Note: The Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement™ is only available to hosts using HomeShare Online Plus. Learn more about HomeShare Online Plus.
Sharing a home with another person is very personal. There are lots of questions to answer and boundaries to set. HomeShare Online can’t tell you how to homeshare, but we can help you think through the questions you may not have known to ask—and that’s why we created the Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement.
In this article:
The Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement is a template built to address the needs of two people living together in the context of homesharing. It provides flexibility and outlines important boundaries and expectations that a typical lease would ignore. Key features of the Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement include:
You don’t have to use the Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement, but we strongly recommend that you and your housemate put some kind of documentation in place describing the terms of your homesharing arrangement.
Most homesharing problems could be prevented or eliminated by having a signed agreement to reference when disputes arise. Sometimes it can feel overly formal or uncomfortable to create and sign an agreement in the context of homesharing, but it is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself. Learn more about preventing conflict.
Because Nest Easy Homesharing Agreements and leases are both legally binding documents, signing both may lead to issues. If you feel more comfortable having a formal lease, create a lease instead of the Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement—not in addition to it.
Note: Lease requirements vary by state. Visit your state’s website to download an up-to-date copy of your state’s lease template.
If you are a host:
If you are a homeseeker and would like to create a Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement with your host, you’ll need to ask them to initiate the process. Here’s a template you can copy and paste into your messages with your host:
Hi [name],
HomeShare Online has a template for a homesharing agreement that would help us think through the details of our living arrangement like defining house rules and handling our respective belongings. It’s also legally binding, just like a traditional lease.
For us to access the homesharing agreement template, you would need to upgrade to HomeShare Online Host Plus. If you’re not already using Host Plus, would you consider upgrading to receive the template? You’ll also receive complimentary background screens and optional one-on-one homesharing agreement support from a HomeShare Online expert. There’s more info on HomeShare Online’s pricing page.
What do you think?
HomeShare Online is not a party to any lease or other agreement between hosts and homeseekers. This is true even if our site, app and/or services allow you to download and use our Nest Easy Homesharing Agreement or a sample lease agreement for a roommate property.
If you choose to enter into a lease, you are responsible for ensuring your lease complies with all applicable laws for the location of the property. HomeShare Online does not provide legal advice and recommends that all parties review any lease or homesharing agreement with their personal legal advisor.
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Communicating Effectively with Your Housemate | House Rules FAQ | Getting Emotionally Ready for Homesharing