Question 1

What is Canada HomeShare?

Accepted Answer

Canada HomeShare™ is an intergenerational housing option. We work to support older adult home providers looking to share their home to create mutually beneficial living solutions. Our work aims to support aging in place for older adults while providing safe and affordable housing solutions for post-secondary students and other older adults.

Question 2

What is Happipad?

Accepted Answer

Happipad is a Canadian not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to addressing Canada’s affordable housing crisis. Happipad is Canada HomeShare’s sole technology partner, offering a safe, reliable and intuitive platform where home providers looking to  rent out their spare rooms can meet home seekers looking for affordable housing options.

Question 3

How does Canada HomeShare and Happipad work together?

Accepted Answer

Canada HomeShare has established a dynamic partnership with the non-profit tech platform, Happipad. Serving as the seamless application overseeing all aspects of matching, payments, and interactions, Happipad brings efficiency to the forefront. Meanwhile, Canada HomeShare takes the lead in introducing participants and sponsors to the program's invaluable benefits through the guidance of expert leaders in the field. Canada HomeShare goes above and beyond, offering not only education but also an array of homesharing resources to enhance the overall experience for all involved.

Question 4

Is Canada HomeShare available in my area?

Accepted Answer

Canada HomeShare operates in several towns, communities, and cities across Canada in partnership with program sponsors. Please check our ‘Locations’ Page to see if the program is available in your area.

Question 5

How can I be notified when applications open?

Accepted Answer

You can be notified by subscribing to our mailing list or checking our ‘Locations’ page for updates or subscribe to our mailing list below!

Question 6

How can I apply?

Accepted Answer

Canada HomeShare partners with post-secondary institutions, municipalities, community based senior services (CBSS) organizations to offer homesharing to program participants. Click here to learn if  CanadaHomeShare is available in your area. Home providers can create a profile and join the program at anytime. If Canada HomeShare is not offered in your area yet, we still encourage you to create a profile so that you can be notified when Canada HomeShare expands to your community.

Question 7

Who is eligible to join the Canada HomeShare program?

Accepted Answer

Home provider: Any older adult aged 55 and over with a spare bedroom in their home is eligible for the program. Please note that if you live in co-operative housing, you will need to ensure that having someone sharing your living space does not violate your tenancy agreement.

Home seeker: Individuals, 18 years and older, generally students studying at a post-secondary institution  are welcome to apply. Additionally, older adults aged 55 and over are also welcome to apply to rent a room from a home provider.

Question 8

How long can I homeshare for?

Accepted Answer

The duration of a home-sharing arrangement can vary depending on the needs and preferences of home providers  and home seekers. We typically see 4–8-month contracts for students and 8-12-month contracts for older home seekers; Canada HomeShare requires a minimum 30-day agreement between homesharers.

Question 9

How do payments work in the program?

Accepted Answer

Program participants can make and receive direct payments through the Happipad platform. The platform accepts all major payment providers to allow flexibility and convenience for all participants.

Question 10

What if there are issues or conflicts between the home provider and home seeker?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Safety and Security page to learn more about our conflict resolution support and how we help to ensure a smooth and happy homesharing experience for all participants.

Question 11

How can I contact a Customer Care Team representative?

Accepted Answer

It's simple to reach our Customer Care Team! Visit the 'Contact' page on the the Happipad platform to talk to a Happipad representative, let them know that you are Canada HomeShare program participant. They are available to assist you with any questions, concerns, or technical issues you may have.

Question 12

How much does it cost to be part of the HomeShare program?

Accepted Answer

Registering and creating a profile for the Canada HomeShare program on the Happipad platform is FREE for both home providers and home seekers. 
As part of your profile creation, participants will be asked to go participate in a background screening. There is a nonrefundable $22.00 CAD (taxes included) background screening fee for all participants.

Once you’ve entered into a homesharing agreement and signed your contract, there is a 8% service fee added to the monthly rent paid by the home seeker. A one-time, $100.00 placement fee will be deducted from the home provider’s first rent payment.

Example: A home provider lists their room for $750 monthly. They will get $700 for the first month and $750 for all months afterward.  
The home seeker will pay a 8% monthly service fee. Using the same example, when a home provider lists their room for $750 monthly. The room will be listed and visible on the Happipad platform for $810 monthly. The home seeker will see the room price to be $810 monthly (not $750 monthly) to account for the 8% monthly service fee.

For more information about participating in Canada HomeShare, please visit our ‘How It Works’ page.

Note: These fees do not apply to residents of Nova Scotia or Drumheller. Our services are available free of charge for residents of Nova Scotia and Drumheller.

Question 13

What are the terms of the Canada HomeShare agreement?

Accepted Answer

A Canada HomeShare x Happipad agreement is a document that both the home provider and home seeker sign before living together that determines the agreed-upon terms and details of their HomeShare arrangement.

The terms of each HomeShare agreement are tailored to each individual Canada HomeShare match by the individuals who are entering into the agreement. However, the Agreement will always address rent, potential contributions of the home seeker, and what spaces in the home are shared, including any special considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canada HomeShare?

What is Happipad?

How does Canada HomeShare and Happipad work together?

Is Canada HomeShare available in my area?

How can I be notified when applications open?

How can I apply?

Who is eligible to join the Canada HomeShare program?

How long can I homeshare for?

How do payments work in the program?

What if there are issues or conflicts between the home provider and home seeker?

How can I contact a Customer Care Team representative?

How much does it cost to be part of the HomeShare program?

What are the terms of the Canada HomeShare agreement?

What is the age requirement to HomeShare?

I have not arrived in Canada yet, can I apply?

I'm new to the platform, how do I search for room listings?

How do I register and create my profile?

Can I rent out my entire home or only spare rooms?

Can a home owner host multiple home seekers at the same time?

What do Home providers need to provide?

How do I register and create my profile?

What is the age requirement to HomeShare?