FAQs

LSS Home Matching Service Frequently Asked Questions

Home sharing is a living arrangement where two people share a living space together. In our service, this consists of two people: the “homeowner,” who owns the house where the home sharing will take place, and the “home seeker,” who is looking to move in with a homeowner. The homeowner benefits from having someone else around to spend time with, or to assist with responsibilities such as chores and/or rent. The home seeker can benefit from having a stable living environment, sometimes with reduced or even no rent depending on how much support they provide.

It is important to know that home sharing looks different for each match, and conditions are tailored to meet the needs of both the homeowner and home seeker. Home sharing is not an alternative to nursing home care, and home seekers should not perform any medical or personal care (e.g., bathing, toileting, medication administration, etc.) as a part of service exchange. However, home sharing can be combined with other supports such as caregiving to help prolong the amount of time older adults can remain in their home. Home sharing is also not meant to be used as an emergency housing service as the process of finding a match can be time-consuming.

What are the requirements?

To qualify as a homeowner, you must be at least 55 years of age or older, live alone, and you must own the home you plan on home sharing in. You also must primarily reside within that home.

To qualify as a home seeker, you must be at least 18 years of age or older.

How will the LLS Home Matching Service team help me?

Our home sharing team will be there to guide you throughout the matching process. We will ask questions to get a good idea of what type of home sharing relationship you are looking for and bring potential matches to you for your review. We will facilitate introductions and be there for any questions you may have. After you have committed to the match, we will continue our support through monthly check-ins and be there if you run into any conflicts that require mediation.

What safety measures are taken?

All participants will be required to undergo a background check as well as fingerprinting. In addition, we also ask for references during the application process. These references can be anyone who can speak to your ability to home share, such as previous roommates or landlords. It is important to note that we make the matching process deliberately long, so that you will have plenty of time to get to know a potential match before you would be expected to commit to home sharing.

How much does it cost?

To participate in our service, there will be an initial application fee to cover any costs it will take to onboard you and get you into our online system.

Home seekers pay rent as part of their lease agreement; however, rates are typically more affordable than standard market housing. This reflects the shared nature of the home, as well as the opportunity for cost-sharing and, in some cases, non-financial contributions within the household.

After you have completed a lease agreement, there will also be a monthly fee for each party. This monthly cost helps cover team member capacity for regular check-ins and that in the event you need support we are able to provide it for you. It is important to note that this service is still in its pilot stage, which means we are testing different structures to see what works best while also being able to keep the service sustainable. Fees could change depending on what we learn and what feedback we get from pilot participants.

What is the process for finding a match?

After you apply for the service, a team member will meet with you to conduct an interview. During this time, we will provide you with any materials needed and get to know you a little more. We will ask what your preferences are for who you would like to live with to help with finding a match. Background checks will be run and if you are a homeowner we will also conduct a home safety check to ensure your home is ready for a potential home seeker to move in. We will check in with you regularly until we find a potential match. You will then have the opportunity to get to know the other person before completing a lease agreement. You will have the ultimate decision of whether you want to live with someone and are able to terminate according to the lease agreement.

What locations do you serve?

Right now, we are only making matches for those who live within the 7-country metro area of Minnesota. This includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. We hope as our service grows, we will be able to expand to other areas of Minnesota in the future.

Do you match families?

Right now, we only match individuals for the purpose of the pilot. This may change as we grow the service. Home seekers are required to be at least 18 years old while homeowners are required to be 55 years old.

What are the benefits?

Benefits for homeowners:

Remain in their home longer. Supports aging in place and maintaining independence.
Social connection and companionship. Reduces isolation and provides day-to-day interaction.
Non-medical support, help with chores, transportation and basic household tasks.
Financial assistance like rent or cost-sharing helps offset living expenses.
Increased safety and peace of mind, having another person in the home enhances security.

Benefits for home seekers:

Access to affordable housing. Often lower-cost than market-rate housing, sometimes combined with service exchange.
Stable living environment, consistency and reliability compared to short-term housing options.
Social connection and companionship. The opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with a homeowner.
Shared responsibilities. Flexibility to contribute through chores or household support.

Benefits for both parties:

Mutually beneficial arrangements. Combines housing, companionship and practical support.
Improved quality of life. Reduces isolation and supports overall well-being.
Flexibility in arrangements. Agreements can include rent, services or a mix based on needs.
Ongoing service support: matching, screening and check-ins from LSS team members create a safer experience.
Safer matching process: background checks, home safety reviews and structured onboarding.