would you also like your mb to be your landlord?

[Anonymous]

It says studio apartment. If an actual studio and not just a room with bath, then it seems like it could be worth it. I don't know prices where you are, but the location seems good (as in close to metro and bus lines). If a studio would normally get $1300 in rent, then it's fine. I would ask them to make sure utilities are included in that price for sure though, normally I do an exchange that is a bit less that what they would rent it for.

I would love my own studio, especially if it is not connected to the main house (like with an in-law). I am doing an exchange for just a large bedroom and private bath for $840/month but rent out here is crazy and this bedroom would normally go for $950-1000. Studios only start at around $1300 here.

I don't understand what they mean about tax savings though. While there are no taxes done by the employers, you still have to report this money on income taxes.

While I haven't enjoyed having my boss be my landlord for a few positions, my current MB is really cool and doesn't really have any rules set in place for me. She expects me to act like I am paying rent, because I am. So as long as I am considerate about things, like I would be with any other roommate (not making lots of noise late at night, not eating all their food all the time, etc) then there is no problem. I am allowed to have guests over whenever I want to, including male friends. I don't get talked down to, I don't get asked to work outside of my schedule unless she really needs me to watch them quickly for like 2 minutes and I am already home, I don't get asked to not bring certain foods or drinks around the family, or anything of the like.

[Anonymous]

I am in a housing exchange situation and it means no student loans for me. Totally fell into my lap and works out swell. I work anywhere from 3-20 days per month in exchange for a garden apartment (2 separate entrances) with off street parking in NW DC. My boss travels internationally so it does mean more involved childcare but when she is at home there are no requirements of me. She is nice and respects my space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am in a housing exchange situation and it means no student loans for me. Totally fell into my lap and works out swell. I work anywhere from 3-20 days per month in exchange for a garden apartment (2 separate entrances) with off street parking in NW DC. My boss travels internationally so it does mean more involved childcare but when she is at home there are no requirements of me. She is nice and respects my space.

Perfect example of a fair trade. Win-win.