Roomer

A roomer is an individual who rents a room in a house or apartment from the owner or head tenant, often sharing common areas like the kitchen and living room. This arrangement typically involves a written or verbal agreement specifying rent, duration, and any house rules. Roomers differ from tenants in that they usually do not have exclusive use of the entire property, and the owner/landlord often lives in the same dwelling. The term emphasizes the transient nature of the agreement, although some roomer situations can become long-term. Unlike lodgers, roomers have specific rights and responsibilities which vary depending on their location.

Roomer meaning with examples

• After college graduation, Sarah couldn't afford her own apartment, so she became a roomer in a house near her new job. She shared the kitchen and living room with three other roomers, and the rent was significantly cheaper than a studio apartment. She was responsible for cleaning up after herself and adhering to the house rules regarding noise and visitors.
• Mr. Jones decided to rent out the spare bedroom in his house to a roomer to supplement his retirement income. He placed an advertisement, carefully screening potential roomers to ensure they were responsible and considerate. The roomer would have access to the common areas, but Mr. Jones maintained ultimate control over the property and managed maintenance and utilities.
• The university student decided to be a roomer for the duration of the term. After finding a suitable home, she read the contract carefully to learn the rules and expectations for the roomer. Though she rented a room, she made sure to comply with the building's security policies and always locked the door, and always paid on time to maintain a good relationship with the homeowner.
• Due to a difficult economic time, John sought a roomer arrangement. He placed an ad online. The roomer understood that he was not a tenant, but merely paid rent to occupy a room, sharing the kitchen and bathroom. The roomer was expected to respect the property and his belongings, so it was a good match overall.