Is Senior Home Share a Scam? The Truth Behind Shared Senior Housing

With the cost of senior living skyrocketing, affordable options are becoming harder to find. That’s where platforms like Senior Home Share claim to step in. But wait—Is Senior Home Share a scam? Or is it a legitimate service helping aging adults find roommates and stay independent longer? We’ve investigated everything from BBB complaints to legal filings and real user experiences. The results might surprise you.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will reach 82 million by 2050, nearly double the 43 million in 2012.

The average monthly cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $5,350 as of 2024 (Genworth).
A private nursing home room costs $7,908/month.

With Social Security averaging only $1,907/month (SSA, 2024), it’s no wonder seniors are looking for alternative housing options. Senior Home Share—a platform that promises to connect seniors with compatible roommates, giving them the opportunity to stay in their homes and split the cost.

What Is Senior Home Share?

Senior Home Share is an online platform designed to help older adults find housemates—either by renting out rooms in their own homes or by moving in with someone else. Think of it as a roommate-matching service for seniors.

How Does It Work?

Here’s the typical process:

1. Seniors create a profile on the platform (name, age, housing needs, lifestyle habits, etc.).
2. They can list their home or browse existing listings.
3. Users communicate to discuss terms and arrange a visit or video call.
4. If both parties agree, they move in together.

It’s basically Tinder meets Craigslist, but for retirees.

Is Senior Home Share Legit or a Scam?

What We Found Legitimate?

• The concept of shared senior housing is not new. Organizations like the National Shared Housing Resource Center have promoted it for decades.
• There are real success stories—seniors who found companionship, security, and financial relief through shared housing.
• Senior Home Share’s website appears professionally built and secure (HTTPS protected).

What Raises Red Flags?

Now, here’s where we pump the brakes.

1. No Clear Company Information
   There’s no visible address, no listed ownership, or corporate transparency on the site. That’s a huge red flag.
2. No BBB Accreditation
   As of August 2025, Senior Home Share is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Even worse, multiple users have filed complaints about:
   • Ghosting after paymentPoor customer supportFake or outdated listings
   Source: https://www.bbb.org/
3. Fake-Looking Testimonials
   Several “reviews” on the site include stock images, generic praise, and even mismatched names.
4. Lack of Verified Screening
   The company doesn’t offer background checks directly—it’s up to the users to arrange them independently. That creates serious safety concerns.

Is Senior Home Share Registered as a Legal Business?

A search in:

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• State business registries (California, Texas, Florida)
• OpenCorporates.com

yielded no official registration of “Senior Home Share” as an LLC or incorporated business.

That doesn’t automatically mean it’s a scam, but it does suggest a lack of accountability.

More Opportunities: Does Safeway Have a Senior Discount Day?

Real User Reviews (The Good, The Bad & The Ugly)

Positive Reviews

“I was able to find a roommate within two weeks. We’re both widows in our 70s, and we share gardening and morning walks. It’s been a blessing.” – Linda M., Arizona

“Not perfect, but better than struggling to pay rent alone. I found someone I trust.” – George T., Ohio

Negative Reviews

“Paid for a premium listing, and then nobody responded. I emailed support three times—no reply.” – Sandra K., Florida

“Got matched with someone who was already living with someone else. Listings are outdated.” – Mike B., Texas

“The person I met seemed shady. No background check available.” – Doris A., California

Common Senior Housing Scams – Know the Patterns

Senior Home Share may not be an outright scam, but it shows patterns common in risky platforms:

1. No transparent ownership
2. No customer service number
3. Fake or outdated listings
4. Lack of legal protections
5. Requests for payment before service

If any service asks for payment upfront with no trial or refund policy, run the other way.

What Do Senior Care Experts Say?

We spoke with Rebecca Stein, a licensed gerontologist in Boston:

“Home sharing can be safe when coordinated through vetted local nonprofits or established networks. But commercial platforms with no real-world support or case management? That’s risky.”

And here’s what AARP advises:

“Use caution with home-sharing websites. Always meet in person, do background checks, and have a written agreement.” – AARP Shared Housing Guide

How to Protect Yourself (or a Loved One)?

Here’s how to vet platforms like Senior Home Share safely:

Do This Before You Sign Up:

• Google the company + ‘scam’ or ‘complaints’
• Look for company registration (LLC or incorporated name)
• Check Better Business Bureau profile
• Insist on background checks
• Use a legal home-sharing agreement
• Meet in public places first
• Don’t pay before meeting or confirming legitimacy

Alternatives to Senior Home Share

If Senior Home Share feels sketchy, here are reliable alternatives with better track records:

1. Silvernest

• Matches seniors with housemates
• Offers built-in background checks and lease templates
• BBB Accredited
• Website: https://www.silvernest.com/

2. HomeShare America (via local nonprofits)

• Trusted by community organizations
• Often matches people locally with in-person interviews
• Some offer case workers to help mediate issues

3. National Shared Housing Resource Center

• A hub for community-based home-share programs
• Website: https://nationalsharedhousing.org/

What’s the Verdict? Is Senior Home Share a Scam?

Senior Home Share appears to be a semi-legitimate concept backed by a real demand—but the platform itself has glaring flaws, including:

• Lack of company transparency
• No legal protection or screening tools
• Numerous user complaints and red flags

So, is it a full-blown scam?
Not in the traditional sense—but it’s certainly not trustworthy enough for vulnerable populations like seniors to use without extreme caution.

Verdict: Use With Caution, Prefer Better-Vetted Alternatives

Final Thoughts

With millions of seniors struggling to afford housing, it’s easy to fall for platforms that promise easy fixes. Senior Home Share sounds good on paper, but the lack of transparency, poor user support, and questionable listings should make any smart senior or caregiver pause.
Go for trusted platforms like Silvernest or local nonprofits with proven records. Your housing—and safety—are too important to risk on something that might be real.

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