roomer

A roomer is a person who rents a room in someone else’s home or in a boarding house, typically paying rent for a single room while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces with the host or other residents. The term is often used interchangeably with lodger or boarder, though usage varies by region and by whether meals or services are provided. A roomer generally does not have exclusive possession of the entire dwelling, unlike a full tenant who rents an entire apartment and may hold a longer lease.

Historically, roomers were common in boarding houses and houses of multiple occupancy, especially among travelers, students, or migrants. The relationship is typically governed by a rental agreement or lease, which may be informal; rights and obligations include paying rent, a possible security deposit, and adherence to house rules. The host is responsible for maintaining the premises and ensuring basic safety, while the roomer is expected to respect others’ privacy, observe quiet hours, and avoid damaging shared facilities.

Legal status of roomers varies by jurisdiction. Some places regulate boarding arrangements under general tenancy or lodging laws, with standards for habitability, notice requirements, and eviction procedures. In contemporary housing markets, the term roomer is less common in official language, with “lodger” or “tenant” more frequently used. See also: lodger, boarder, tenant, boarding house.