Frequently Asked Questions:

For Guests

  • Joining Lily is simple. Here's exactly what to expect:

    Step 1 — Apply Complete your Guest application at no cost. Tell us a little about yourself, your living preferences, and what you're looking for in a shared living arrangement.

    Step 2 — Background Screening Approved applicants complete a background screening through TransUnion, our trusted third-party provider. This step is required for all members and is paid directly by the applicant. It helps establish the trust and accountability that makes Lily's community safe for everyone.

    Step 3 — Compatibility Assessment Once your screening is complete, you'll receive Lily's compatibility assessment. This is where we get to know the real you: your lifestyle, habits, values, schedule, and what matters most to you in a shared living environment. The more honest you are here, the better your introduction will be.

    Step 4 — Introduction When a compatible Host is identified, Lily facilitates a personal introduction. You'll receive information about the Host and her space, and she'll receive information about you. Both parties review independently and decide whether they'd like to connect.

    Step 5 — Zoom Conversation If both women wish to proceed, Lily facilitates a Zoom conversation between you. This is your opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for each other, and see the space. No pressure. No obligation. The decision is entirely yours.

    Step 6 — Your Decision If both women feel it's a good fit, you move forward together. If not, no problem. Lily will continue working to identify the right introduction for you. You are never pressured to proceed with any introduction that doesn't feel right.

  • No. Joining the waitlist is completely free.

  • Every member moves through the process at their own pace depending on application volume, screening completion, and compatibility assessment results.

    Lily will keep you informed throughout. You will never be left wondering where you stand — our support team is available at support@thelilypadinitiative.com with any questions.

  • There is no fixed timeline and we will never promise one we can't keep.

    What we can tell you is that introductions happen as soon as a genuinely compatible Host is identified. Lily prioritizes quality over speed. A thoughtful introduction takes time — and it's worth it.

    Factors that affect timing include:

    • Current availability of compatible Hosts in your area

    • Specificity of your compatibility preferences

    • Completion of your screening and assessment

    The more complete and honest your application and assessment — the faster and more accurate your introduction will be.

Getting Started

  • During Lily's founding launch, the first 25 approved Guests join as permanent Founding Members at no membership fee.

    After the founding cohort is filled, a standard Guest membership fee of $59 applies. This is a one-time fee for access to Lily's private introduction network.

    Founding Members who return to Lily for a new introduction pay a reduced re-entry fee of $29 for life.

  • No. Applying to Lily is always free. Membership fees are only collected after your application is approved and you are ready to activate your membership.

  • Background screening is completed through TransUnion, our trusted third-party provider. This fee is paid directly to TransUnion by the applicant and is not collected by Lily.

    Screening fees are $40 and are set by TransUnion, not by Lily. Please check TransUnion's current fee schedule for the most accurate information.

  • No. Lily's fees are limited to:

    • Your one-time Guest membership fee

    • Your background screening fee paid directly to TransUnion

    Lily does not collect rent, security deposits, or any other funds on behalf of Hosts or Guests. All financial arrangements between members are made independently and are outside the scope of Lily's platform.

  • Financial arrangements — including any household contributions, shared expenses, or other agreements — are made independently between you and your Host. Lily is not a party to these arrangements and does not advise on, negotiate, or oversee them.

    We provide a Shared Living Agreement template as a complimentary resource to help members establish clear expectations before moving in. We strongly encourage all members to review this template with a qualified attorney before entering any shared living arrangement.

    For questions about tenant rights, financial obligations, or legal protections in Florida — we recommend:

    • Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service — floridabar.org

    • Bay Area Legal Services — (813) 232-1343 — free legal help for eligible Tampa Bay residents

    • Florida Legal Services — floridalegal.org

    Lily is not a financial advisor, real estate broker, or legal service. Nothing on this platform constitutes financial or legal advice.

Membership Fees

  • Every Host goes through Lily's multi-step verification process before any introduction is facilitated. We take this seriously because the safety and comfort of every Guest in our network depends on it.

    Step 1 — Background Screening All Hosts complete a background screening through TransUnion — our trusted third-party provider. This is required before any Host is approved for membership.

    Step 2 — Space Accuracy Submission Hosts submit a self-recorded video tour and timestamped photos of their space — including the private bedroom, shared areas, kitchen, and bathroom. Lily reviews every submission for completeness and consistency with the Host's profile.

    Step 3 — Space Accuracy Certification Every Host signs Lily's Space Accuracy Certification — a formal declaration confirming that their submission accurately represents their space and meets Lily's community safety standards. Hosts who misrepresent their space are removed from the platform.

    Step 4 — Authorization Confirmation Hosts confirm they have the legal authority to share their space — whether as an owner or with appropriate permission. Lily does not verify title or ownership documents — this confirmation is made by the Host as part of their membership declaration.

    Step 5 — Compatibility Assessment Hosts complete Lily's compatibility assessment covering lifestyle, habits, household preferences, and values. This assessment forms the foundation of every introduction Lily facilitates.

