Renting has always been expensive but rents these days take it to a new level. Tenants now spend a quarter of their gross income on renting on average, while in London it is nearly 50%.

So as you can see the rental market, particularly in the capital, is just tickety-boo.

But back to the real world. With average monthly rents in the UK approaching £1,000 a month, tenants been casting around for more affordable alternatives to the traditional and increasingly ultra-expensive model. A few lucky have even found ways of paying zero (0!!) rent.

Here are our top 5 picks:

1) Guard a property

Property guardianship has been around since the mid noughties. When operated by scrupulous companies it can offer cash-strapped renters basic accommodation in return for drastically reduced and even zero rent. In return property owners get cheap site security and pay lower business rates.

But beware, there are unscrupulous operators in this now crowded market. What was once a romantic legal alternative to squatting for artistic types is now being taken to task for the the low quality of the accommodation on offer, poor on-site services and the lack of both security of tenancy and rights compared to normal tenants.

2) Get a job with a home

Why not earn a wage AND get cheap or free accommodation with it? Many jobs come with somewhere to live including working at a pub, being a caretaker, concierge or porter at a block of flats, working for a hotel or being a live-in carer or nanny.

3) Live with your parents

You probably don’t need our advice on this because many of your friends may already be doing it; living with their parents. Over a quarter of all 20 to 34 year olds in the UK now do so, which is 3.4 million people, up from 2.6 million in 1996. And don't forget to shut the doors behind you - were you born in a barn!

4) House sit

As long as you like dogs and other pets, then this is a reasonable short-term solution if you’re prepared to be both a guardian for a property and feed its owner's pooches or mogs. But you’ll need to be either unemployed or a digital nomad. Many sites ask house sitters not to leave fhe property for more three hours at a time, and visitors of any kind are usually verboten. Which sounds a bit like doing a stretch in porridge.

5) Become a live-in helper

There are several websites that offer people the opportunity to live rent-free at a property in return for helping out with a business, renovation or other project usually for a set period. For example, in return for a room in their house the owner will expect you to help them build an extension or do up a kitchen. It's hugely popular in Europe but not as much in the UK.

If you have found other ways to live (legally) rent free, we'd love to know! Leave your comments below and we'll add the best to the list

CreditLadder can help you improve your credit score

If you want to improve your credit position by reporting your rent payments, CreditLadder is the only way to improve your credit score and position across all four of the main Credit Reference Agencies in the UK, namely Experian, Equifax, TransUnion and Crediva. Building up a high credit score has a lot of benefits, including helping you access finance at better rates - this can also help save you money.

CreditLadder also runs a free mortgage application service in partnership with Tembo which will tell you how much you could borrow.

Remember the information provided in this article is for information purposes only and should not be considered as advice.