FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

General

What is supported home sharing?

Supported home sharing is a safe and supportive way for older adults to continue living independently, while sharing a home with someone who can offer companionship and everyday support. It’s designed to help people feel more connected and confident in their daily lives.

How does it 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 join 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 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.

How do I get started?

You can express interest in joining the program: here.

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 provider.

We use income information to help identify an affordability range for the home seeker, with approximately 30% of monthly income used as a guide. We also ask home providers what contribution range they would feel comfortable accepting.

A potential match is only explored where there appears to be overlap between the home seeker’s affordability range and the home provider’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, and the overall arrangement.

Hidden Housing Solutions does not set rent, collect payments, hold deposits, or manage money between participants.

Matching

How are matches made?

We take time to carefully get to know each person before making a match. We consider personalities, lifestyles, routines, interests, support needs, and household expectations to help create a living arrangement that feels comfortable, respectful, and supportive for everyone involved.

Our goal is to create thoughtful matches based on compatibility, shared expectations, and a positive home environment – not simply availability.

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?

Your safety is our priority, that is why we take screening seriously. Depending on the situation, screening may include interviews, reference checks, credit history or criminal record checks, and conversations about lifestyle, routines, and expectations to help ensure a good fit for everyone involved.

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.

Support

What support is available?

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

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.

How much does home sharing cost?

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 $600-$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.

Can I bring pets?

Possibly. Pet arrangements depend on the Home Provider, the home environment, allergies and whether the pet would be a good fit for the shared living arrangement. We encourage open conversations about pets early in the process.

Can the host charge extra fees?

Any agreed-upon costs or shared expenses should be discussed clearly and openly before moving in. 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?

We do our best to consider accessibility needs during the matching process. This may include mobility needs, home layout considerations, routines, or other supports that help someone feel safe and comfortable in the home environment.

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 before deciding whether to proceed.

Can I choose how much space I share?

Yes. Providers can decide how much space they feel comfortable sharing.

While Seekers will be provided with a private bedroom and access to either the kitchen or bathroom.

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.

Are providers compensated?

Home Providers receive a monthly contribution toward household expenses and shared living costs. The exact arrangement can vary depending on the home share agreement and level of support involved, and all expectations are discussed openly before moving forward.

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.