Ways To Live Rent Free (13 Proven and Simple Ways to Live Rent Free)

Curious about living rent-free? I managed to not pay rent for five years by house-sitting and seeing the world.

But many people believe rent is unavoidable—but that’s not necessarily true. There are several creative ways to live in a home or apartment without paying rent or a mortgage, freeing up a significant portion of your budget to reach other financial goals.

Whether you’re saving for travel, a new home, or even early retirement, living rent-free can make a big difference.

Keep reading to discover 13 ways to make rent-free living a reality today!

1- House Sitting For Others 

The first way to live rent-free is by being a housesitter. Some people engage a housesitter while they are away for work or on vacation. 

This mitigates any safety concerns they may have about leaving their home unattended.  Try finding clients who are traveling for long periods. That way, you don’t have to move too often, especially when you are trying to live rent-free. 

You may need a backup place if you choose to house-sit for short-term clients. We love sharing our experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys. 

So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.

2- List A Room With Airbnb 

Finding guests on Airbnb can be an amazing way to cover your rent or mortgage payment. This is regardless of the home you own. 

Travelers prefer Airbnb options 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. However, you must be able to take on the responsibility of being on-call for an entire apartment building. 

4- Sublet And Get Roommates

If your apartment is under your name, you can sublet it to offset rent costs. Subletting requires you to sublet part of your apartment for more than you pay for rent.

This lets you bank the difference and live rent-free. Splitting a 3-bedroom apartment is cheaper than renting a 1-bedroom apartment by yourself. Subletting can be an amazing tactic. 

This is because college students and travelers are inclined to take your offer. 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 often find 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 specific 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 

Volunteering with Peace can be very fulfilling if you have a passion for giving back.  You may participate in several initiatives, such as fighting hunger, supporting education, and responding to disasters. 

In return, PeaceCorps provides you with housing and a living stipend, which will amount to about $10,000 at the end of two 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, you 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 who are frequent travelers. You can earn free living quarters and sometimes extra pay by becoming an on-site pet sitter. 

8- Teach English Abroad 

If you’ve got a travel bug and want to live rent-free, consider teaching English abroad. Countries like China and South Korea prioritize English-speaking skills and 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 providing live-in childcare for a host family.  This allows you to stay rent-free in your host family’s home. 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 sometimes be regarded as shameful. However, saving more and reassessing your budget can be a great opportunity. 

However, it is essential 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 by restoring an old van into a mini-house with a bed, storage space, stove, and lighting system. Many people become hooked on the freedom that comes with living in a van. However, the arrangement can have obvious downsides. 

Without proper upkeep, living conditions can become extremely cramped and unhygienic. Hence, this option should be well-considered and pre-planned. I like to have a gym membership that allows you to shower and always take time out to clean the van.

12- Opt For Government Support 

Opting for government support can be suitable for those facing financial difficulties. The federal government has a housing program for low-income individuals or people with disabilities. 

If you need help paying rent in the USA, you may apply for the Housing Choice Voucher, Section 8.  If you fit the criteria for receiving the voucher, you may find the housing of your choice that fits the program. The local public housing agency will then cover all your rent. 

13- Hit The Road 

Travel can be the go-to option if you’ve always been intrigued by the nomadic lifestyle. You can do this if you are trying to avoid committing to a monthly rental fee. 

When you’re on the road, you won’t 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 

While it may seem out of reach, living rent-free is possible with the right strategy and a bit of negotiation. By exploring the 13 methods above, you can drastically cut down—or even eliminate—your rent, freeing up resources to pursue your financial goals.

I did not pay rent for five years by house-sitting. We love sharing our experiences and teaching others how to become housesitters and start their journeys. 

So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.