Looking for a rent-free home on a lot of land?
For rent: Historic home surrounded by acres of land. First month's rent free. Also all subsequent months.
That's the deal for people in "an unusual program run by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust," as Andrea Siegel reports today. But they do need to shell out money in order to live rent-free in the homes DNR got as it acquired parkland:
In exchange for restoring the houses to rigorous national historic standards at an out-of-pocket expense that almost always reaches well beyond $100,000, the curators receive lifetime tenancy. ...
Supporters say the program is a cost-effective way to preserve historic houses - three are on the National Register of Historic Places and the others are eligible for that consideration - without taxpayer dollars. The state would never have enough money, they say, to restore the neglected and dilapidated buildings.
So not exactly free -- and not for anyone who shudders at the thought of a fixer-upper.
Have you come across other "free rent in exchange for work" situations?
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Comments
Owners of large farms usually employ people to work the land (caretakers) in exchange for housing. Nannies and domestic help can often be live-in or be offered a seperate housing option. On a lesser scale - home-sharing can be very helpful for elderly individuals who want to remain in their homes but need someone to help with cooking, cleaning, and errands in exchange for rent.
Posted by: NotableM | June 22, 2009 10:57 AM
The price seems to be "well beyond $100,000". They are currently asking for proposals on two properties, and requiring in excess of $200,000 for one and $175,000 for the other. Since you can't borrow the money, it means only people who don't need a free place to live can buy one.
Posted by: Bruce | June 23, 2009 2:49 PM
Maryland is not the only state that offers tenancies in exchange for historic preservation. I have found similar resident curatorship programs in Delaware and Massachusetts, back when I was posting housing opportunities on our website.
It is indeed correct that resident curators end up spending quite a sum of money while living in the home they 'sponsor'. These curators cannot pass the home down to an heir; it is distributed to another curator in the event of the curator's death. Despite non-ownership, curators are also responsible for covering property taxes and utilities. In some cases, however, you can run a business out of the home you're restoring and you might even be able to claim the money you put towards the restoration as a charitable gift on your income tax return. Check with a state tax professional to be sure what the rules are.
Posted by: Alison | June 30, 2009 8:28 PM