House mates make mutual decisions regarding expectations for areas or household duties, kitchen usage, telephone, privacy, and guests. For someone who needs help to stay in their home, a house mate can do yard work, cleaning, provide transportation, or cooking in exchange for a reduction in rent, or room and board. Someone else living in the home can lessen the fear of being alone, take the mail when you are away, or seek help if you are unable to do that for yourself. There is someone to talk to and to share similar interests. The owner of the home and lot may be the senior or the sharing party.
Many municipalities have regulations for establishment of such units in single family neighborhoods.
Communities may restrict units to affordable rents, or to senior relatives. The two households are expected to provide support for each other and help with home maintenance and expenses. ECHO units can also form elderly housing cluster arrangements on small tracts of land and be leased out by non-profit corporations, local Housing Authorities, or private investors. Many elderly homeowners are unable because of finances or personal need to remain in their large homes. ECHO Housing is an affordable option for many older persons and their families.