Q: What are Sparrow's fees?

For Hosts: We don't benefit until we've delivered for you. List your space and create a profile for FREE. We charge our service fee only after you've received the first rental payment from your housemate. The host service fee is a one-time fee ranging from 1/2 - 1 month's rent, depending on the length of your homeshare contract. 4 - 5 month term length = 1/2 month's rent fee 6 - 9 month term length = 3/4 month's rent fee 10 - 12 month term length = 1 month's rent fee This service fee will be invoiced to you after you have signed your homeshare contract and received first rental payment from your housemate. For Housemates: There are no Sparrow service fees for housemates.

Question 1

Where is Sparrow operating?

Accepted Answer

Sparrow is currently operating all across Canada, coast to coast. If you’d like to bring Sparrow to your neighbourhood, let us know at hello@sparrowshare.com

Question 2

How does Sparrow safeguard member data?

Accepted Answer

Our member’s safety and security are top priorities for us. We use physical, electronic, and administrative measures designed to secure member’s personal information from accidental loss and from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.

Question 3

Can I still homeshare during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, however, if you decide to homeshare, we encourage you to make that decision based on your personal comfort levels. At Sparrow, the health and well-being of our community is our top priority and we believe in following best practices for physical distancing and hygiene. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide the support you need to safely and confidently do so.

Question 4

What are Sparrow's fees?

Accepted Answer

For Hosts:

We don't benefit until we've delivered for you. List your space and create a profile for FREE. We charge our service fee only after you've received the first rental payment from your housemate.

The host service fee is a one-time fee ranging from 1/2 - 1 month's rent, depending on the length of your homeshare contract.

4 - 5 month term length = 1/2 month's rent fee 6 - 9 month term length = 3/4 month's rent fee 10 - 12 month term length = 1 month's rent fee

This service fee will be invoiced to you after you have signed your homeshare contract and received first rental payment from your housemate.

For Housemates:

There are no Sparrow service fees for housemates.

Question 5

Is a homeshare agreement the same as a rental lease?

Accepted Answer

While regulations may vary across provinces and territories, the nature of a homesharing arrangement constitutes a living accommodation in which a housemate shares a bathroom or kitchen facility with the host. For example, pursuant to the Residential Tenancy Act (Ontario), the residential tenancy laws and regulations of Ontario do not apply to the agreement as it would in a landlord and tenant relationship.

Question 6

How do I create my Sparrow account?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy! Follow this link to register for an account. All you need is an email and password to create your Sparrow account.

Question 7

How do I price my room for rent?

Accepted Answer

The average room rental will vary depending on a number of factors such as location, utilities, amenities, and other features in your home. Once you create a listing, Sparrow will work with you to provide guidance on a fair room price in comparison to the market.

Question 8

What is task help?

Accepted Answer

The average room rental will vary depending on a number of factors such as location, utilities, amenities, and other features in your home. Once you create a listing, Sparrow will work with you to provide guidance on a fair room price in comparison to the market.

Question 9

What if I don’t have photos of my home?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t have photos ready, you can skip that step until you are able to have them done. We strongly recommend adding images to your listing that best showcase the property and available room as this will help drive more interest in your listing and allow for a higher quality match.

If you need assistance with creating and uploading images to your listing, just reach out to our team, and we will be glad to help you.

Question 10

How do I make my listing attractive to prospective housemates?

Accepted Answer

Having a complete listing will make it more attractive to prospective housemates. Ensure that your listing includes a title, description, photographs and details about the common areas.

Don’t forget to include information about storage space, parking and included furniture. Last but not least, other factors like the rent price and property location will influence a prospective housemate’s interest in your listing.

Question 11

What is a homesharing agreement and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A homesharing agreement governs the terms of the relationship between the host and housemate. A positive homesharing experience begins with clear, transparent, and honest communication upfront.

Sparrow provides a customizable homeshare agreement template as a service for you to tailor for your needs. This includes elements such as the term and termination, rent and deposit, bedroom and common living areas details, house rules and household chore support.

As a host, once you accept a housemate application, you will be prompted to fill out the homeshare agreement. After you fill and sign, it will then be sent to the housemate for their review and signature.

Question 12

Does Sparrow perform background checks?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the safety of members in our community, all members must have their identity verified through our user verification process before they’re able to view listings or engage with other members. Before signing a homeshare agreement, members may request a credit and background check on their housemate/host for a one-time fee of $29.99.

Question 13

How long does it take to find a match?

Accepted Answer

On average, it can take a few weeks to find the right match. There are many factors that influence how long it can take such as the price and location of your listing, as well as compatibility with potential housemates.

Question 14

Does my room need to be furnished?

Accepted Answer

No, your room can be listed as furnished or unfurnished.

Question 15

Do I need to provide meals to my housemate?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to provide meals to your housemate or include in the rent.

Question 16

What are the requirements to rent a spare bedroom?

Accepted Answer

You must be over the legal age of 18 to rent a spare bedroom.

Question 17

Do I get to meet the host before moving in?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend meeting the host either via video conference or in-person prior to moving in.

Question 18

How does Sparrow compatibility matching work?

Accepted Answer

Sparrow uses a proprietary match scoring system that factors in your interests, habits, and lifestyle to ensure we recommend high-quality matches.

Question 19

What is a homesharing agreement and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A homesharing agreement governs the terms of the relationship between the host and housemate. A positive homesharing experience begins with clear, transparent, and honest communication upfront.

Sparrow provides a customizable homeshare agreement template as a service for you to tailor for your needs. This includes elements such as the term and termination, rent and deposit, bedroom and common living areas details, house rules and household chore support.

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