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I've been on a lucky streak for over 11 years now with my renter. He's paid his rent on time, except the last year, which is to be expected given the Las Vegas economy.
But after 11 years, this renter is no longer a renter, he's become a family member (whom my real family has adopted as well). But, blessedly, he's a handyman, anything in my house that needs repaired, gets repaired, ASAP.
He's worth his weight in gold, rent paid or not. There are times I've felt guilty taking his rent money for all he's done around my house.
He's also Mexican with a green card, who can barely speak English. So there's been one more benefit for me, luckily I've been able to improve my Spanish-speaking skills over the years.
Before him, two horror stories with renters, where in one case, I had to sell my house to get rid of him! Let's not go there!
I have a friend, a single older woman that has not lived on her own in 15 years. She always has a roommate, whether she moves in with someone or they move in with her. It has always worked out for her and for very long stretches. I guess she is pretty lucky but it can work. Also her roommates were friends. Ladies of the same age and same situations. It will be an adjustment but if there is enough space for everyone's privacy it should work.
Hubby and I rented a house from a friend a year ago. For hubby and I it was a nightmare. The guy hit hard times and we needed a place while saving for a house. The guy is nice but a big irresponsible kid. Our rent was more than his mortgage, he lived rent free at his mothers. A perfect time to seriously sock some cash away but he didnt. When our lease was almost up we had our money saved for our home. He looked like a lost puppy. I guess he thought we would live in his house forever.
My sister rents out two of her rooms to two different friends, and has no problem with it at all. She charges 100 bucks a month and their share of the utilities and does a formal lease and the works. She likes the company and the extra cash and lower expenses. She has done this for years with lots of different friends and has had some issues but nothing major. I think if your husband is on board then you will be fine, i'm even considering it myself.
Thanks for all of your input. We have decided to go ahead. She has let us know she only wants to rent for 3 months, so that's what we're drawing up.
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