Roommates are out, Boarders are in...

An article summary:
It's a sign of our economic times that more homeowners, looking to relieve financial stress, appear to be looking for someone to occupy a spare bedroom in exchange for monthly rent. And although having "roommates" is nothing new, recession-era realities are redefining the players and the living arrangements.
Home Sharing services are on the rise, particularly noticeable in areas where housing is costly.
Probably 90 percent of the home providers extra income, and in some areas they can get at least $600 a month in rent. There has been an increase of 20-30% increase in some areas over the prior year.
For people are struggling with their mortgage costs, or perhaps they're in jeopardy of losing their homes, taking in a boarder is not uncommon.
Would-be landlords who generally fall into four categories:
People in their 50s who retired early, thinking they could live on their investments, and who are now living on half of what they thought they had.
Others are homeowners caught in the slow real estate market who have had homes for sale for one or two years and who need someone in the home. These are generally really neat people who must keep the house in show-ready condition.
A third group is frail, elderly people trying to continue to live independently, who want someone who can help with household chores such as grocery shopping, often for reduced rent.
Then you have the regular homeowners who are struggling to pay their utilities, their household costs and taxes.
The people looking to move in have changed, too, indicative of the reality of the job market. Some people have left their home and family to work out of town and come home for weekends. They are looking for an affordable place to live while they work on contract or while other permanent arrangements can be made
Source:
Boarders: real estate's perfect strangers
House-sharing makes financial sense
By Mary Umberger, Wednesday, September 9, 2009.
Inman News