps create a flexible arrangement based on mutual agreement and shared living, rather than a landlord-tenant relationship.

What is a License to Occupy?

A License to Occupy is the agreement participants sign before a home share begins. It sets out the terms of the arrangement, including the monthly contribution, move-in date, trial period, notice periods, deposits, use of shared spaces, guests, pets, and responsibilities.

This is different from a standard rental tenancy lease. Because the Home Seeker will be living in the Home Owner’s own home and sharing a kitchen and/or bathroom, the arrangement is not expected to be governed by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Participants are encouraged to read the agreement carefully and seek independent legal advice if they are unsure.

How do I apply?

You can express interest in joining the program by clicking the red ‘Start Your Journey’ button in the top right-hand corner of our website.

The coordinator will then make contact with you to discuss the program and the next steps.

How is the monthly contribution calculated?

Hidden Housing Solutions is an affordability-focused home sharing program. Monthly contributions are usually below private market room-rental rates and are intended to be realistic for the Home Seeker while still acceptable to the Home Owner.

As part of the application process, Home Seekers provide income information so Hollyburn can help identify an affordability range. Approximately 30% of monthly income is used as a guide, with a minimum monthly contribution of $700. Home Owners are also asked what monthly contribution range they would feel comfortable accepting.

A possible match is only explored where there appears to be overlap between the Home Seeker’s affordability range and the Home Owner’s acceptable range. The final monthly contribution is agreed directly between the participants and may depend on the room, location, utilities, furnishings, parking, bathroom access, shared spaces, and the overall arrangement.

Hidden Housing Solutions does not decide the final monthly contribution, collect payments, hold deposits, or manage money between participants.

Is The Hollyburn Society the landlord?

No. The Hollyburn Society is not the landlord, property manager, rental manager, or owner of the home.

The home is owned by the Home Owner, and the Home Seeker lives in the home under a License to Occupy agreement with the Home Owner.

Hollyburn’s role is to support the program process. This may include screening participants, helping identify possible matches, facilitating introductions, providing agreement templates, supporting completion of the Living Together Guide and offering check-ins after move-in.

Hollyburn does not own, operate, manage, maintain, inspect, or control the home. Hollyburn does not collect payments, hold deposits, enforce agreements, or make legal decisions between participants.

Is Hidden Housing a pilot program?

Yes, Hidden Housing Solutions is currently being launched as a pilot program. This means we are starting carefully, learning from participants, and improving the program as it grows.

The core parts of the program are already in place: screening, interviews, matching support, lawyer-reviewed agreement templates, guidance before move-in, and ongoing check-ins after move-in.

Because this is a pilot, spaces may be limited and a match is not guaranteed. We will continue to review what is working, listen to feedback, and adapt the program to better support older adults on the North Shore.

Matching

How are matches made?

Matches are based on suitability, compatibility, availability and participant choice.

During the application and interview process, we ask Home Owners and Home Seekers about their needs, preferences, routines, and expectations for shared living. This helps us understand whether a possible home share may be a good fit.

Matching may consider factors such as:

Location and timing
Monthly contribution range
Accessibility needs and home layout
Pets, smoking, guests, and overnight visitors
Shared use of spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and storage
Daily routines, noise tolerance, and cleanliness
Privacy preferences and interest in companionship
Communication style and lifestyle preferences
Desired length of stay and trial period preference

A possible match is only explored where there appears to be a reasonable fit. If a potential match is identified, Hollyburn shares limited profile information and each person decides whether they would like to meet.

Matching is mutual. Either person can choose not to proceed before an agreement is signed.

Being accepted into the participant pool does not guarantee that a match will be found. Some needs or preferences, such as pets, accessibility requirements, location, budget, or timing, may reduce the number of possible matches and may mean the process takes longer.

Can I choose who I live with?

Absolutely. Whilst we suggest matches, the choice is always yours and no one is expected to move forward with a match unless they feel confident about it. We encourage open conversations and take time to ensure both people feel comfortable before any arrangement begins.

How long does it take to find a match?

Every match is different, so timelines can vary depending on compatibility, preferences and availability. Some matches happen fairly quickly, while others may take more time to find the right fit. Our focus is always on creating thoughtful, supportive matches rather than rushing the process.

Am I guaranteed to get a match?

While we do our best to help find suitable matches, we cannot guarantee that a match will be available for everyone. Successful home sharing arrangements depend on compatibility, preferences, location, timing, and the needs of both the Home Provider and Home Seeker.

Our priority is creating safe, comfortable, and supportive matches that feel right for everyone involved, rather than rushing the process.

Screening

How are people screened?

Participant safety is important to the program, so all Home Owners and Home Seekers must complete screening before they can be considered for a match.

