Chris Gmyr

Victims of layoffs or salary reductions, more and more middle-aged home owners are being forced to take in roommates or boarders as a way to stay current on their mortgages.

“When employment is falling, people start doubling up,” confirms National Multi Housing Council chief economist Mark Obrinsky.

The fact that the U.S. population has increased but homeownership levels and apartment occupancy rates are down, he says, suggests that more residents are living with relatives and friends, as well as with strangers who advertised for roommates.

Source: Boston Globe, Megan Woolhouse (07/27/09)