Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can be notified by subscribing to our mailing list or checking our ‘Locations’ page for updates or subscribe to our mailing list below!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You must be over 18 years of age to participate in the Canada HomeShare program and create a profile on the Happipad platform.
Yes, international students are welcome to apply to Canada HomeShare. An Enhanced Criminal Check form the current country of residence will be required before signing up.
Background checks are conducted through a trusted third-party provider Certn – A Canadian market leader AI-powered platform that specializes in providing advanced background screening solutions. This includes checking for criminal records and other relevant information to assess the individual’s suitability as a host or renters. In some cases, additional background checks may be required.
Visit your Canada HomeShare account via the Happipad platform.
Click on the "Find Homes" button at the top of the page.
Enter your location, such as your city or specific neighbourhood, in the search bar.
Set any additional filters or preferences you may have, such as move-in date, maximum rent, etc.
Browse available room listings that match your search criteria. You can view details about each listing, including photos, descriptions, features, house rules, and any additional information provided by the host.
If you find a potential match, reach out to the home provider (host), or send a booking request directly through the platform.
You can also explore multiple listings and compare them before making a decision. Renters can send out up to seven different booking requests at a time.
Click here [https://app.happipad.com?referrer_link=www.canadahomeshare.com] and begin registering by selecting ”I’m a Homeseeker/Renter.”
Enter your registration details and log in once you have set your username and password.
Create your profile.Make sure to completely fill in your profile information and submit your verification documents promptly so that you can begin matching with home providers
Verify your email through the link you will have received after creating your profile.
We have also created a guide to walk you through the steps of how-to sign up! Click here to download it.
Canada HomeShare promotes a sense of community, a focus on intergenerational engagement, and companionship through sharing spaces together. Renting out entire homes or separate basement apartments is not supported.
No. Part of the Canada HomeShare program, our current policy is limited to placing one home seeker with each home provider.
All home seekers must have their own private bedroom, access to a bathroom, internet (or the ability to set up their own), and access to a kitchen (including space to cook and store food). Many participants appreciate access to laundry and a furnished room, but this is not necessary to participate in the program.
Click here [https://app.happipad.com?referrer_link=www.canadahomeshare.com] and begin registering by selecting ”I’m a Host/Renter.”
Enter your registration details and log in once you have set your username and password.
Create your profile. Make sure to completely fill in your profile information and submit your verification documents promptly so that you can begin matching with other participants in the Canada HomeShare program.
Verify your email through the link you will have received after creating your profile.
Start browsing profiles!
We have also created a guide to walk you through the steps of how-to sign up! Click here to download it.
You must be over 18 years of age to participate in the Canada HomeShare program and create a profile on the Happipad platform.