Boston Business Journal recently reported on proposed Massachusetts legislation that would create a legal framework for "homesharing," an arrangement in which homeowners rent out a room to another person, often at a reduced rate in exchange for help with household tasks.
BlueHub Capital CEO Elyse Cherry spoke with the Journal about the bill, which she described as "primarily an economic development bill." Cherry pointed to Massachusetts' ongoing affordability challenges as a key driver behind the proposal, noting that more than 33,000 residents left the state between 2024 and 2025 for places with more available housing, and that around 500,000 bedrooms across Massachusetts currently sit unoccupied.
Homesharing, Cherry said, offers a way to make use of that existing housing stock, pairing older adults who want to remain in their homes with younger workers looking for more affordable options. The proposed bill would require formal homesharing agreements outlining payment, tasks and shared spaces, and would direct the state to establish related safety and enforcement regulations.
The article also outlines concerns raised by critics, including questions about labor protections and tenant safeguards, as well as examples of homeshare programs already operating in Maine, Oregon and Vermont.
Read the full article in the Boston Business Journal.