Want to know how to live rent-free?
Most people assume that paying rent is a part of life.
The truth is that several options allow you to live in a home or apartment rent or mortgage-free.
This leaves you in a HUGE surplus with which you may then fund your other financial goals.
This can be for traveling, buying a house, or early retirement.
Read on to learn the 13 ways you can live rent-free today.

Table of Contents
1- House Sitting For Others
The first way you can live rent-free is by being a house-sitter.
Some people may engage a house-sitter while they are away for work or on vacation.
This mitigates any safety concerns they may have about leaving their home unattended.
Try find clients who are traveling for long-term periods. That way you don’t have to move too often. This is especially when you are trying to live rent-free.
If you choose to house sit for short-term clients, you may need a backup place to stay.

2- List A Room With Airbnb
Finding guests on Airbnb can be an easy and amazing way to cover your rent or mortgage payment. This is regardless of the home you own.
Travelers tend to prefer Airbnb options, compared to hotels as they usually cost less.
Airbnb hosts typically make $50 a night for a room and $455 for a week. This could allow you to make easy cash and easily cover all your rent or house payments.

3- Become A Property Manager
Apartment building managers are given one of the apartments in the building as a place to live for free.
However, this comes with a condition. You must be available via phone to resolve tenant problems.
These can range from urgent repair work to resident complaints.
Becoming a property manager can be a great alternative to renting. You must only be able to take on the responsibility to be on-call for an entire apartment building.

4- Sublet And Get Roommates
You can sublet your apartment to offset rent costs if it is under your name.
Subletting requires you to sublet part of your apartment for more than you pay for its rent.
This lets you bank the difference and live rent-free for yourself.
Splitting a 3-bedroom apartment is cheaper than renting a 1-bedroom apartment by yourself. Subletting can be an amazing tactic to use.
This is because college students and travelers are inclined to jump onto your offer. This is because they could save some cash by getting roommates.

5- Find A Job That Includes Housing
Some job opportunities offer free room and board, in exchange for a work program or on top of a regular salary.
Farm owners are often finding people who want to live on a farm rent-free for a work exchange program. This would require you to be responsible for the farm and help out every day.
You may also try finding one of the following jobs to ensure you live rent-free on top of a regular salary :
– On-site Security
– Travel Nurse
– Flight Attendant
– Seasonal Jobs In Tourism
– Park Ranger
These jobs have certain requirements. They can be short-term gigs or even long-term careers.
Finding a job that includes housing can be a great way to travel while keeping your work life exciting.

6- Volunteer With PeaceCorps
Becoming a volunteer with Peace can be very fulfilling if you have a passion for giving back.
You may take part in several initiatives. This can be fighting hunger, supporting education, and disaster response.
In return, PeaceCorps provides you with housing and a living stipend. – this will amount to about $10,000 at the end of 2 years.
7- Trade Services For Free Rent
This option works best with friends who trust you and vice versa.
You may be able to barter for rent in exchange for services. – If you are a good cook, can tidy up the house, or offer your car for your roommates to use.
You may also provide a pet-sitting service for pet owners that are frequent travelers.
You can earn free living quarters, and sometimes extra pay as well by becoming an on-site pet sitter.

8- Teach English Abroad
You can consider teaching English abroad if you’ve got a travel bug and want to live rent-free.
Countries like China and South Korea prioritize English-speaking skills. They offer free housing and flights for English teachers.
Some countries may require you to find your housing. However, it will be cheaper than paying rent in the States.
You may not even need a background in education to get started in many countries.
A college degree and a TESOL or TEFL certificate would suffice. You may then teach English in different parts of the globe.
This is good to do in a cheap country in Europe and still earn money and have somewhere to live.

9- Become An Au Pair
Becoming an Au Pair entails you to provide live-in childcare for a host family.
This lets you stay in your host family’s home rent-free. It is also a great opportunity for travel and cultural exchange.
Each country has its requirements for becoming an au pair. In general, au pairs are between the ages of 17-30.
If you fit the criteria and are good with children, this can be a great way to immerse yourself in another culture. – while living rent-free.

10- Move In With Your Parents
Moving back in with your parents may be regarded as shameful sometimes. However, it can be a great opportunity to save more and reassess your budget.
However, it is important to not take your parents for granted. Remember to contribute around the house in exchange for free or low rent.
Doing daily chores and running errands for your parents can be some ways you may help out.
11- Try out The #Vanlife Movement
The #vanlife movement has blown up online. Free spirits have remodeled their vans and documented living in them online.
This option can be great if you’re willing to invest in a vehicle and don’t want to be tied in one place.
You could make the space minimal yet functional. This can be done by restoring an old van into a mini-house that has a bed, storage space, stove, and lighting system,
Many get hooked on the freedom that accompanies living in a van. However, the arrangement can have obvious downsides.
Living conditions can get extremely cramped, and unhygienic without proper upkeep.
Hence, this option should be well-considered and pre-planned.

12- Opt For Government Support
Opting for government support can be good for those facing financial difficulties.
The federal government has a housing program. This is for low-income individuals or people with disabilities.
You may apply for the Housing Choice Voucher, also known as Section 8 if you need help paying rent.
If you fit the criteria for receiving the voucher, you may find the housing of your choice that fits the program.
All your rent will then be covered by the local public housing agency.
13- Hit The Road
If you’ve always been intrigued by the nomadic lifestyle, travel can be the go-to option.
You can do this if you are trying to avoid committing to a monthly rental fee.
When you’re on the road, there isn’t a need to pay rent. A bed in a hostel in many parts of the world only costs a couple of dollars per night.
Living costs can amount to a fraction of the rent in the United States alone. – Especially if you’re looking to backpack.
The Bottom Line
Although many people think of it as impossible, living rent-free is completely feasible. You only have to make the right negotiations.
The 13 ways mentioned above will guarantee you to live partly or completely rent-free.
Author: Britt
I am Britt I have been house sitting and pet sitting for the past 7 years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats 1 turtle, and 1 rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Through house sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters, and Trusted House Sitters, I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters. This unique way of living has not only allowed me to save money on accommodation but also offered a plethora of cultural exchange opportunities.
Being a member of these platforms has not only broadened my horizons but also opened doors to short and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well maintained.
I get many questions about how to get start as a house sitters, so if you have any questions please reach out! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house sitting community on Facebook
