Housing with an elderly person in exchange for service: the guide
Finding housing is becoming difficult, especially in cities where rents are soaring. There is a humane and economical solution: housing with an elderly person in exchange for services. The principle is simple. A senior has a free room and needs a bit of company and help daily; you are looking for affordable housing and can provide some services. Everyone benefits. This guide explains, from the cohabitant's perspective, how to find this type of housing, what services to offer, and how to frame the cohabitation peacefully.
What is housing with an elderly person in exchange for services?
This is a form of housing in exchange for services: an elderly person provides you with a room or private space, free or at a reduced rent, in exchange for daily services defined in advance. It is also called intergenerational cohabitation when a young person and a senior share the same roof this way.
The goal is not to replace professional help or act as a caregiver, but to provide reassuring presence and light assistance: some company, a few errands, a helping hand for daily life. In return, you get access to housing often located where it is expensive or rare. On ToitChezMoi, a French platform run by CADENIA and active since 2017, hosts and cohabitants meet around this principle of balance and respect.
Who is this solution for?
This formula particularly appeals to people who need affordable housing and have a bit of time:
Students who want to reduce their housing budget while keeping time for their studies.
Young professionals starting their careers and looking to settle without prohibitive rent.
Job seekers or people in transition, who need flexibility and low cost.
Anyone sensitive to the idea of breaking a senior's isolation and building an intergenerational bond.
On the host side, these are seniors who wish to stay at home as long as possible, in good conditions, with a caring presence in the evening or on weekends. To explore this aspect, see our dedicated page on senior and intergenerational shared housing.
What services to offer, and within what limits?
Services must remain reasonable, proportionate, and defined in advance. Among the most common in housing with an elderly person:
Company and presence (sharing a meal, chatting, being there in the evening).
Small errands and help with daily tasks.
Preparation of simple meals, light home help.
Plant or pet care, receiving mail.
Occasional IT or administrative help, small DIY tasks.
Important: ToitChezMoi indicates a maximum of 15 hours of services per week, with a common reference range of 10 to 15 hours depending on the situation. Beyond that, or when the value of services exceeds the usual rental value of the housing, a more formal employment framework may become necessary. As a guideline, the gross hourly minimum wage (SMIC) for 2025 displayed on the site is €11.88, which helps estimate the fair measure of the exchange. These benchmarks remain indicative; in case of doubt, it is better to contact a competent organization such as URSSAF.
How to find housing with an elderly person in exchange for services
Here are the steps to move forward concretely:
Create your profile for free. Registration on ToitChezMoi is free; Premium options are optional and mainly serve to contact more hosts or gain visibility.
Take care with your presentation. Clearly indicate who you are, your availability, and the services you can offer.
Search by city and services. Browse listings from the search for housing in exchange for services area and filter according to your criteria.
Communicate with the host. Discuss expectations, schedules, house rules, and the intended duration.
Visit and meet before committing. Check that the room is decent and that you get along well.
An essential safety rule: never pay to reserve housing before visiting it, meeting the host, and verifying the listing. Beware of requests for money upfront or through unusual channels. Our security guide details good practices before, during, and after making contact.
Properly framing cohabitation: written agreement and respect
Successful cohabitation relies on clear rules set from the start. Before moving in, formalize a written agreement specifying the duration, nature of services, schedule, house rules, and conditions. ToitChezMoi provides templates of contracts and inventories to help you.
Legally, housing in exchange for services is often considered a loan for use (or commodat), governed by articles 1875 to 1891 of the Civil Code: the housed person provides services in exchange for the use of the housing. This memo does not replace legal advice; in case of doubt, contact the competent public services. In daily life, the secret lies mainly in mutual respect: communicate, respect each other's privacy, and keep commitments.
Frequently asked questions
Is the housing really free?
It can be free or at reduced rent, depending on the agreement with the host and the volume of services provided. Registration on ToitChezMoi is always free.
How many hours of services must I provide?
The common reference is 10 to 15 hours per week, with a maximum of 15 hours indicated by ToitChezMoi. Everything must be defined in advance and remain proportionate to the housing offered.
Do I need special skills?
No. Most services relate to daily life: presence, company, errands, small help. It is mutual aid, not a home help job.
How to avoid scams?
Never pay money before visiting the housing and meeting the host. Ask your questions, request photos if needed, and have someone accompany you for a first visit if it reassures you.
Why not try the experience?
Housing with an elderly person in exchange for services means affordable housing for you, precious presence for a senior, and a human bond that benefits both sides. To get started, create your profile for free, specify the services you can offer, and explore listings on ToitChezMoi. For any practical questions, the FAQ answers the most frequent inquiries.