Find answers to your questions about Two Generations’ homesharing services. Learn the differences between a Householder and a Homesharer, understand our matching process, fees, and the benefits of choosing homesharing over hiring help.
Does any money exchange hands between Homesharer and Householder?
No. The householder doesn’t make a charge for the room, the Homesharer gives their support in return. The Homesharer can make a contribution to the bills, like gas, electric water and council tax.
They each pay a monthly fee to Two Generations scheme for facilitating the match and providing ongoing support.
What exactly are we paying Two Generations for?
The monthly fee covers the costs of vetting prospective Householders and Homesharers, setting up agreements, monitoring the arrangement and helping to deal with any issues or disputes that may arise. It’s a full support service to make sure that the Homeshare arrangement works, is safe and successful.
How long does it take to make a match?
It varies. Matching the right people together is our priority rather than just rushing into a match that might not work. So the sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can start the process of finding out more about you and who would make a good match for you.
Is a Homeshare just temporary or does it have to be forever?
Forever is a long time.
A Homeshare can last for as long as both parties want it to. We ask for the Householder and the Homesharer to commit to a minimum period of one year although we understand that health and circumstances may affect this.
What checks do you perform?
Safeguarding of our Householders is our priority and we have a stringent vetting process for all our sharers. Homesharers are asked to complete detailed and thorough application forms and are interviewed via phone and video.
All sharers will have an Enhanced DBS (Police check) and 2 professional references are obtained. Householders and their families have several opportunities to meet sharers before the Homeshare begins. This can often include a trial weekend stay.
We remain a constant point of contact and support throughout the Homeshare for both the Householder and Homesharer.
Why not just hire some help?
Aside from the cost savings, the amazing thing about a Homeshare is that
people often become friends and they find that they have things in common
or things that they can teach each other. It can be so much better than
living alone or having a paid person who just works for you.
You also have the added reassurance of knowing we have completed several
safeguarding measures for your peace of mind, plus contracts are in place
to ensure your Homesharer commits to their pre-agreed support.
Will I lose any benefits or allowances?
There is no rent changing hands and no tenancy agreement with a Homeshare so that makes things a lot simpler. Where possible we will help you to do your research around any benefits or allowances before you make a decision to join the scheme.
What if it doesn’t work out?
We make every effort to ensure that things will work out – finding a suitable match; making introductions; and keeping in contact with you during the Homeshare. Usually, when all of these things are done, people live together very happily.
It’s possible (but very rare) that a Homeshare arrangement may break down. If it does, you are free to end it without any financial penalties, and for the Householder we will look to identify a new match for you if you would like to continue in a Homeshare arrangement.
I think it might be for me - what next?
Great. If you're a Householder, fill in our simple application form. This can be found by going to:
https://twogenerations.co.uk/forms/householder/
Once we receive your application form there’s a simple and easy process that we will help you to go through which will lead to your first Homeshare. We follow these steps: -
1. We call you for a chat and to find out more about you.
2. We find you a match.
3. We introduce you to your potential match.
4. We perform checks including references and Enhanced DBS (Police checks). Once these are complete you sign your Homeshare Agreement.
5. You start your Homeshare and we are with you all the way!
More on Our Fees and Complaints process
Householder Fees
- Our standard fees are listed below
- From £99 per month for the duration of the homeshare, with a 1 month trial period followed by minimum 6 month total duration.
- Our fees may vary if you need significantly more or less support
Homesharer Fees
- Our standard fees are between £349 and £399 per month for ongoing support of the Homeshare arrangement.
We never want financials to be a barrier to anyone benefitting from a Homeshare so bursaries are available for both Householders and Homesharers
Complaints process
We pride ourselves on our level of customer service. In the first instance, please email contact@twogenerations.co.uk and we will endeavour to resolve your complaint. Should you feel this has been resolved unsatisfactorily, you can contact Homeshare UK, or the Property Redress Scheme (Membership Number PRS014486).