NWR: Renting a home

Jay+Marissa

So, we found a great place to rent, but now we have to make some decisions. It's in a great (and VERY safe) location, and has been completely gutted and redone. It's a duplex and the landlord will be living next door--met him, seems like a nice guy. Wont even be there most of the time as he travels during the week. Has an obvious interest in keeping the place up as he will be living there and has made some very nice improvements (new floors, paint, all new appliances, security fences, security system, new landscaping, etc.)

Everything else we've looked at so far in this area has been in a dubious area or very old/not kept up.

The catch is no washer/dryer connections and no dishwasher. We said those were deal breakers for us, and he gave us options today.

Option 1: Keep as is and pay the asking rate $900/month
Option 2: He'll pay the installation costs (cabinets need to be ripped out) and install brand new tankless hot water heater and dishwasher, and put in the washer/dryer connections for $950/month--we would try and buy a cheap set off craigslist
Option 3: He'll do the same as above and install a brand new washer/dryer for $1000/month

We wont do option #3, but I'm wavering about #2--every other place we've looked at had a dishwasher standard. The house is ~90 years old, and he is a bachelor who doesn't cook, so it wasn't there before the remodel, and I honestly just don't think he thought about it. I'm not sure how I feel about paying that much extra for an appliance that will be his to keep when we leave, and is going to make a difference to any other renter. The tankless hot water heater is nice (and very expensive), but it obviously doesn't make a difference to us--it's more of an investment for him. He said needed a tankless in order to put in washer/dryer connections, though, so that's why it's part of the deal.

So, what do you think is reasonable? We really don't want to pay more than $950/month--that is what we budgeted as our max, and for $1000+, we could look at better options anyway. I'm worried the rent will go in the next couple years too...not sure what we should be looking at there.

Any input?

juliebug1997

Can you tell me what neighborhood/area?  How big is the duplex?  I think option 2 would be a good one for you guys. 

Donnaaries

$50/month is definitely worth having the convenience of a dishwasher and washer and dryer.  Heck, when I was back in the apartments, I think renting a washer and dryer cost $50/month. 

fallbride1109

If you love it, I would do option #2.  It's not like your going to get to keep any dishwasher anywhere else.   There's always going to be something when you're renting so if this place has everything else you want and need then do it. 

mandasue178

Ditto Stephie. IF you love it, it's worth it. Finding a house/duplex to rent in a neighborhood you like is NOT easy to do. You can find $50/month just by cutting out a couple of dinners out a month. Not having a dishwasher is a deal breaker for me!

Jay+Marissa

It's in the M-Streets...I think we are going to go with option 2. I've thought about it, and we really really really need a dishwasher!

llc2011

Yeah, I don't think I could live without the dishwasher.  I'm sure you'll be able to find a decent washer/dryer set.

btweety04

Yeah it is definaitely worth the extra money.

Donnaaries

Marissa, when are you guys moving?  I'm looking to unload my washer and dryer, we're moving to Austin in mid August and those aren't something I'm looking to take with us.

Jay+Marissa

Hey Donna--the lease will start in June, but we really wont be actively using anything until July. I'll PM you my email--I think we are going to need stacking units, though. I wont be sure until I talk to the landlord in a day or two.

tc1016

When did you start looking? We're looking to move in July, but have to give 60days notice at our current place, so I want to start looking as soon as we can... did you use a realitor or find it yourself?

Mariah09202008

I agree with the PP's.  It's worth the extra money. After first living in an apartment with no washer dryer or working dishwasher, I'd never move to a place without those appliances. 

shortgirltx

I've been without a dishwasher for 3.5 years and would glady pay $50 to have that convenience.  

emimayor

The place is amazing. I think you're making a great decision and you won't be sorry. Congrats!

Jay+Marissa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_nwr-renting-home?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:d159a647-5e17-42d5-b458-cb72dc8144f1Post:8eccdc4e-3772-4cd3-aed2-8afa3508ceb7">Re: NWR: Renting a home</a>:
[QUOTE]When did you start looking? We're looking to move in July, but have to give 60days notice at our current place, so I want to start looking as soon as we can... did you use a realitor or find it yourself?
Posted by tc1016[/QUOTE]

I've been looking for the past two months, though it wasn't really worth it until now. It did help me get an idea on prices/specific areas to look and avoid. I've looked on Craigslist almost exclusively, though I did contact one realtor who gave me some listings