Frequently Asked Questions:

For Hosts

Getting Started

  • Fill out our free application form. If approved, you'll pay the one-time $99 Founding Host fee, complete a background check, do a virtual home tour with us, and upload photos of your space. Once verified, we'll start matching you with compatible Guests. The whole process should take 1-2 weeks.

  • Everything. Background verification for you and all potential Guests, advanced compatibility matching, virtual home tour and approval, legal agreement templates, move-in coordination, ongoing support, and lifetime Founding Host benefits. This is a one-time fee - no monthly charges ever.

  • We're launching in Tampa Bay and want to work closely with our first 20 Hosts. You're helping us prove the model, and in return, you get lifetime Founding Host pricing and benefits. After these 20 spots fill, the regular premium price will be $399.

  • No. The $99 is one-time. You collect rent directly from your Guest ($600-1,200/month depending on your arrangement). Lilypad doesn't take a cut of your monthly rent or charge you ongoing fees.


Safety & Vetting

  • Every Guest goes through: (1) Background check (criminal history, eviction history), (2) Income verification (we confirm they can afford the rent), (3) Reference checks (previous landlords or personal references), (4) Compatibility assessment (lifestyle, cleanliness, schedule, values), and (5) Video call with you before any commitment.

  • Absolutely. We send you 2-3 compatible matches. You review their profiles, meet them via video call, and choose who (if anyone) you want to host. You have complete control. No pressure to accept anyone you're not comfortable with.

  • Your rental agreement includes terms for either party to terminate with proper notice (typically 30 days). We also provide ongoing support - if issues arise, we'll help mediate and find solutions. Most conflicts can be resolved with clear communication, which we help facilitate.

  • Your rental agreement should include a security deposit (we recommend 1 month's rent). This covers damages beyond normal wear and tear. You handle deposit collection and return just like any landlord-tenant relationship. We can provide template agreements that include standard damage clauses. We will also provide you with a Move-In/Move-Out checklist, to hlep doucment the condition of your home.

  • Yes. Every Guest must pass a background check before we'll match them with you. We look for any violent crimes, sex offenses, or recent evictions. We do consider applications on a case-by-case basis for minor or old offenses, but anything that would compromise your safety is an automatic disqualification.

Finances & Rent

  • Typical range in Tampa Bay is $600-1,200/month depending on: neighborhood, room size, private vs. shared bathroom, amenities (parking, utilities included, furnished), and whether it's standard rent or reduced rent + help arrangement. We'll help you price competitively based on your specific situation.

  • Yes! Many Hosts (especially retirees) offer $300-600/month rent in exchange for 10-15 hours/month of help with yard work, grocery runs, light housekeeping, tech assistance, etc. This must be clearly outlined in your written agreement. We'll help you structure this arrangement fairly.

  • You collect rent directly from your Guest however you prefer: check, Venmo, Zelle, direct deposit, cash. Lilypad is not involved in rent collection. You and your Guest work out payment method and schedule (typically 1st of the month).

  • Yes, you should have a written agreement. We provide template rental agreements you can customize. You can also use your own or have an attorney draft one. The agreement protects both you and your Guest by clearly outlining rent, house rules, termination terms, and expectations.

  • We recommend collecting a security deposit equal to one month's rent. You hold this deposit (in a separate account per Florida law) and return it within 30 days of move-out, minus any deductions for damages. This is standard landlord-tenant practice.

  • Yes, rental income is taxable. If you earn more than $600/year from hosting, you'll need to report it on your tax return. We're not tax advisors, so please consult an accountant about your specific situation. Some expenses (utilities, repairs, depreciation) may be deductible.

The Matching Process

  • Once you're verified as a Founding Host (1-2 weeks), we'll start matching you with Guests. Depending on your location, rent price, and requirements, you could be matched within days or it might take 4-6 weeks. We prioritize quality matches over speed.

  • Yes! We send you profiles of 2-6 compatible Guests. You review them, we schedule video calls, and you choose who you want to host. You have final say.

  • We'll keep looking. There's no pressure to accept a match you're not comfortable with. We'd rather take extra time to find the right fit than rush you into a bad situation.

  • Absolutely. During your application and compatibility assessment, you'll tell us: preferred age range, lifestyle preferences (quiet vs. social, clean vs. relaxed, early bird vs. night owl), deal-breakers (smoking, pets, overnight guests), and what you're hoping to get from the experience. We match based on compatibility, not just budget.

Living Arrangements

  • No. Some Hosts and Guests enjoy cooking and eating together occasionally; others prefer complete independence. You decide what works for you and communicate that upfront. There's no one-size-fits-all model.

  • That's completely normal and expected. Your Guest has their own private space (bedroom), and you have yours. You share common areas (kitchen, living room) but both parties are entitled to alone time and privacy. Clear communication about boundaries is key.

  • That's up to you. Some Hosts are fine with occasional overnight guests (with advance notice); others prefer not to allow it. Whatever your preference, it should be clearly stated in your house rules and rental agreement.

  • If you have pets, we'll match you with Guests who are comfortable with them. If your Guest wants to bring a pet, you decide whether to allow it (and whether to charge a pet deposit/fee). This should be discussed before move-in and included in your agreement.

Ongoing Support

  • We check in with both you and your Guest after 1 week, 1 month, and periodically thereafter to make sure things are going well. If any issues arise, we're here to help mediate and problem-solve. You're not in this alone.

  • Yes! Founding Hosts get lifetime re-matching at no additional fee. If your Guest moves out (for any reason) and you want to host again, just let us know and we'll match you with a new Guest. Non-Founding Hosts will pay a re-matching fee in the future, but you won't.

  • Of course. If you need time off (traveling, family visiting, personal reasons), just let us know. We'll pause your active status and won't send you matches. When you're ready to host again, we'll reactivate you.

Legal & Practical

  • In most cases, yes. Florida law generally allows homeowners to rent rooms in their primary residence. However, you should check: (1) Local zoning laws (some areas restrict rentals), (2) HOA rules (if applicable), (3) Your mortgage terms (some lenders restrict rentals), and (4) Insurance requirements (notify your homeowner's insurance). We recommend consulting with an attorney if unsure.

  • You should notify your homeowner's insurance that you're renting a room. Some insurers require additional coverage or a rider for rental activity. This protects you from liability. We're not insurance experts, so please consult your insurance agent.

  • Most mortgages allow you to rent a room in your primary residence, but some have restrictions. Check your mortgage documents or call your lender to confirm. If you're renting out your entire property (not living there), different rules may apply.

  • You're essentially acting as a landlord. You're responsible for: maintaining a safe, habitable space, making necessary repairs, following landlord-tenant laws, providing the space as agreed, and treating your Guest fairly. We provide resources and templates to help you navigate this.

Logistics

  • That's up to you. Some Hosts provide a furnished room (bed, dresser, nightstand); others rent unfurnished. Furnished rooms often command slightly higher rent. Decide what works for you and we'll match you with Guests looking for that arrangement.

  • Most Hosts include utilities (electric, water, internet) in the rent price for simplicity. Some split utilities based on usage. Decide your approach upfront and communicate it clearly. Including utilities often makes rent collection simpler.

  • This depends on your rental agreement and Florida law. Typically, month-to-month agreements require 30 days' notice from either party. If you have cause to evict (non-payment, lease violation), different timelines apply. Your rental agreement should specify notice periods.