Frequently Asked Questions:

For Hosts

  • The $99 Founding Host fee covers your onboarding into the Lily network, including:

    • profile activation

    • compatibility assessment

    • access to curated introductions

    • host onboarding resources

    • Founding Host benefits and priority status during launch

    Background screening fees are paid separately through trusted third-party providers such as TransUnion.

  • Founding Hosts are joining Lily during our launch phase and helping shape the early community.

    As a thank-you for joining early, Founding Hosts receive special launch pricing and future Founder benefits not available after launch.

    Founding pricing is limited and available only to a small number of approved hosts.

  • Hosts apply first at no cost.

    After application approval, verification completion, and profile onboarding, approved hosts may activate their Founding Host membership to begin receiving curated introductions.

    This helps ensure Lily remains a vetted, intentional network.

  • No.

    Founding Hosts pay a one-time onboarding and membership activation fee during launch.

    There are currently no monthly subscription fees.

    Future membership models may vary as Lily grows.


  • No. Lily is not a listing platform. Your space is never posted publicly or searchable by the general public. As a private membership network, Lily facilitates introductions only between verified, approved members. Your home and personal information remain private throughout the process.

  • Listing platforms show your space to anyone who searches. Lily works differently. We are a private concierge matching network — every member is verified before they ever enter our community. Rather than fielding random inquiries from strangers, you receive curated introductions to women whose compatibility with your lifestyle has already been assessed. Think of it less like posting an ad and more like being introduced by a trusted friend who has already done the vetting.

Getting Started

  • Every Guest goes through:

    (1) Background check (criminal history, eviction history) via TransUnion SmartMove

    (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)

    (5) Video call with you before any commitment.

  • Absolutely. We send you 2-3 intorductions. You can 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.

  • Lily is a matching and introduction platform. We are not a property manager, landlord, or mediator. We are not responsible for property damage, household disputes, or outcomes of shared living arrangements. We encourage all members to address household concerns directly using the communication guidelines in their Living Arrangement Agreement. For property damage, members should contact their insurance provider and seek appropriate legal advice.

  • 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.

  • The Space Accuracy Certification is Lily's standard for ensuring every Host profile honestly and accurately represents the space being shared.

    Before any introduction is facilitated, every Host signs Lily's Space Accuracy Certification: a formal declaration confirming that:

    • Their submitted photos and video accurately represent the space as it exists today

    • The space meets Lily's community safety standards including working locks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detector

    • All shared spaces, private bedroom, storage, and amenities are as described in their profile

    • Any changes to the space will be communicated to Lily promptly

    The Space Accuracy Certification exists to protect every Guest in our network. A Host who misrepresents their space in any way is in violation of Lily's Community Standards and subject to immediate removal from the platform.

    The Space Accuracy Certification 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 before entering any shared living arrangement.

  • Space verification is a straightforward two-part process completed during Host membership onboarding.

    Part 1 — Photo and Video Submission

    You'll receive a link to Lily's dedicated Dropbox submission folder after your application is approved. You'll be asked to upload:

    • A self-recorded video tour of your space walking through the private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living areas, and any other shared spaces

    • Timestamped photos of each room included in your submission

    • Photos of any outdoor spaces, parking, laundry, or storage areas relevant to your listing

    A few tips for a strong submission:

    • Record in good natural lighting

    • Show the space as it actually is (not staged or tidied beyond its normal state)

    • Be thorough. The more complete your submission, the faster your review

    • Label your photos clearly: Bedroom, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room, etc.

    • Submissions that don't accurately reflect the space will be returned for resubmission

    Part 2 — Space Accuracy Certification

    Once your submission is received, you'll complete Lily's Space Accuracy Certification: a digital declaration confirming your submission is accurate and your space meets Lily's community safety standards.

    Your membership is activated for introductions only after both parts are complete and reviewed by Lily's support team.

    Questions about your submission? Contact support@thelilypadinitiative.com with subject line: SPACE VERIFICATION

Safety & Vetting

  • Absolutely. During your application and compatibility assessment, you'll tell us: preferred 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.

  • Introductions begin after all of the following are complete:

    • ✅ Application approved

    • ✅ Background verification completed through our third-party provider

    • ✅ Compatibility assessment submitted

    • ✅ Listing verification call completed

    • ✅ Founding Host membership activated

    We move through this process as efficiently as possible. Our goal is to get every Host to their first introduction quickly, while making sure every introduction is genuinely worth your time.

