You are a single parent, have a large family, or you are looking for someone to help you daily.

You have a room or accommodation available and you have heard about housing or room in exchange for services but you don’t know how to proceed.

Don’t move, we explain everything to you !

The keys to housing in exchange for services ?

It is when a Host, a single-parent family, large family or other decides to offer a supportive Co-tenant student accommodation in exchange for time of services (tutoring, cleaning, shopping, babysitting, school pick-up, presence, private lessons, meal assistance, etc.)

As a Host you can request a financial contribution in addition to the exchange corresponding to meal costs or fixed charges such as water or electricity.

The concept of housing in exchange for services has no precise legal framework, however platforms for housing in exchange for services provide an au-pair employee contract allowing to legally define the relationship between Co-tenants, students and their hosts.

Moreover, and to further secure your relationship, we encourage you to ask your future student helper for a home insurance certificate which they can obtain at low cost from specialized partners.

 

What type of accommodation should I offer ?

To host a student at your place, make sure you can offer decent accommodation. It must be at least 9 m².

• comply with current legislation (especially labor law);
• offer decent accommodation, clean and in accordance with your advertisement;
• only offer accommodations that you are authorized to rent or sublet;
• do nothing that would harm your new tenant.

What is the amount of rent to barter?

The rent to barter is an estimate corresponding to the rent price in a classic rental but can also correspond to the number of hours of services to be performed in exchange for the accommodation.

For example accommodation with a rent to barter of €300 will correspond to 40 hours of service in the month.

In practice, the maximum working time is 12 to 15 hours per week.

To calculate the value of these working hours, the current gross hourly minimum wage (SMIC) should be applied.

On the TOITCHEZMOI site, we explain everything!

Warning not to exceed the number of hours indicated in the contract or agreement you have established. These extra hours worked would be considered irregular work and therefore illegal.

 

Offering accommodation in exchange for services offers you, beyond great savings, new peace of mind.

For all families with a room and a small budget who need occasional help, this concept is perfect. It allows for great savings while relieving daily stress such as picking up children from school or activities while you work or shop. This solution reduces daily stress while creating social bonds. A Win-Win concept for Hosts and supportive Co-tenants.