    Only Hosts who complete all five steps are approved for membership and considered for introductions.

    Lily's verification process is a platform quality and membership standard — not a property inspection, habitability assessment, or real estate service. Guests are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult appropriate professionals before entering any shared living arrangement.

  • Absolutely! We require a video call (or in-person meeting) before any lease is signed. You'll meet the Host, see the space, ask questions, and get a feel for compatibility. No commitment required until you're both ready.

  • Trust your gut. If something feels off during the video call or meeting, decline the match. We'll make more introductions. Your safety is our top priority. We will provide you with helpful questions to understand your host better.

  • We understand that even the most compatible shared living arrangement can hit unexpected bumps. Here's exactly what to do:

    Compatibility or household issue: Start by communicating directly with your Host using your Shared Living Agreement as a guide. If that hasn't worked — contact us at support@thelilypadinitiative.com. We can refer you to a professional mediator who specializes in shared living situations.

    Lily does not mediate disputes between members directly.

    Safety concern: Your safety always comes first.

    If you are in immediate danger — call 911 first. Contact Lily second.

    For non-emergency concerns — behavior that makes you uncomfortable, boundary violations, or situations that feel wrong — contact our support team immediately. You will be taken seriously and you will have options.

    If the arrangement isn't the right fit:

    Lily's 30-Day Promise exists for exactly this situation. If a shared living arrangement isn't working during the first 30 days, contact our support team at support@thelilypadinitiative.com and we will support you through next steps and facilitate new introductions within our network subject to availability.

    After 30 days — reach out regardless. We will always respond to a member who needs support.

    Financial obligations during any notice period are governed by the Shared Living Agreement you signed independently with your Host. Lily is not a party to that agreement and cannot advise on its terms. Please consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Safety & Vetting

  • Lily's introduction process is built on one principle: quality over quantity. We don't send you a list of options and leave you to sort through strangers. We take the time to understand who you are and facilitate introductions only when there is genuine compatibility.

    Here's how it works:

    Your compatibility assessment captures your lifestyle, habits, values, schedule, household preferences, and what matters most to you in a shared living environment. We cross-reference your assessment with our verified Host network and identify women whose living styles genuinely align with yours.

    When a compatible Host is identified, Lily facilitates a personal introduction. You receive information about her and her space. She receives information about you. Both of you review independently and decide whether you'd like to connect further via Zoom.

    You are never pressured to proceed with any introduction. The decision is always yours.

  • Yes, always. Lily facilitates introductions but never makes housing decisions on your behalf. Every introduction is a starting point and not a directive.

    After a Zoom conversation with a Host, both women independently decide whether they'd like to move forward. If you feel it isn't the right fit, simply let Lily's support team know and we will continue working toward a better introduction for you.

    No explanation required. No pressure. Ever.

  • That's completely okay, and it happens. Compatibility on paper doesn't always translate to a real-life connection. That's exactly why Lily builds the decision into the process rather than assuming every introduction will work.

    If an introduction doesn't feel right:

    • Let Lily's support team know at support@thelilypadinitiative.com

    • No explanation is required

    • Lily will continue the introduction process on your behalf

    • Your background screening remains valid for 12 months — no repeat fee

    If you've already moved in and the arrangement isn't working, Lily's 30-Day Promise covers you. Visit our resources page for full details.

    Please note: Lily cannot guarantee the availability or timing of introductions. Our network is growing and introductions depend on compatible Host availability at any given time.

  • You can absolutely share your neighborhood or location preferences in your compatibility assessment and we take those preferences seriously.

    However, Lily cannot guarantee introductions in specific neighborhoods. Our network is growing across Tampa Bay and introduction availability depends on verified Host locations at any given time.

    The more flexible your location preferences, the faster and more plentiful your introductions are likely to be. The more specific, the more patient you may need to be while we identify the right fit in your preferred area.

    We will always be transparent with you about what's available.

The Introduction Process

  • Yes. Every Lilypad Guest always gets a private bedroom. Bathrooms may be private or shared, depending on the home - this will be clearly stated in the listing.

  • Not at all — and there's no right or wrong answer here. Some Guests and Hosts naturally become friends and enjoy shared meals or evenings together. Others prefer a friendly but independent arrangement. Both are completely valid.

    Your lifestyle preferences are captured in your compatibility assessment so Lily can facilitate introductions with Hosts whose expectations align with yours. You'll also have the opportunity to discuss this directly during your Zoom conversation before making any decision.

  • You'll always know upfront. If a Host has pets, that information is included in her profile before any introduction is facilitated.

    If you have allergies, a fear of animals, or simply prefer a pet-free environment, note this in your compatibility assessment and Lily will only facilitate introductions with Hosts whose homes are pet-free.

  • Every introduction includes clear information about which spaces are shared: kitchen, living room, bathrooms, laundry, and outdoor areas. Shared space expectations are also covered in Lily's Shared Living Agreement template, which we encourage all members to complete together before move-in.

