How to determine if a rental home or apartment is best for you

How to determine if a rental home or apartment is best for you

Are you looking for a rental in Tucson, AZ, and trying to decide if you want to rent a home or an apartment? It can be hard to know which is best for your situation. Here are five questions you can ask yourself to help you find the right fit for now and don’t regret your decision.

Before renting, think about how much space you need.

Often one of the biggest differences between renting a house and an apartment is the amount of space you'll have. Rental homes generally offer more square footage than apartments and often include a private yard or courtyard. Many apartments will have community, not private outdoor living spaces.

If you need a home office, guest room, or space for kids or pets, opt for a larger apartment or a rental home. Sometimes you can find 3-bedroom apartments, but they’re less common than single-family rental homes. Also, if you want a garage, finding one in a rental home is easier than an apartment.

Consider the level of privacy you want for your rental

Rental homes typically offer more privacy than apartments, with fewer shared walls and a larger distance between neighbors. This can be beneficial if you value peace, need a space to unwind after a long day, have kids or pets you’re afraid might be noisy, or simply like living in a quieter, more peaceful place.

On the other hand, apartments can be a great way to build a sense of community and meet new people, with shared common areas and opportunities for socializing.

Getting to know neighbors in a rental home can take more work. It’s not impossible, but sometimes it’s more challenging, especially in established neighborhoods.

Do you want to spend time outside at your rental?

Tucson is known for its beautiful weather and stunning natural landscapes, so thatoutdoor space can be a factor in your rental decision. Plus, the summers are hot, so access to a swimming pool is often a plus for home and apartment renters.

In an apartment community, you may also have a clubhouse with a gym or a rec center.

If you’re renting a home, you can specifically look for one with a swimming pool or community pool if that’s important to you.

Think about what you want to do outside. Do you want to dine in your backyard, have friends over to swim, and have a place for the kids to play? All of these activities will factor into your decision.

Do you want to be responsible for any maintenance at your rental?

Another consideration when choosing between a rental home and an apartment is the level of maintenance you may be responsible for. Rental homes may require more upkeep, such as landscaping or caring for a swimming pool. An apartment will not need you to do any maintenance and is more hands-off for the renter.

Be sure to ask the potential landlord about landscape and pool care and determine if it’s included in the rent or if you’re responsible for those items.

What’s your rental budget, and how long will you be there?

One critical consideration is your budget. Rental homes are often priced higher than apartments because they’re often larger, have private outdoor space, and sometimes have garages. They’re viewed as having more privacy and space than apartments.

An apartment might be the best option if you’re only renting temporarily and looking to save money. However, if you are in your rental for a while, a home may be more comfortable in the long term. What feels OK temporarily can start to grow on you when you’re there for months or years.

Ultimately the decision to rent an apartment or a home is up to you. If you think a rental home sounds better, we’d love to help you find the right one. We manage many rental homes in Tucson and can help you find one in the right area, the right size, with or without a pool, and in your budget. Contact us today to find out what’s available to rent within your budget.


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