Swipe Right: Maine Adopting a Unique Way to Match Renters and Landlords

Are you familiar with today's online dating scene?

Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Match, etc. have this system where singles swipe left (indicating not interested) or right (indicating they are interested) until a match is made.

This easy system that sets matches up for you is soon to be used in Maine for finding rooms to rent for those looking.

According to a Maine News Center article, "Instead of romance, though, the program would pair Mainers—often young—searching for an increasingly rare affordable place to stay, with older homeowners living with an empty nest, room to spare, and a need for more income."

This is a really unique opportunity in a CRAZY housing market.

Renting is nearly as expensive as owning now, making finding affordable housing nearly impossible.

The program, which is only in a pilot phase, is being run by the Boston-based Nesterly. "The deal pays Nesterly $200,000 to carry the load, including all background checks and other vetting," according to Maine New Center. "At the end of 2024, MaineHousing will review results."

Maine is combating the housing crisis with a win-win situation.

Instead of having to find their own roommates, dividing the number of rooms with people in the house, and figuring out how to afford a house to rent for $2,800 a month, single renters can find a house with people already there that meet their wants.

All for a fraction of the cost.

I said it was a win-win for a reason. Obviously, this is a great deal for the renters, but it also benefits the homeowners in a different way.

"Loneliness is a big deal in the older population in Maine; and, also, allowing people to stay in their homes as they age into their older years," said MaineHousing director Dan Brennan to New Center Maine. "These things are very important and very serious."

Paul Armstrong, a 64-year-old disabled Palermo resident testified in favor of O'Neil's bill and planned to soon offer a room, along with views of Katahdin and Mt. Washington on clear days, for a reasonable rent and a little help in the garden.

"These winters are long," he said, during a Wednesday Zoom interview from his home. "I live alone with my two dogs... I think having company would be great," said Armstrong.

What do you think of this idea to combat rising rent prices all over the country?

I personally think this is brilliant for all parties - homeowners and single renters in Maine.