Room and board is a phrase describing a situation in which, in exchange for money, labour or other considerations, a person is provided with a place to live as well as meals on a comprehensive basis. It commonly occurs as a fee at higher educational institutions, such as colleges and universities; it also occurs in hotel-style accommodation for short stays.

Definition

• Room refers to a private bedroom provided, sometimes with a private ensuite bathroom.
• Board may refer to the food being provided, or alternatively, the table on which food is served.

With a room and board arrangement, the renter has a private bedroom and shares the rest of the house with the person renting out the room. This is different from renting where the renter has private living areas, including a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Two commonly encountered boards are:

• Half Board, where the host provides only breakfast and dinner meals.
• Full Board, where the host provides all three daily meals.

Another option is:

• Bed and breakfast, literally, a place to sleep and where breakfast is provided.