[MassHistPres] In residence caretaker arrangements

[Elizabeth Mulholland]

The Topsfield Historical Society will soon be in search of a new tenant and/or caretaker. The Society owns the 1683 Parson Capen House and the Joseph Gould Barn. There is a separate cottage built in 2010 which has high market rate value.  But the Society also has the need of someone to perform caretaking responsibilities which could run the range of possibilities depending on skills, interest and time available. We are trying to determine the right balance between rental value/income to the Society and the value of the caretaking responsibilities as well as the best legal way to structure the relationship for both parties. 

How do charitable history related organizations and historic house/building owners and/or Town's structure their relationships with caretakers if there is also an onsite house or apartment involved?

Do you keep the rental separate from the duties and pay for caretaker responsibilities or do you discount the rent based on the duties? What are the legal (if any) ramifications of unpaid work in lieu of rent? What has your experience been in terms of getting the caretaker value out of the discounted rent but also not taking advantage of the caretaker.

Would appreciate examples of contracts and any “job” requirements or rental/relationship listings/descriptions. 

Finally, can you recommend places to solicit potential renters/caretakers that  are more inline with life in or on a historical society property? 

Thank you for input — feel free to private email me or call. 


Elizabeth Mulholland
Board Member Topsfield Historical Society
Chair, Topsfield Historic Commission


Valley View Farm
278 High Street
Topsfield, MA 01983
Mobile: 1-978-790-1271
www.valleyviewcheese.com