A Helpful Housemate is a lodger who is happy to offer a few hours of support to a Host in exchange for paying lower-than-market rent. Helpful Housemates is a new service brought to you by ‘Unity Living’ sister company to Community Interest Company, Share and Care Homeshare. Helpful Housemates offers a way of finding a lodger with the peace of mind of knowing the person is vetted and happy to help out occasionally.
In an arrangement, the Housemate agrees to check in with their Host from time-to-time, offering a little light help when needed. This might mean lending a hand with the occasional odd-job around the house such as changing a light bulb, helping with grocery shopping, or providing technical support with the computer or phone – a friendly face, who is happy to step in to give ad-hoc support and/or company, for no more than 5 hours per week.
Most Hosts are in their 60s to late 70s and have a spare bedroom in their home. Some want a vetted lodger for others they like the idea giving someone else a home.
The current economic climate, coupled with the government’s Rent-a-Room incentive (of a tax-free rental income of up to £7500/year) make a Helpful Housemates a very attractive option.
The Helpful Housemates team handle the search, make sure candidates are vetted and suitable, whilst also remaining on hand to support the Host if any issues arise.
We make the process to a find a lodger in the UK simple!
As seen in The Times – October 2023
When Anthea Sieveking’s husband died, her home in north London suddenly felt empty. So she signed up to a scheme that found her a helpful lodger — and a friend
Helpful Housemates is available in London and other cities, and towns across the UK.
Unity Living Limited sub-brand Helpful Housemates | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 11876899 | Registered Address: 265-269 Kingston Rd, London SW19 3NW | Member of Property Redress Scheme No: PRS017959