  • 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.

Our Introduction Process

  • ItWe strongly recommend it. Lily provides a Living Arrangement Agreement template as a complimentary resource for all members. This template covers household expectations, shared spaces, communication, and more. It is designed to support a smooth and respectful living arrangement between both parties. Please note this template is a resource only and does not constitute legal advice. Members are encouraged to consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to their situation.em description

  • Lily does not set, suggest, or advise on pricing or financial contribution arrangements between members. As a compatibility and introductions platform, our role is to connect women whose lifestyles, values, and living preferences align — not to facilitate financial negotiations.

    Financial arrangements between Hosts and Guests are determined independently by both parties and are outside the scope of Lily's platform.

    For guidance on shared living financial arrangements we recommend:

    • Consulting a qualified local attorney familiar with shared housing in your area

    • Reviewing resources from HUD.gov — the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    • Speaking with a local financial advisor

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

  • 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.

Living Arrangements

  • Lily's compatibility process is designed to make every introduction as well-matched as possible, but we understand that sometimes things don't work out as expected. If a shared living arrangement is not working, members may submit a Re-Match Request through our platform. Lily will make every effort to facilitate a new introduction as promptly as possible. Please note that re-matching is not guaranteed and timelines cannot be promised. One complimentary re-match is included for Founding Members.

  • Yes to both. Founding Hosts may re-list their space after a Guest's departure, at no additional membership fee, as long as Founder status is maintained. Founder status is maintained by upholding Lily's Community Standards and receiving satisfactory departure reviews. If you need to pause your membership for any reason, simply contact our support team. We understand life changes and we want Lily to work for you long term.

  • As a Lily Host you agree to:

    • Represent yourself and your space honestly throughout the membership process

    • Maintain your space in the condition presented during your listing verification call

    • Uphold Lily's Community Standards in all interactions with your Guest

    • Communicate openly and respectfully with your housemate

    • Participate in Lily's check-in process during your shared living arrangement

    • Treat every woman in the Lily community with dignity and respect

    Lily's full Community Standards are available on our resources page and form part of every Host membership agreement.

Ongoing Support

  • Yes. Lily's women-only membership policy is legally supported under the Fair Housing Act's shared living exemptions, which have been consistently upheld by federal courts for roommate matching and shared home arrangements. The landmark federal case Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley v. Roommates.com confirmed that compatibility-based roommate matching services are not subject to Fair Housing Act liability for sex-based membership criteria when the underlying housing arrangement involves residents sharing a home and common spaces.

    Lily also operates as a genuinely private membership network rather than a public housing marketplace, which places it in a different legal category than platforms open to all applicants.

    We are proud to serve women exclusively and we stand firmly behind the legal basis for that mission.

  • Lily does not facilitate rentals, lease negotiations, or financial arrangements between members. Our role is limited to verifying members and facilitating compatible introductions. Any shared living arrangement, including financial terms, is made independently between members. We encourage you to consult a qualified local attorney or advisor to understand what applies to your specific situation and location.

  • Insurance needs vary based on individual circumstances, property type, and location. Lily is not an insurance provider and does not offer guidance on coverage. We encourage all Hosts to review their existing homeowner's or renter's insurance policy and speak with their insurance provider about any coverage questions related to shared living before activating their membership.

  • Some mortgages and HOA agreements include provisions that may affect shared living arrangements. Lily is not able to advise on the terms of your mortgage, HOA, or any other property agreements. We encourage you to review your documents and consult the appropriate professionals before joining as a Host. Lily's role begins after you have confirmed that shared living is appropriate for your situation.

  • Your $50,000 homestead exemption stays in place, renting out a room doesn't take that away. What changes is Florida's 3% assessment cap, the rule that limits how much your home's taxable value can go up each year. That cap still applies to the portion of your home you live in, but the portion you rent out gets assessed differently, and could see roughly a 10% increase on that portion's assessed value, rather than the standard 3%.

    In practical terms, this usually means a modest increase in your annual property tax bill, tied specifically to the square footage or share of the home being rented, not the whole property.

    Every county handles this a little differently, so before listing a room, we recommend calling your county property appraiser's office directly. They can walk you through your specific numbers and, if needed, send you the form to update your homestead exemption status, which is also available to file online in most counties.

Legal & Insurance

  • 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.


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