I have a job opportunity that would mean some international travel, some of it on short-notice, some of it planned. I have two children, split custody (I have the kids most of the time). The situation w/ their father is such that I can't make changes to the visitation schedule to flex around potential work travel.
I have a basement bedroom (with egress), kitchenette, nice bath, etc. I was considering seeing if I could find someone to do occasional childcare (my kids are 9 and 12) when I am away in exchange for rent, or a reduction in rent, or something. I am curious if anyone here has had a similar arrangement (either as renter or landlord) and how it worked out. For me, the tenant would be able to hold a regular job and would just be needed if I was away for before/after school overnight and some weekends. Did you have an agreed discount depending on amount worked (e.g. base rent $800, less $100 for every overnight), or just no rent in exchange for a set amount of childcare, or what? Would I need to pay something on top of free rent? Are there income tax implications for making this sort of exchange?
I am not currently renting out the room. The plan was to do so at some point (I just had the egress window installed). However, if I could exchange the room for childcare - I would eliminate my current childcare costs - which would be great.
Thanks - the job interview is today and the biggest hurdle for me in terms of taking the job depends on what they have to tell me about how much travel and how often/how many days, etc.