Screening for both Home Owners and Home Seekers includes:

An application form
An in-person interview
Two forms of government-issued ID
Two personal references, not family members
An emergency contact form
A Police Information Check
Conversations about shared living expectations, routines, lifestyle, communication, privacy, guests, pets, smoking, and comfort with shared spaces

Home Owners also complete:

A home visit to review suitability and safety for home sharing
Proof of current address
A declaration confirming their right to share the home
Confirmation that they are encouraged to notify their home insurance provider

Home Seekers also provide:

Proof of income, such as a Notice of Assessment
Information about housing history and ability to pay the monthly contribution
Any accessibility, support, or living needs that may affect matching

Screening helps Hollyburn assess whether the program may be suitable and whether a possible match appears appropriate. Completing screening does not guarantee acceptance into the participant pool or guarantee that a match will be found.

Can someone be declined from the program?

Yes. While we aim to support as many people as possible, participation in the program depends on safety, compatibility, and whether a home sharing arrangement is likely to be a positive fit for everyone involved. If we feel a situation may not be suitable, we’ll always approach the conversation with care, honesty, and respect.

How is privacy protected?

We respect the privacy and confidentiality of everyone involved in the program. Personal information is only shared when necessary as part of the matching and support process, and we take care to ensure conversations and information are handled respectfully and securely.

Where is my information stored?

Hidden Housing Solutions may use secure administrative systems and approved third-party service providers to manage enquiries, applications, screening, matching and follow-up. Some personal information may be stored or processed outside Canada, depending on the systems used by our service providers.

Where service providers are used, Hollyburn Community Services Society remains responsible for the personal information it collects and uses. Access to program information is limited to authorized staff who need it for program-related purposes, and reasonable safeguards are used to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

Support

What support is available?

Our team supports both Home Providers and Home Seekers throughout the process. We facilitate introductions, help guide the matching process and can provide home sharing agreements and supporting documentation to help everyone feel clear and comfortable from the beginning.

We also remain available for ongoing support, including regular check-ins and mediation if any concerns or challenges arise along the way.

Our team can:

Explain the program and answer questions
Review applications and complete screening
Help identify possible matches
Facilitate introductions between potential housemates
Guide conversations about shared living expectations
Provide agreement templates and supporting documents
Help participants complete the Living Together Guide
Arrange check-ins after move-in
Offer informal support conversations or mediation if concerns arise

Hollyburn is a small pilot program, so support is available during regular program hours and is not available 24/7. We do not provide emergency response, crisis support, case management, caregiving, or property management.

If there is an immediate safety concern, participants should contact emergency services or the appropriate crisis service.

What happens if issues arise?

We understand that adjusting to a shared living arrangement can sometimes take time. If concerns or challenges come up, our team is available to help facilitate conversations, provide guidance, and support both people in finding a solution that feels respectful and comfortable for everyone involved.

Can family members be involved?

Yes. We understand that home sharing is a big decision and family members often play an important role in decision-making and ongoing support. With permission from the person involved, family members are welcome to participate in conversations, ask questions, and be included throughout the matching and support process.

Home Seeker questions

Do I get to meet the host before move in?

Yes. We believe it’s important for both people to feel comfortable and confident before moving forward. Home Providers and Home Seekers will have the opportunity to meet, ask questions and get to know one another before any decisions are made. Potential matches may choose to meet several times before deciding whether to share their home.

How is the monthly contribution amount decided?

Hidden Housing Solutions uses income information to help identify an affordable monthly contribution range. As a guide, affordability is considered in relation to approximately 30% of the Home Seeker’s income. The final contribution is agreed directly between participants and must be acceptable to both parties. Most contributions will fall within a program range of $700-$1,100, depending on income, room type, location, included utilities and participant preferences.

Are meals included?

Meal arrangements can vary from home to home. Some Home Providers and Home Seekers may choose to share meals together, while others may prefer more independence. Expectations around meals, groceries, and household routines are discussed during the matching process. If sharing meals is important for you, you can mention this in your application.

Can I bring pets?

Pets may be possible in some home sharing arrangements, but this depends on the Home Owner, the home environment, allergies, pet policies, and whether the pet would be a good fit for shared living.

If you have a pet, please tell us early in the application process. We will use this information when exploring possible matches and will only consider matches where the Home Owner is open to pets.

Having a pet may reduce the number of possible matches and could mean the matching process takes longer. Pet expectations, including care, supervision, noise, damage, cleaning, and access to shared spaces, must be discussed before move-in and included in the Living Together Plan.

Can the host charge extra fees?

No. Any agreed-upon costs or shared expenses should be discussed clearly and openly before moving in, documented in the Occupancy Agreement and any changes to this would need to be made in writing. Our goal is to help ensure expectations are understood by everyone from the beginning so there are no surprises later on.

