Nesterly - A Home Sharing Pilot Program in Maine
In 2023, the Maine Legislature passed LD 709, which tasked MaineHousing with coordinating a home share pilot program that would match interested homeowners who might want to rent out a room or part of their home with potential tenants.
The bill’s sponsors noted that Maine’s severe shortage of affordable housing co-exists with a surplus of older residents who have extra space, many of whom are looking for ways to remain in their homes. Homesharing is one way to address this need.
Following a Request for Proposals in 2023, MaineHousing partnered with Nesterly, an online service that helps to pair homeowners with potential renters.
Through this pilot program, which is being conducted with the collaboration of partner organizations including the Maine AARP, the Governor’s Cabinet on Aging, the Maine Council on Aging, as well as several local groups, we hope to learn how this concept might work in our state.
While Nestlerly is a third-party organization and not a MaineHousing program, our agency believes that this service has the potential to play a meaningful role in addressing Maine’s housing shortage.
WHAT IS NESTERLY?
Nesterly is a social enterprise dedicated to building intergenerational connections and increasing access to affordable housing through homesharing. It leverages technology to make it safe and convenient for households to rent a spare room to a student, social worker, volunteer, or other renter interested in lower cost, longer term living options. The homesharing platform helps housemates connect over common interests and facilitates the ability to exchange a portion of rental payments for help with grocery shopping, dog walking, yard work, tech support, and more.
BENEFITS OF NESTERLY
Nesterly’s platform is focused on security and screening of both potential hosts and potential tenants, as well as providing a flexible rental framework for homeowners who might be interested in arranging a few hours of assistance with household chores over the month in exchange for a reduction in rent.
The platform manages listings, helps screen homeowners and renters, and provides a way to collect rent that removes that responsibility from the homeowner.
Rent Easily
Sharing a home has never been easier. We handle vetting, leases, payments, and offer real human support every step of the way.
Rent Safely
We take the guess-work out of living with someone new by screening for safety, compatibility, and social intelligence.
Rent With Confidence
Get to know great people contact-free before booking. We even offer a flexible cancellation policy so you book with peace of mind.
The platform is not yet fully prepared to help potential renters find a home. MaineHousing is working in conjunction with its partners and Nesterly to recruit hosts throughout the spring of 2024. Later in 2024 we will expand the outreach to encourage potential renters to register and search for an available homeshare.
MORE INFO
To learn more about Nesterly, please visit their website at https://www.nesterly.com.
They provide a detailed list of frequently asked questions HERE.
You can also call Nesterly at (877) 958-8785.
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