It can be really hard for young people to find free places to live while they study, do an apprenticeship or an internship. You might be wondering if it is legal to house someone under 18 for free in exchange for services. But it’s important to understand the legal rules around hosting someone under 18 for free to avoid any problems.
In this article, we will look at the legal aspects of free accommodation for under 18s in exchange for services and explain why the ToitChezMoi.com platform is a practical solution for young people under 18.
Conditions for a minor under 18 to be housed for free in exchange for services
In France, if someone lends you their home, it’s called a “loan for use” or “commodatum”. This is regulated by Article 1875 of the Civil Code. This type of agreement allows a person to lend a property to another person who is of legal age or emancipated (Civil Code : Art. 413-2) without having to pay anything in return.
This means that if a person lives with a minor (someone under 18) they can do so if certain conditions are met to house them for free.
If the person is emancipated, they have the same rights and responsibilities as an adult.
But if the child is not emancipated, they cannot legally sign a rental contract (Civil Code : Art. 1124). The contract must be signed by at least one of the parents or another legal guardian.
This means that a young person can be housed for free in exchange for doing work while they are under 18 years old.
Legal framework for housing minors in exchange for services
According to the law, housing in exchange for services is legal. But it is very important to clearly define the terms of the agreement. This is to avoid reclassification as an employment contract or a rental lease.
For example, if the host requires regular and specific services, this could be considered an au pair job. Au pair jobs are subject to specific regulations, including declaration to URSSAF and the drafting of an employment contract.
If you are under 18 and want to live with someone in exchange for helping out, it is a good idea to write a contract that says how you will live and what you will do. This contract should include :
- How long you can stay
- What you have to do
- What you and the landlord can do if there are any problems
Also, you should not have to pay rent, even a small amount. If you do have to pay, it should be a small amount. Otherwise, the agreement could be reclassified as a rental lease, which would mean different legal obligations.
How does ToitChezMoi help young people find free accommodation ?
ToitChezMoi.com is a new website that helps hosts and people looking for somewhere to live to connect with each other. This free housing solution is particularly well-suited for minors under 18 who want to live somewhere at no cost.
- Security and Supervision : ToitChezMoi.com provides a safe environment for young people through shared housing for unaccompanied young people. We check the profiles of people who want to host a child, and make sure that the conditions of the accommodation are clear. This reduces the risk of abuse or misunderstandings.
- Flexibility : The platform offers free accommodation for minors in exchange for services, tailored to their specific needs. Whether it is for a short-term stay or a longer period. The services requested vary, from help around the house to childcare, so there is a lot of flexibility which makes it easier to house someone under 18.
- Access to educational and professional opportunities : Young people can benefit from a stable environment that supports their education and personal development by living with a host offering free housing for minors under 18. They can also gain valuable professional and practical skills.
- Community and Support : ToitChezMoi.com is a community where young people can find guidance and support. The people who host them are usually very caring and willing to help them settle in and do well.
Here are some real-life examples of young people living together to support each other
Take the example of Marie, a 17-year-old student looking for accommodation in Paris to continue her studies. Thanks to ToitChezMoi.com, she found a family willing to host her in exchange for a few hours a week of babysitting. This arrangement allows her to concentrate on her studies while living in a safe and homely environment.
Another example is Lucas, a 16-year-old who has found accommodation with a retired couple in exchange for gardening and odd jobs. This intergenerational housing exchange through ToitChezMoi not only provided him with a free place to live, but also helped him develop practical skills and build meaningful intergenerational relationships.
Conclusion
A minor can stay for free if they help out, but there are legal rules to follow to house someone under 18 for free. The ToitChezMoi.com platform offers a practical solution for young people, allowing them to find accommodation while providing useful services. If you follow the law and use a reliable platform, this can be good for everyone. It could even become a way for unaccompanied minors or teenagers in difficulty to find housing.
