CLAY COUNTY – As a disabled veteran, Dave sometimes struggles to pay his bills, especially his $1,800 rent.

That’s why he’s always looking for odd jobs or a roommate or two to help with costs. But he knows that with each opportunity to save money comes risk.

“I’ve been part of a multi-family that’s rented a house before,” he said. “Most of the time, it works. It’s the only way a lot of people can afford to live.”

Multi-family households sharing a home have become a phenomenon in the rental community, especially when families already know each other. Separately, they would have to find smaller places, but together they can afford bigger houses with better amenities.

“We have three families here and we have a pool,” Regina said. “If we didn’t do this together, we’d all be in one-bedroom apartments.”

All tenants interviewed requested anonymity. In fact, it’s unclear whether they provided their identity or if the lease allowed for more than one tenant.

According to Realtor.com, the average rent in Clay County for September was $1,900 for an apartment or home. For a younger family with children that requires a stay-at-home mother, that would require a father to work at least two full-time jobs. And depending on the work, that still may not bring home enough to pay the rent, electricity, water, and other necessities of life.

According to Urban.com, renters have adjusted their household spending to cope with rising costs, allocating 81% to entertainment and 78% to food.

Additionally, 44% of renters feel pressured to move because they have a reason to face eviction due to late or missed rent payments. Exacerbating the situation is that they have no place to go.

“It’s a terrible feeling when you can’t afford where you are, but it’s more expensive if you leave,” Dave said.

Dave said one option is for two or three families to unite and rent an Airbnb, as it offers short-term contracts.

Sharing a house can be tricky since it involves a lease. Before joining a group, a family should ensure that the lease allows for additional families and conduct background checks on the current occupants.

And everyone should be aware there’s generally a high turnover rate among families that share a rental, belonghome.com, said. Additionally, utilities cannot be listed under separate names so that all family members will be billed together. That means if someone else leaves, the person listed on the bill will be responsible for payment.

“If you get a good situation, it works out really nice,” Dave said. “It’s hit and miss. There’s usually a reason why people struggle to make ends meet. But you have to keep looking for ways to save money.”

Sharing the cost of living is a good start.