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BBC One · Morning Live

Hapipod on BBC Morning Live

Tony Blackburn meets hapipod host Stephen Galloway to find out why more retirees are taking in helpful lodgers.

BBC One, Morning Live 7 min 18 sec Published 7 October 2026

About the feature

Homesharing is fast becoming a mainstream answer to the cost of living, rental and loneliness crises. On BBC One's Morning Live, broadcaster Tony Blackburn looks at the growing number of pensioners taking in lodgers to fill their spare rooms, and what it is like to share your home in retirement.

Tony meets hapipod host (resident landlord) Stephen Galloway. Stephen has welcomed two hapipod lodgers over the past two years and is about to welcome his third. He talks about the practical help, good company and rental income homesharing has brought him.

Why retirees are taking in lodgers

  • Help and good company

    A compatible lodger can lend a hand with everyday jobs such as gardening, shopping, pet care or tech support, and be a friendly face at home.

  • Extra income

    Rent from a spare room helps with rising bills. Under the government's Rent a Room Scheme you can earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free from a furnished room in your home.

  • Stay in the home you love

    Homesharing can make it easier to stay independent in your own home, with someone around who has agreed to help.

Read more about the Rent a Room Scheme on GOV.UK.

Homesharing for all ages, not just retirees

Hapipod is the UK's homeshare matching site. We connect compatible householders and lodgers of all ages and circumstances. Hosts gain practical help and company as well as an income, and lodgers find affordable, welcoming homes. Every active member passes an ID check, and we provide clear safeguarding guidance to help each homeshare get off to a good start.

Thinking about taking in a lodger?

See how hapipod works for hosts, or find an affordable room as a lodger.

I have a spare room I'm looking for a room