Is It Worth Renting Out Your Extra Room?

I grew up in a big family where holidays meant crowded houses, with all the kids sharing a large dormitory and rarely showering. Later on, I lived in campus housing and tiny apartments with anywhere from two to seven roommates. Even when I had my own place, I often hosted couchsurfers or got frequent visits.

For me, giving up a room in my apartment to get a roommate or rent it out to travelers isn’t a big deal. I can adapt to different schedules—if someone showers in the morning, I can shower at night or before they wake up. For some people, though, this might be unbearable.

Pros of Renting Your Extra Room:
1. You get extra rent money!
2. With a long-term renter, you have someone to watch your pet or water your plants when you travel.
3. You can share utility bills.
4. With short-term rentals, you meet travelers from all over the world.

Cons of Renting Your Extra Room:
1. You can’t use the room for storage or as a guestroom anymore.
2. Sharing common spaces like the bathroom and kitchen with roommates.
3. Potential conflicts if you don’t get along with the renter.
4. Short-term renters might leave the room dirty.
5. Less privacy in your home.

For me, the financial benefits outweigh the downsides. It might not be the same for you, but you can give it a try by listing your room on Airbnb or similar sites. If you dislike it, you can always stop. If you enjoy it, you might even consider finding a long-term roommate.

Sometimes I wish I didn’t have roommates, but most of the time, it’s nice to have them around. Plus, without them, I couldn’t afford such a nice flat and would have to go back to a tiny 210 sqft apartment—which isn’t appealing to me.