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eattle’s housing crunch leaves many large homes with empty rooms that never get used because owners hesitate to take in a housemate or don’t know how to do it. Larry Crites, a long‑time Seattle landlord, once rented the upper level of his first house. Today he refuses to rent to strangers, citing new landlord‑tenant statutes that make eviction a months‑long ordeal if a tenant defaults. “It’s a different thing when it’s your own house,” he says. Washington’s rent‑cap law excludes tenants who share a bathroom or kitchen with the homeowner, yet the Residential Landlord‑Tenant Act does not carve out shared‑housing arrangements, leaving owners tangled in overlapping rules. Adding local ordinances only heightens the confusion, and hiring a property manager is rarely cost‑effective for a single bedroom.

    Brenda Beeson of South King County illustrates the uncertainty many homeowners face. She wants to rent part of her home but is unsure of the process or how to find a compatible roommate. “I’d have to get along with them,” she explains. “With a family member you know their quirks; a stranger can bring problems.” While other states and parts of Washington offer roommate‑matching services that handle background checks, rent collection, and screening, King County lacks a dedicated solution. Consequently, owners must juggle every step themselves.

    Savenia Falquist, executive director of Home Share Oregon, runs a nonprofit that pairs older homeowners—often over 55 and struggling with bills—with vetted tenants. The organization conducts background checks, drafts leases, and recommends a one‑month trial lease before committing to a long‑term arrangement. Falquist warns that many people who turn to Craigslist or generic roommate matchers end up in trouble because they skip proper vetting. “That’s not the best approach when you’re going to share your home,” she says. She hopes to bring Home Share to King County, believing that well‑managed room rentals can help people on fixed incomes cover expenses and reduce isolation.

    Seattle real‑estate agent Danny Greco notes that renting rooms can also help young buyers enter the market. He credits roommates for helping him pay his first Seattle mortgage—a strategy he calls “house hacking.” “I think that’s a fantastic way to build wealth,” he says.