Why would this not be legal? The money owed for childcare is being credited towards the rent. Would it make any sense if parents wrote a check for childcare and tenant handed it back for rent? I think it's an ideal solution for both sides.

I rented a basement apartment once this way and it worked out great. There was the monthly rent but I got a specific amount off for each hour I worked each month. I knew in advance days and times I was needed and it left me with very little rent to pay. It was a great barter for me. Had a great relationship with the parents so there was never a problem. Made sure I was there to work when I was supposed to and had plenty of time left over for whatever I wanted/needed to do. Nearby bus to metro.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends - do you need to keep it legal? if so, I believe you need to pay at least min. wage although I think there are some flexibility for the amt you can attribute to rooming costs.

If legal is not a bit issue, then you may not HAVE to pay a certain amt but I would think that not doing so, particularly in a really nice but not metro accessible area, will really limit your pool of people.

This is not true- if she is bartering then the person is not an employee. It is definitely not illegal to barter housing for childcare.

What state?

I am not sure about all of the legalities but I was actually looking for something like this for myself. I wanted to move to the Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, or Washington DC area. I applied for many different positions but it has become difficult to commit to any job because I do not have a place to live. I have registered for college there and I was even willing to stay on campus just to get familiar with the area and search for employment while I am in college. I am a Licensed Practical Nurse and I am going back to school for Human Relations or Healthcare policy and Management. I would consider it to be a blessing to have a bartering situation such as this one. I feel that 15 hrs a week is more than fair. If anyone knows of such an opportunity, please notify me at gege1270@gmail.com I would greatly appreciate it.
Regina Gravante

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends - do you need to keep it legal? if so, I believe you need to pay at least min. wage although I think there are some flexibility for the amt you can attribute to rooming costs.

If legal is not a bit issue, then you may not HAVE to pay a certain amt but I would think that not doing so, particularly in a really nice but not metro accessible area, will really limit your pool of people.

This is not true- if she is bartering then the person is not an employee. It is definitely not illegal to barter housing for childcare.

Yes, the person is not an employee but does have to claim what the rent/board is worth on her income taxes and might need to file a 1099 (not sure which version) for additional/extra income.