More living space through support and community with "Housing for Help".
A room in exchange for help around the house.
The search for affordable housing presents students with challenges every semester. We, from the International Office at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, would like to encourage citizens who have available accommodation, such as vacant rooms or unused flats, to offer them as housing partnerships. Such an initiative can not only help others, but also enrich your own life. "In the end, it's not just a roof over your head."
One person is desperately looking for an affordable flat, another lives alone in a flat that is actually too big and sometimes wants company or help with everyday life. The "Housing for Help" project brings these people together in housing partnerships. Senior citizens get help with everyday life, and students get a reasonably priced room in return.
This form of cohabitation not only offers practical help, but also supports a sense of security and cohesion. For a long time now, housing partnerships have not only been arranged with older people: families, single parents and people with disabilities are also involved, for example. As with a normal shared flat, it is of course important that both parties get on well with each other.
The person who provides the living space receives help as "rent": this can involve coursework such as cleaning, washing and dishwashing, accompanying people to the doctor, shopping or on walks, preparing meals, gardening, looking after animals, helping with the computer, being present at night or even providing company during the day.
The rule of thumb is: one hour of help per month per square metre of occupied living space that can be used alone. For a 15 square metre room, this means 15 hours of active participation per month. The only costs incurred by students are ancillary costs such as electricity, water and gas. Professional care services are excluded!
The parties involved regulate all the important points in a contract:
- Which area of the flat or house may the "tenant" use alone?
- Which assistance services should the "tenant" provide and to what extent?
- Agreements for the use of communal areas such as the kitchen, living room and cellar
- Further regulations as required, for example on quiet periods or keeping animals.
- Another, separate contract regulates ancillary costs such as electricity, heating and water.
The flat-sharing partnership should be concluded for at least three months. After that, the partnership is automatically extended by one month and can be terminated by either party at least one month in advance to the end of the month.
We would be happy to send you a draft contract that you can customize.
Many people, especially older people, live alone in large flats. Nursing and maintaining such living spaces is often not only costly, but also becomes increasingly exhausting in old age. This is precisely where the project comes in: People looking for accommodation can find a place to live, while landlords can gain company and support in everyday life. Sharing living space can be a valuable way to experience community and make new contacts. We are not responsible for managing the housing partnerships; we simply facilitate contact and connect interested parties.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We will support your project and bring you together.
