KTNV ABC,Channel 13,Las Vegas,Nevada,News,Weather,Sports,Entertainment,KTNV.com,Action News .:. More seniors looking for housemates to help with the cost of living

More seniors looking for housemates to help with the cost of living

From the house payment, to gas for the car it can be tough to keep up with the bills in this economy. For senior citizens, on a fixed income, all the little costs add up.

Senior Rita Kindslay says she's trying to make any extra cash she can even if it means selling her valuables.One of those valuables now up for sale is her privacy and that could be dangerous.

Rita is offering a room for rent, complete with furniture. She recently lost her husband and now is in danger of losing her home.

"You go to bed with a lot on your head and a heavy heart," said Rita.

She says after her husband passed two months ago, she lost his pension and his veteran's disability money. She says her income is now 70% less than it was before.

"Where do I go then? If I lose my home I really don't want to leave here I love it here," said Rita.

That's why Rita's looking for a roommate.

"You do what you need to do to survive," said Rita.

"People are looking for all kinds of creative ways of staging in their home," said Maria Dent, Community Outreach Director for AARP.

AARP says seniors seeking housemates is a regular trend. They say seniors often look to share living spaces for safety reasons and for companionship.

Today's needs are a little different.

"This is a cost savings in today's environment," said Dent.

AARP says more and more seniors on fixed incomes like Rita are trying to rent their space for extra cash to pay the bills and the mortgage.

"It's going to be difficult you lose your privacy but it's a fact of life, that's what I need to do to keep my house," said Rita.

She is not entirely alone. She's got 2 chihuahas to keep her company, but Jake and Gweny don't pay rent, and she's starting to get desperate. AARP says no matter what, seniors need to be extra cautious when choosing a living partner.