If you have found a house you would like to rent but you can't afford the rent, then you'll need to try an alternative approach. Consider sharing the house with a roommate who will pay half the rent.

You find a roommate by reading the classified section of the local newspaper. There are also many web sites where you can go to find a roommate. Pay attention to local resources such as college bulletin boards, community center announcement boards and similar postings.

Before you take on a roommate you'll want to require the roommate to provide you with a resume of past rentals, employment and income and personal references. Some even consider a criminal background check.

Be sure an intereview prospective roommates. Remember, personal chemistry is an important factor in determining whether your sharing experience is a good one.