Has anyone ever rented out their space before to a stranger? My son is moving out and I need to find a renter. I would rather not...but
times are tough and I like living in a house. I don't have any money to advertise in the local papers...so any advice on where to look for/ask? I would like somebody close to my age and isn't into partying .

Craigslist has a rental area and is free. But PLEASE check references before even meeting if possible. Meet them away from your home first in a VERY public place to talk and even see if they would work out as a potential roommate, personalities can clash. Take pictures of your place with you and if you find that they might be a matchable roommate and they like the pictures... (after references) you can schedule an appointment for them to actually walk through your place. There are also community boards all over the place, but follow those same safety rules and any more that somebody might suggest.

I have always used craigslist, and it worked great.
The other suggestion I would make for living with a
complete stranger, is to have your own lockable space.
Good luck winterblue :-)

Thank you! I do like your advice on meeting them away from my home. I probably would have had them come here. The references are a definate must too. I was wondering what is the best way to do a criminal check....any ideas?

Thank you Soufie. I've thought about that too...I'll probably have the two rooms of three with locks on them. How successful have you been??

Can't hurt :-)
Also, you can run a credit check and charge
the potentail renter the $35 for it.
Then, it is pure luck to get a great tenant.
Just ironclad the contract, with a HIGH daily
fee for unpaid rent, and a 3day Notice to Pay
or Evict, which the Sheriff's department
carries out.

Do you have any friends that know of somebody that needs a room?
I know when I worked in the hospital years ago, they had bulletin board that often adverised apt. and room for rent to nurses .
Maybe your local Church ,or community center?

Do you by any chance have a good rental agreement that I can look at? I have some from years ago when we rented out houses; but this is totally different I'm thinking.

That's a good thought also. I have friends that still attend church. Maybe they can post something for me. thank you.

Maybe check your post office also. Mine has a bulletin board where people can post things like that.

Good , I gope this works for you. I like the hospital one the best cause at least you know they are working lol

Your best bet is your nearest Stationary store.
They carry the Rental Agreements for your State.

Mine, for instance, also required the Renter to
sign a statement saying they had tried the
Smoke Detector/Alarm and it was working when
they took occupancy.
I never would have known this (insurance
companies require it.)
But the local store knew because they carry
the forms. In duplicate.

And they have the up-to-date paperwork
that helps protect the Landlord :-)

Thank you all so much

NOT CraigsList, find a friend, co-worker, someone you know you can trust, or someone they may know that is trustworthy. You could find someone on CL or any other free classifieds site, but it could very well be someone you don't want, and since you can't afford to advertise, you probably can't afford to do background and credit checks on applicants either.

Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing, and is free!

In my area many rent rooms to post graduate students. If you have a local University contact them. When my daughter was a freshman in college the dorms were full and we recieved a list of people in the area for rooms for students. She made it in the dorm before school started, however, I was greatful for the back up plan.