If you’re looking for a budget-friendly housing option with social opportunities and a great location, consider renting a room. Not only is it often more affordable than renting a whole apartment or house, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and save money. Plus, you’ll have lower maintenance responsibilities and reduced commitment.
But before diving into the world of room rentals, it’s important to consider a few crucial factors. Stay informed with our guide and make your next rental experience a success!
One of the most important things to consider when renting a room is the location. You want to make sure that the location is convenient for you, especially if you are planning on commuting to work or school. Consider things like public transportation options and how often and accurate the timings are, the proximity to stores and restaurants, and the overall safety of the area. If you’ll be driving regularly, consider where the location of parking spaces will be and how often there is spacing. If it’s a challenge to find parking daily then public transport might be your only option.
Another important factor to consider when renting a room is the cost. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how much you will be paying per month and what is included in that cost (utilities, internet, etc.). You should also consider any additional costs, such as security deposits or move-in fees.
Moving into a new place or combining households can be a practical and exhilarating decision. However, it can come with storage challenges that can quickly lead to clutter overtaking your living space. But, by utilising storage areas efficiently like closets, garages, and attics, you can avoid such a situation. The crucial part is identifying and organising what items should be kept or let go of. Good communication, compromise, and creative solutions are essential to harmoniously merging belongings. And if you’re running out of space, consider Smartbox- an affordable self-storage option that allows you to store furniture temporarily or rotate it seasonally without breaking the bank. For more information on how to combine households and solve storage challenges, check out our Smartbox post.
If you are considering renting a room in a shared space, it’s important to think about who your roommates will be. Make sure you are comfortable living with these people and that you have similar lifestyles and habits. You should also consider things like daily routine times, cleanliness, noise levels, and shared spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. An example of a bad roommate is someone who works the opposite times as you (working nights while you work days), is messy when you’re very clean and organised and constantly invites people over when you’d rather a quiet living area. The personality of the person may be great but if your intentions and habits are different, its not worth it in the long term to try and make it a viable and comfortable home space.
Depending on the room you are renting, there may be additional amenities included. For example, some rooms may come furnished with a bed and desk, or may have access to a shared living space or gym. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what is included in the room rental and what additional amenities are available and no hidden fees such as water, furniture rentals or internet that you’re not willing to share fair payments with.
Before renting a room, it’s important to carefully review the lease agreement. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement, including any restrictions or rules such as no access to facilities after a certain time, indoor plants must have a protective casing, no candles or even no pets. If there are any issues or concerns, address them with your landlord before signing the lease.
Renting a room can be a great way to save money, meet new people, and explore new locations but it’s important to make sure you are fully informed before signing a lease. Consider factors like location, cost, roommates, amenities, and the lease agreement before making a decision. With these things in mind, you can find the perfect room to rent and enjoy all the benefits of shared living.
