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The Difference Between a Homestay and Accommodation in Exchange for Work

When searching for accommodation, you should also try searching for non-traditional forms of renting, such as accommodation in exchange for serviceshomestays. If you're a bit confused between these two forms of renting, then read on to fully understand the difference between the two.

What’s a homestay?

More and more people are renting out spare rooms in their homes to supplement their income. Many people have unoccupied rooms in their homes that can be seen as a new source of income, so homestay rentals are becoming increasingly popular. Homestays are usually much cheaper than traditional forms of renting, and they're very often well situated too.

What’s accommodation in exchange for work?

Among the non-traditional forms of renting, accommodation in exchange for work is another one that's becoming more and more popular for both landlords and tenants. The idea of this form of renting is that the landlord provides a spare room in their house to a tenant, in exchange for the tenant's services. The main attraction for tenants is that they do not have to pay a monthly rent, and rather they may perform chores, mind the landlord's children, help the landlord if they require assistance, or teach them a language. This can be great for both parties, as if the tenant is struggling for money, this is a fantastic alternative to not pay rent, and the landlord can get help on things that they otherwise would not be able to do.

The difference between the two forms of renting

While a homestay is a non-traditional form of renting, it's a relatively classic renting process that differs from a flatshare in the sense that the tenant’s space in the accommodation is defined. The tenant is living with the landlord, and while they may have access to the kitchen or bathroom etc, they occupy one room in the accommodation. However, accommodation in exchange for work differs in the sense that the tenants are not paying rent to the landlord in the form of money. They occupy the accommodation for as long as the landlord requires their services. With both forms of renting, both the landlord and the tenant are benefited. The tenant benefits from paying cheaper rent (or no rent at all), and the landlord benefits from an extra source of income or a helping hand around the house.