  • Every Host is required to provide their Guest with dedicated storage space for personal belongings as part of Lily's Space Accuracy Certification. Specific storage arrangements vary by home and will be communicated before your introduction is facilitated.

  • Guest and visitor policies vary by Host and are discussed during your Zoom conversation. Expectations around overnight guests, daytime visitors, and significant others are also covered in Lily's Shared Living Agreement template. We strongly encourage both parties to align on this before move-in.

    Lily does not set or enforce visitor policies between members. These are independent agreements between Host and Guest.

  • Lily welcomes applications from women in all life situations, including single mothers.

    Here's what you need to know:

    Shared living arrangements involving children require both Host and Guest to be fully aligned on expectations before move-in. Not every Host in our network has a space or lifestyle suited for children, and that's okay. Part of Lily's compatibility process is identifying which Hosts are genuinely open to and enthusiastic about welcoming a child into their home.

    In your compatibility assessment you'll have the opportunity to share that you have children, their ages, and any relevant needs. Lily will only facilitate introductions with Hosts whose space, lifestyle, and preferences are genuinely compatible with your family situation.

    We want to be honest with you: our network is growing and introductions for Guests with children may take longer as we identify the right Host fit. We will always be transparent about availability.

    Lily does not discriminate on the basis of familial status or any other protected characteristic. All members are evaluated on compatibility , never on the basis of protected class.

Living Arrangements

Shared Living Arrangements & Your Rights

  • Furnishing varies by Host. Some Hosts offer fully furnished bedrooms — bed, dresser, and storage included. Others offer unfurnished spaces. This information is clearly communicated in the Host's profile before any introduction is facilitated so you know exactly what to expect.

    If furnishing is important to you, please note it in your compatibility assessment and Lily will take it into account.

  • Each listing specifies parking availability (driveway, street, garage, etc.). Make sure to ask about this during your video call if it's important to you.

  • Internet and WiFi arrangements vary by Host and are discussed during the Zoom conversation. Some Hosts include WiFi as part of the shared household arrangement. Others may handle it differently. This is one of the practical details we encourage both parties to clarify and include in their Shared Living Agreement before move-in.

    Lily does not determine what is or isn't included in any shared living arrangement. All household arrangements are agreed upon independently between Host and Guest.

  • Yes. Every Guest has full access to the kitchen for meal preparation unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon by both parties during the Zoom conversation. Kitchen schedules, food storage arrangements, and shared pantry preferences are covered in Lily's Shared Living Agreement template. We encourage all members to align on these details before move-in.

  • Laundry arrangements vary by home: in-unit washer and dryer, shared laundry, or nearby laundromat. This information is included in the Host's profile before any introduction is facilitated. If in-unit laundry is important to you, please note it in your compatibility assessment.

  • Lily encourages a minimum six-month commitment for all shared living arrangements. This gives both Host and Guest genuine stability and time to build a comfortable, functional living dynamic.

    Some members choose to extend their arrangement to twelve months or beyond, and we love seeing that.

    The specific duration of any shared living arrangement is agreed upon independently between Host and Guest and documented in their Shared Living Agreement. Lily does not set, enforce, or manage the terms of that agreement.

    If you have questions about the legal implications of your specific arrangement. We encourage you to consult a qualified Florida attorney before signing any agreement.

  • Life changes and Lily understands that.

    During your first 30 days: Lily's 30-Day Promise covers you. Contact our support team at support@thelilypadinitiative.com and we will support you through the exit process and facilitate new introductions within our network subject to availability.

    After 30 days: Your move-out obligations are governed by the Shared Living Agreement you signed independently with your Host, not by Lily. We strongly encourage all members to review their agreement carefully before signing so early exit terms are clear from the start.

    Lily's support team is always available to provide mediator referrals and resources, but we are not able to advise on or arbitrate financial obligations between members.

    For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified Florida attorney. Bay Area Legal Services offers free legal assistance to eligible Tampa Bay residents at (813) 232-1343.

  • Lily understands this is a stressful and potentially frightening situation. Here is what we can and cannot do:

    What Lily can do:

    • Provide immediate referrals to professional mediators

    • Prioritize a new introduction within our network subject to availability

    • Connect you with legal resource organizations in Tampa Bay

    • Support you through our exit process

    What Lily cannot do:

    • Intervene in or arbitrate disputes between Host and Guest

    • Advise on your legal rights or obligations under your Shared Living Agreement

    • Manage, enforce, or override any agreement between members

    Your rights in this situation depend entirely on the terms of your Shared Living Agreement and applicable Florida law. We strongly encourage you to:

    1. Review your Shared Living Agreement immediately

    2. Contact a qualified Florida attorney for guidance specific to your situation

    3. Contact Lily's support team for mediator referrals and next steps

    If you are in immediate danger — call 911 first. Contact Lily second.

    Free legal resources available to Tampa Bay residents: