Seen At 11: New Yorkers Reveal Secrets To Living Rent Free

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Rent is high in New York, but some people have figured out how to live completely rent free.

CBS2's Dick Brennan reveals secrets of those living for free -- even in mansions -- without paying a dime.

Roy Fox has been living in his 29-room mansion in Queens for free, for the past 25 years.

"For me, it's terrific, it's fabulous," Fox said.

Fox didn't inherit the house, or win the lottery. He is one of the many people who have figured out how to live rent free.

Fox reveals that he doesn't pay rent because he has agreed to take care of the landmark building in Jamaica, Queens -- and as many as 16 other New Yorkers have the same deal at other historic houses, says Frank Vagnone, head of the Historic House Trust.

"People from the outside might just see it as free rent and say, "I'll do that," but in actual fact, it's a really responsible job," Vagnone said.

Kate Devin also isn't paying rent for her home.

Sick of the city's sky high rents, Devin lives in a 33-foot RV she has parked on the streets on Brooklyn.

"You'd be surprised, there's actually some good parking spots in Brooklyn in some of the more industrial areas," Devin said.

With the average monthly rent in New York reaching just over $3,000, real estate analyst Jessica Dailey says it's no wonder people are looking for more unconventional ways to set up home base.

"It is refreshing to see people kind of go their own way and make their living situation the best they can," Devin said.

Another resident, who did not want to be identified, once lived in his office and wrote about it in his blog "The Office Hobo."

"No one was there, it was this under utilized space," the man explained. "It was an open space."

Fox says he plans on hanging on to his deal.

And so does Devin, who says there are other advantages, besides the financial benefit of living rent free.

"It's great to have the freedom to do this living in an RV you can pick up and go whenever," Devin said. "I am my own landlord."

This summer, Devin is spending her summer in her RV -- but in Los Angeles. As for living in a historic house like Fox, caretaker openings are rare -- but you can apply online.