How to Rent Rooms in Your Home

The pages of this site cover how to rent rooms in your home as a source of extra income. They also suggest how you might have room rentals as a business, in the form of a boarding house or something similar. Renting rooms can actually be less complicated that operating regular residential rental properties.

Most of this content was originally from my book on how to rent rooms profitably, and is laid out below in the same order as it was in the chapters of that book. You can read the following pages in the order listed then, but you might also want to skip to the parts that you need most if you already have tenants living with you.

Featured Pages | News | Tips

How to Choose a Roommate - We had a renter go to jail for writing a bad check once. Fortunately she was paying cash for the room rent, and her husband took over her room while she was in jail. She created some other problems... Continue reading here...

New Room Rental Laws - February 14, 2012 - New York City enacted a law last year making it illegal to rent out residential spaces intended as permanent, rather than transient, residences for less than 30 days. This, and laws in other cities, are in part a response to short-term rentals arranged on sites like Airbnb.com, where people go to find rooms in residences rather than hotels. Although neighbor's complaints may be a factor in the creation of the new rules, they also stem from the usual corrupt political process; specifically, lobbying by groups like the Hotel Association of New York City, which is interested only in using the power of law to stop their competition.

Ask for Specifics - When a boarder is late with rent, ask why, how it will be paid and exactly when he or she will pay. The specifics not only make the renter feel more committed to do as said, but also clue you in to any problems with their work, income, etc.

How to Rent Rooms - The Pages

Why Rent Rooms? - A few good reasons for considering it.
Renting Rooms in Your House - A look at income potential, with examples.
How Much to Charge for a Room - Basic guidelines for how to determine this.
Determining Room Rental Rates - More on what to charge for your rooms.
Renting a Room - More on What to Charge - The final part on naming your price.
How to Rent a Room Without Big Problems - Avoiding trouble.
Room Rentals: What to Include - And why this is important for peace of mind.
Collecting Rent from Tenants - How to set things up for easier collection.
Security Deposits for Rentals? - I didn't have them, and here's why...
Managing Rental Income and Expenses - Some guidelines to follow.
How to Find Roommates - Several ways to locate tenants for your rooms.
Roommates: How to Advertise for Them - What to put in those ads.
How to Choose a Roommate - Part One - With a true story of a chronic liar.
Questions for Renters - A list of them for you to ask each prospective tenant.
Getting the Best Renters - Some final notes and suggestions.
Boarding House Rules - You have to have rules; here are some to consider.
Rental Regulations and Legal Issues - My opinions are not legal advice, but...
Tenant Evictions - What to do to get problem renters out of your home.
Renting a Room in a House - Tax Consequences - What to do about taxes.
Rent the Room - But Don't Stop There - Other ways to profit from tenants.
Renting Rooms - Dealing With Problems - Time to get creative and tolerant...
Renting Out a Room - A Checklist - Just so you don't forget anything...
A Shed Bedroom? - Yes, I rented out a shed. The details...
Renting a Room Out - Some additional tips and suggestions.
Renting a Room in Your House - How to prepare for it.