The innovative platform allows tenants to trade services like dog-sitting and driving lessons for affordable housing in the capital.

With the average rent in London now surpassing £2,500 per month, many tenants are looking for new ways to secure affordable accommodation. Kindroom, a unique house-share platform, is offering a solution where Londoners can trade their skills for a place to stay, offering services such as babysitting, dog-sitting, and even driving lessons in exchange for low-cost or free rent.

Leena Taylor, 35, faced a difficult housing situation after her relationship ended, forcing her to move back in with her mother in Romford. Unable to afford the high rent in London and struggling to find a suitable house share, Taylor discovered Kindroom, which led her to a solution that worked for her. She found a place with Philip, who offered his spare room in exchange for help caring for his dog, Cariad. Taylor not only saved money on rent and bills but also enjoyed a fulfilling relationship with her new furry companion.

Kindroom was founded by Bernard Darko, who came up with the idea during the pandemic when his childcare website failed to gain funding. Having faced his own struggles with paying rent, Darko realised there was potential for a barter system in the housing market. Unlike traditional house shares, Kindroom allows tenants to exchange their skills with property owners, creating an affordable option for those who may be priced out of the traditional rental market.

The platform has already gained traction, with 900 people registered, mainly through word of mouth. The service is currently free, with plans to eventually charge hosts for posting ads. Tenants and landlords are vetted, and the platform encourages contracts to ensure transparency and security. The site has been especially timely, as rental prices in London continue to climb, with nearly a third of London postcodes now seeing rents for rooms at £1,000 or more.

Victoria Vajda, another user of the platform, turned to Kindroom after her marriage ended and she needed temporary accommodation. She found a landlady in Croydon offering her spare room in exchange for help with driving lessons. In return for about six hours a week, Vajda received rent-free accommodation in a great location, making it possible for her to live comfortably while being close to her young son.

For both Taylor and Vajda, Kindroom provided not only an affordable place to stay but also an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with their landlords. “The whole concept is revolutionary,” said Vajda. “It’s unreal how much it helped me.” With housing prices continuing to rise, Kindroom offers a refreshing alternative that allows people to offer their skills in exchange for the accommodation they need.