I rent an off-season house every winter in a summer beach town. My rent is so low it's almost free. The landlord just likes having someone around who will keep an eye on the place. It's better for the house to keep it heated all winter (I pay the utilities), the landlord doesn't have to worry as much about break-ins (uncommon around here anyway), and doesn't have to find someone to check for storm damage while she's down in Florida for the winter. Sucks moving twice a year and having to find summer housing, but in return I get a three-bedroom house for less than the local studio apartment rate, and the landlord covers the property tax bill and gets peace of mind.