What happens if the home share does not work out?

We understand that not every living arrangement will be the right fit long term. If concerns arise, our team is available to provide support, facilitate conversations, and help explore possible solutions. If needed, we can also help guide the transition out of the arrangement respectfully and safely.

What if I need accessibility accommodations?

Please tell us about any accessibility needs as early as possible in the application process. This may include mobility needs, stairs, bathroom access, home layout, parking, transportation, routines, communication needs, or anything else that would affect whether a shared home is suitable for you.

Accessibility needs are considered as part of the matching process. We will only explore possible matches where the home environment and shared living arrangement appear suitable based on the information available.

What insurance is required?

Home Seekers are strongly encouraged to obtain contents insurance for their personal belongings before moving into a home sharing arrangement.

A Home Owner’s insurance may not cover the Home Seeker’s belongings, contents insurance can help protect the Home Seeker if their belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen.

Home Seekers are also encouraged to ask an insurance provider or broker whether they should have personal liability coverage as part of their insurance.

Insurance needs can vary depending on the arrangement and the provider. Hidden Housing Solutions does not provide contents insurance, review insurance policies, or confirm whether a participant’s insurance coverage is sufficient.

Home Provider questions

Can I choose who moves into my home?

Yes.

We suggest potential matches, but the final decision is always yours. You will have the opportunity to meet the home seeker as many times as you like before deciding whether to proceed.

Can I choose how much space I share?

Yes. Home Owners can decide which areas of the home they are comfortable sharing, and this will be discussed during the application, home visit and in the matching process.

At minimum, the Home Seeker must have a private bedroom and access to agreed essential spaces, such as a bathroom and kitchen. Other areas, such as storage, parking, or outdoor space, can be discussed and agreed between participants.

Any areas that are shared, private, or off-limits should be clearly discussed before move-in and included in the Living Together Plan and License to Occupy.

Being clear about shared spaces helps Hollyburn explore suitable matches and helps both people understand expectations from the beginning.

What if I need the arrangement to end?

We understand that circumstances can change over time. If a home sharing arrangement is no longer working, our team is available to help facilitate conversations, provide guidance, and support a respectful and safe transition for everyone involved.

The License to Occupy sets out how the home sharing arrangement can end, including notice periods and what happens during a trial period.

If a trial period is included, either the Home Owner or Home Seeker can end the arrangement during the trial period by giving 3 days’ written notice. Trial period options are 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, or no trial period, depending on what participants agree before move-in.

After the trial period, either the Home Owner or Home Seeker can end the arrangement for any reason by giving at least 30 days’ written notice.

The arrangement may also end earlier in certain situations, such as unpaid monthly contributions, unpaid agreed costs, a serious breach of the License to Occupy.

If you are thinking about ending the arrangement, we encourage you to contact the coordinator early. Hollyburn may be able to support a conversation, clarify next steps, or help with informal mediation where appropriate.

Hollyburn cannot provide emergency housing, guarantee an alternative match, enforce the agreement, or make legal decisions between participants. If there is an immediate safety concern, participants should contact emergency services or the appropriate crisis service.

Are providers compensated?

Yes. Home Owners receive a monthly financial contribution from the Home Seeker. The amount is agreed directly between the Home Owner and Home Seeker before move-in. It is guided by the Home Seeker’s affordability range and the amount the Home Owner is comfortable accepting.

The monthly contribution may be below private market room-rental rates. This is because Hidden Housing Solutions is designed to support affordable shared living, with screening, compatibility-based matching, agreement support and follow-up check-ins from The Hollyburn Society.

The monthly contribution is paid directly from the Home Seeker to the Home Owner. Hollyburn does not collect payments, hold deposits, or manage money between participants.

Do I need to provide meals?

Not necessarily. Meal arrangements vary depending on the preferences and routines of the people sharing the home. Some people choose to share meals together, while others prefer more independence. These expectations are discussed during the matching process.

Can I rent my entire home using your service?

No. Supported home sharing is based on shared living arrangements where the Home Provider continues living in the home. The program is designed to support companionship, safety, and mutual support rather than traditional property rental.

Does the room need to be furnished?

Ideally, the room should include basic furnishings such as a bed and storage, so the Home Seeker can move in comfortably. However, every situation is different, and furnishing arrangements can often be discussed and agreed upon together.

Can the Home Seeker sublet or have someone else move in?

No. Only the approved Home Seeker may live in the accommodation.

The Home Seeker cannot sublet the room, assign the arrangement to someone else, lend the space to another person, or allow someone else to move in.

The home share is based on the specific match between the Home Owner and Home Seeker. Any guests, overnight visitors, or temporary stays must be discussed and agreed in advance as part of the Living Together Plan.