If you have a green thumb you might want to explore the possibility of becoming a gardener or caretaker for a large estate. Rather than pay for these services, many people would rather exchange a guesthouse or garage apartment to a trust-worthy tenant. Most gardening and care-taking positions don't require full-time, on-the-job care, so if you are a student or want to take other jobs to supplement your income, this is a perfect opportunity.

Additionally, many large apartment and condominium complexes require a live-in caretaker/maintenance person to handle small repairs, emergencies, and grounds keeping. In addition to receiving a free unit, they often pay a token salary. Depending on the size of the complex, this may require your services only part-time, leaving you free for other pursuits.

As many of us already know, apartment and condominium managers often receive free rent in exchange for their managing and maintenance duties. Again, these duties (showing vacancies, collecting rents, making minor repairs) usually require services only part-time, during the evenings or on weekends.

The following sources will get you on your way to living in a home rent-free. As you research these sources, you will discover additional sources that will land you that free home.

Apartment Manager and Caretaker Web Sites

Live Rent Free
Order the manual for the step by step process. Learn how it works because house sitters are in demand.

Caretaker Magazine
Sign up for the newsletter about care taking and property management. The publication is a bi-monthly magazine that contains property care taking/house sitting openings, advice and information for property caretakers, house sitters & landowners. Published since 1983, subscribers receive 600+ property care taking opportunities each year, worldwide. Some estate management positions start at $50K/yr + benefits. The cost of the publication per year is only $27.00. Visit the site provided and look at sample listings, rates, and articles for free.

Escape Artist
Free informative articles about property care-taking. It mentions a couple of facts that will motivate people into this kind of living.

No Fee Rent
Offers charts of apartments with locations and descriptions, contact information. Claims to have "No fee rent."