‘It makes sense’: the UK homeowners renting out rooms in exchange for babysitting, cleaning or dog-walking

Dog lovers can save money on the rent for a room by helping to look after the homeowner’s pets. Photograph: Ian Francis stock/Alamy

When Tom’s* ex-wife and the mother of his then seven-year-old moved to France, he needed help with babysitting. The family once had an au pair but Tom wanted something less formal – so he posted an advert on the flatsharing website SpareRoom. The offer was simple: below-market-rate rent in his house in north London in exchange for some help looking after his daughter. In the space of a morning he had 30 responses.

He is far from alone – many people are willing to offer cheaper or even free accommodation in return for help with all kinds of tasks. This might include anything from dog-sitting to housekeeping and DIY around the house.