Quinta Bartels's husband Ted Bartels died this year and, in her grief, the widower was confronted with a difficult reality that needed almost immediate attention.
The 82-year-old, who lived in a rental property in South Hobart, could not afford her weekly rental payment as a sole occupant.
But a housemate over 50 years her junior provided the solution that Ms Bartels needed and enabled her to maintain greater independence.
A short-term living arrangement was how 28-year-old Zac Galloway first came to live with Ms Bartels.
Ms Bartels's daughter Kyia Clayton sought a solution that would enable her mother to continue to live independently.
Following an extensive housemate interview, a police check and approval from the landlord, Mr Galloway moved into the three-bedroom home.
"I lived alone for almost the last two years, but it felt a bit hollow to be by myself," he said.
"I was originally going to be here for a little while, but after staying here for a bit it felt good and right."
The 54-year age gap presented no challenges to the two housemates, who listed common reasons for enjoying living together.
"He's good company and he's quiet. I like everything about it," Ms Bartels said.
Breakfast and some dinners prepared by Mr Galloway, along with some other small tasks, were all part of the arrangement.
It meant slightly cheaper rent for the younger housemate and an opportunity to cook more.
"When you make food for other people you tend to make better food for yourself," Mr Galloway said.
"I've learned more about the value of responsibility."
Serving cucumber as part of dinner deducted half a point from Mr Galloway's cooking skills, which Ms Bartels rated as 9.5 out of 10.
"I found out cucumber isn't her favourite food," Mr Galloway laughed.
Uncommon housing becomes common
Outside-the-box living arrangements are becoming increasingly common in Tasmania.
House hunters must navigate a rental market where rents have increased by 50 per cent in five years and vacancy levels are at less than 1 per cent.
"Often it's people having to share rooms or the conversion of lounge rooms or sunrooms into bedrooms," said Ben Bartl from the Tenants' Union of Tasmania.
"In more extreme situations people live in garages or caravans on people's properties."
Prior to an agreement, to ensure potential housemates who have a large age gap are on the same page, Mr Bartl says it's important to have a transparent and honest discussion.
"Conversations around cleanliness and the tasks that are being requested of the prospective tenant, such as cooking meals or taking the bins out," he said.
"As well as more social reasons, such as if they intend to have parties or have music playing at all times of the day or night."
A landlord's permission is also needed if a tenant intends to rent out a room, or rooms, in a house.
Homeowners looking to share a property that they live in are not covered by the Tasmanian Residential Tenancy Act. Mr Bartl recommends a written agreement that sets out the amount of rent, other tasks and the length of the agreement to provide a level of security to the owner and the tenant.
The Rental Deposit Authority falls under the Residential Tenancy Act. If requested, a bond will need to be organised privately between the homeowner and prospective tenant in situations where the homeowner will share the home with the tenant.
A future model for Tasmania
Intergenerational living is a "beneficial arrangement" that Sue Leitch, the outgoing chief executive of Council on the Ageing (COTA)Tasmania, would like to see managed by a service provider.
"We can see benefits on both sides to the older person and the younger person getting a lower rent, but what we think needs to happen is just ensuring some coordination around that," Ms Leitch said.
Matching housemates, a system for complaints and a legal agreement that protects both parties are just some of the benefits a provider that manages intergenerational living arrangements could offer.
In lieu of a provider, Ms Leitch recommends referee checks, having someone else involved such as a trusted family member, open discussions about potential issues and independent legal advice.
"I think there's certainly merit in bringing generations closer together and, as long as the right protections are in place, I think it would be a good thing," Ms Leitch said.
Since her interview with the ABC, Ms Bartels has sadly died but her family has asked for this article still be published.
Ms Bartels said during her interview that there were "no worries" in sharing a home with Mr Galloway.
"I have a high standard and I've got it perfect this way," she chuckled.
Ms Clayton said her mother's life was enriched deeply by Mr Galloway becoming her housemate.
"Although it was only a short time they lived together, Zac became a friend and part of the family," Ms Clayton said.
"My mother's life after her husband died, and her unexpected peaceful death, were enhanced by Zac's presence."
