Background Check and Homemate Agreement

BEST PRACTICES for SAFETY and SECURITY in a  HOME-SHARING RELATIONSHIP

Grateful acknowledgement: from the Starter Kit.

Home-sharing relationships that are built on mutual trust and respect, good communication, compatibility, kindness, support, companionship, common interests, and willingness to compromise also need to include several specific safety and security measures. This includes trust and a clear willingness to exchange personal contact information for family members and/or a personal representative in case of an accident or emergency, along with 1) reference checks, 2) income verification, 3) a background check, 4) advance directives and/or other end-of-life planning documentation, and 5) A Homemate Agreement.

1. Reference Checks give the most insight into one’s ability to adapt to a home-sharing situation. The following few questions would provide a good amount of information:

• What aspects of _______’s background and personality make him/her suitable for a home-sharing relationship?

• How would you describe ________’s character, temperament and attitude?

• What are __________’s personal strengths/weaknesses, character flaws and

behavioral tendencies?

2. Income Verification is the responsibility of the home seeker to provide when requested. If still employed, a pay stub is sufficient or a W-2 form, a tax filing or a bank statement.

Keep in mind that income has nothing to do with housemate compatibility or how the person likes to live in his/her own home. However, personal references and income verification are highly recommended. Background checks provide additional peace of mind to faraway family and friends especially when if personal doubt or concerns linger after several interviews.

3. A Background Check is usually the responsibility of the home provider, but may be requested by either homesharer. Depending on the extent of the review, cost may range from $25. to hundreds of dollars and may take from one day to one month for completion, depending upon the complexity of the request. Requests may include criminal records, driving records, bankruptcies, credit checks, education history, national sex offender search, social network data verification search, plus local, state and national Watchlists. 

If you have any major concern about the other homesharer, please consider doing this check, even though there are costs involved.

Homemate Agreement: A Homemate Agreement serves the purpose of clarifying values, preferences, differences, and responsibilities of both homesharers. It is recommended that you discuss these topics during your Get-Acquainted or Interview time, and then complete the form soon after move-in. Be sure to review it regularly at an agreed-upon time. 

A template for the Homemate Agreement may be found below

TEMPLATE for a HOMEMATE AGREEMENT

_____________________ (Date of Agreement)

I, (home provider) ______________________ have formed a Homemate Agreement with

_________________________ (home seeker) near the start of our home-sharing experience with the following understanding of preferences and responsibilities:

CLEANLINESS, NEATNESS: (cleaning routines, supplies, frequency, trash, expectations for use of common areas) e.g. wash kitchen floor and counters weekly-

Name (e.g. Susie)________________ wash kitchen floor and counters / run dishwasher

Name_(e.g. George)_______________ empty dishwasher / take trash out

ROUTINES: (patterns for use of common areas etc.) and DAILY SCHEDULES

Name_____________________

Name_____________________

NOISE LEVELS: (TV, music, etc. in common areas)

Name _____________________

Name_____________________

KITCHEN AREA: (mealtime routines, grocery shopping, use of refrigerator, clean up, or plan,

cook, and share mealtimes)

Name___________________

Name _________________

OVERNIGHT GUESTS (overnight, casual, family, lovers, length of stay)

Name_________________

Name________________

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT and EXCHANGE OF SERVICE AGREEMENT: (detailed financial commitment with due date, along with a specific number of hours designated for household chores or service (e.g transportation, yard work or personal assistance etc.) A maximum of 15 hours per week of service exchange is recommended by the National Shared Housing Resource Center. 

Name_________________

Name__________________

PETS: (exercise, clean up, food routines, vacation schedules etc.)

Name________________

Name________________

ALCOHOL, SMOKING and RECREATIONAL DRUGS: (house rules?)

Name________________

Name________________

SCHEDULING REGULAR CHECK-IN TIMES TO DISCUSS CONFLICTS:

Name________________

Name________________

POTENTIAL AREAS OF CONFLICT

Name________________

Name________________

ENDING THE RELATIONSHIP: (Negotiating the differences, adequate amount of time necessary for both home provider and home seeker preceding final move-out, financial considerations, serious/extended illness or death etc.)

Name___________________

Name___________________

OTHER: Exchange List of names and complete contact information for several close friends/family members/legal and financial consultants to be used in case of emergency. Discuss estate plans, medical care preferences (advance directives/living will, etc.), and contingency plans for answers to potential problem areas such as “What happens if my homesharer is in a serious accident, or in jail, etc.”)

Name____________________

Name____________________

SIGNATURES:

Home Provider _____________     Signature________________________

Date________

Home Seeker ________________ Signature________________________ Date________

Witness______________________ Signature________________________ Date________

NOTARY PUBLIC _______________________________________________ Date________

It is suggested that homesharers review and discuss their responses to all previously completed questionnaires and other survey materials at regular intervals in an effort to solidify their relationship and to minimize the risk of conflicts.

Any interested party may use information or materials in this Home Share Starter Kit, in part or in whole, at their own discretion, risk and liability.