Sometimes I'll get asked by a prospective buyer if they are able to rent out rooms of their home, and sometimes someone will contact me who is looking to rent a room from others. Someone reached out to me today who was looking to help someone find resources to rent out a room. Below I'll be answering the question for both parties, specifically geared toward SE VA, but with broad application Nationwide as well.
Keep in mind as well that even if you don't have section 8, there are still options for reduced-cost rent in more traditional settings, i.e. if you are low-income, disabled, 50+, a veteran, etc. where you can have more than just a room if you qualify, despite being lower than the cost of a room rental in some cases.
Above, one of the rooms I rented out when I was a bachelor. Image courtesy AirBNB
I. Am I able to rent out a room to others?
Buyers/Owners
Tenants
Home Owner's Association/Condo Association/Apartment Restrictions
Legal Restrictions
II. Where do I find places to advertise a room for rent or find a room for rent?
This question depends in part on location, since options that are best in some areas may be minimal or completely unavailable in other areas.
Where to Look | Inventory | Reviews Present |
High | Y | |
High | N | |
High | N | |
High | N | |
High | N | |
High | N | |
Medium | N | |
Low | N | |
Low | N | |
low | N |
How to locate room rentals on each of the high-volume websites above from desktop/laptop view (all images courtesy the respective websites). Also if you're using your phone for this task, I don't recommend it due to worse options for recording and smaller imagery that doesn't show as much detail.
The options I recommend considering:
Airbnb.com (including options for those with bad credit, reviews, etc.)
Facebook Groups
My Housing Search (income restricted & elderly only options highlighted)
Sites with no/limited availability in SE VA but may have available options elsewhere
Related:
Tips on Roommates
Homes for the Homeless (other website of mine for the homeless & frugal)