How to Find Rent-Share Apartments in Dallas
February 17, 2021Rent-Share apartments aren’t a new thing. They’re as old as the practice of renting itself. Nowadays, people who rent-share are not always students who are living on their own for the first time. Rather, rent-sharers are of all ages; from the early twenties to the late thirties and above. Rent-sharers enjoy a cheaper monthly rent and a more sociable living experience.
Basically, rent-sharing is when you share a place with other renters. Usually, each renter has their own bedroom and shares common areas such as the living room, the kitchen, and sometimes the bathroom. Dallas is no exception to this practice, so if this is an option viable for you, then it is available. Here are some tips we think would help you find a rent-share apartment in Dallas.
Find Rent-Share Apartments in Dallas
Look for Apartment Locators, Search Ads
Property owners, landlords, real estate agents, universities, and existing households looking for a flatmate usually advertise on popular property listing websites, noticeboards in cafes, at community centers, at universities, and even in newspaper property listings. Rent-share apartments in Dallas are as easy to find as regular apartments. They are advertised in similar places; the only difference being what they come with.
Searching for one using an apartment locator service can save you time and resources. A OK Apartment Locators can help you find what you need and what you want when it comes to rent-share apartments. Get only the best locations with your specific preference.
What Features They Have
It is important to know what features the rent-share apartment has. Ask about whether the apartment has smoke detectors and if the bedroom has windows. Look at the basic facilities like the kitchen, the bathroom and test the stove, oven, and toilet/shower to see if they work properly. Also, ask questions about the apartment’s current occupants; if two adults share a room, how long they have been there, and such.
Types of Rent-Share Accommodations
- Two sharers – Two renters live in a property (usually a two-bedroom apartment, sometimes can be one with both rooms turned into bedrooms) and share the other spaces, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom if there’s only one.
- House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) – Three renters living in a place, forming one full household. Considered a large HMO if there are five or more renters. Renters must have their own bedroom but share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom for a property to create an HMO.
- Co-living space – Offers your own private space, typically in the form of a bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Includes a kitchen and dining area and residential lounges, banking on social sharing. Not the same as other rooms inside a shared house; more akin to shared spaces in Build-to-Rent communities with social spaces designed for renters.
Privacy
While being sociable and having regular interactions with the other rent-sharers are a given, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have any privacy. Before moving in, try to meet with the rent-sharers. Consider their day-to-day activities that tend to be noisy such as chores, entertaining themselves, and bathroom use especially if the apartment is a loft, an attic, or rooms with no walls and doors.
Terms and Conditions
Now that you’re all set, it’s time to discuss the terms and conditions. Before signing the lease, you must do these first. Confirm what is and what’s not included in the weekly rent. Note the landlord/property owner’s full name, address, and bank account details. When signing, make sure that all renters sign the lease. This ensures that everyone has equal rights and liability to the property.
Living Dynamic
Remember, rent-share apartments come with people you’d live and interact with. To make sure that you get the best living experience, talk about the dynamics of your living situation. Set schedules for cleaning and chores, cooking, grocery shopping, and bonding activities. Everyone should have a fair share of responsibilities and ideally, have a good relationship with each other. Communication is key especially when you are living together. Other than what is previously mentioned, it is also important to set rules for when you have guests come over. After all, you aren’t the only person living in the apartment. Lastly, discuss any issues or perceived issues immediately. Any unresolved or unstated problems can simmer and eventually become worse.
Takeaway
Rent-share apartments in Dallas provide you with a cheaper option compared to conventional ones. Also, the experience of living with other rent-shares creates a more socially-dependent kind of living experience. If these sound good to you, then a rent-share apartment might be what you’re looking for!