Window furnishings in rental homes? (apartments, townhouse, buy) - Northern Virginia - Virginia (VA) - City-Data Forum

Melbourne Family · 08-16-2008, 05:51 AM

Hi, we're relocating to NOVA from Australia in 5 weeks. I've been searching the internet for rental homes and have noticed that alot of those that I like appear to have no, or limited, curtains/window furnishings. Is this normal? Can we request to have them installed prior to signing a lease or can we install them ourselves? Not sure what the normal proceedure is in the US but I do know that I want curtains on my windows, I don't fancy the idea of someone peeping through the windows during the day or night!
Thanks for your help!

kevbros · 08-16-2008, 06:53 AM

Almost all rentals (apartments and houses) have some kind of blinds or curtains in place, but not exactly the most attractive ones. You can change out curtains, no problem, as long as you return the originals when you leave. If you need to install new hardware, consult your lease or ask the landlord. It will probably be possible as long as you repair the damage when you leave.

mdcrim · 08-16-2008, 11:47 AM

As a landlord, we use mini-blinds in our rental properties. This keeps the home private without costing a lot of money. I wouldn't put curtains in-everyone has different tastes/ color schemes, etc and I think it would be a waste of money.

Melbourne Family · 08-17-2008, 01:27 AM

Thanks for the input. mdcrim do you know if these mini blinds (not actually sure what they are ) keep the cold out or are the majority of windows in NoVA double glazed? I think I'm just a bit weary as this winter will be our first winter with snow & I'm not too sure about the cold! (must say our 10 year old is quite excited about this). Thanks

kevbros · 08-17-2008, 06:03 AM

What we call mini-blinds are basically a row of slats on two strings that can be either pulled up and down or rotated as a group to allow in more light. They are not for keeping out cold. If you rent something newer you might get double-paned glass windows. If you rent a house, particularly an older house, the windows will probably be single paned. Most of those have exterior storm windows. The windows themselves aren't responsible for that much cold getting in -- I'd say it has more to do with the weather stripping. I suppose curtains might add some insulation value, but I don't think most people use curtains for that purpose.
Let's hope we get some real snow this year (but not too much) the last couple of years have been pretty poor on the snow front.

mdcrim · 08-17-2008, 06:26 AM

Exactly what kevbros said. The miniblinds are really just to add some privacy, not to keep out the cold. I personally don't have ANY window treatments in the back of my house (I back to trees, so very private) and I don't have a problem with the cold. House was built in 1990. It does get cold here, but we don't get as much snow as I'd like... Good luck with your move.

bangorme · 08-17-2008, 06:46 AM

You will be lucky to get working blinds. The $2,100 a month townhouse I rented had blinds, but some were broken and many were TOO SHORT FOR THE WINDOWS! I had to put plastic glazing on the windows to get any privacy. They were also the cheapest that money can buy (little light restriction).

This brings up a couple points, you will have to put some money into your rental and you have to carefully look for faults with the rental and decide if you can live with them.

Also, keep in mind that there are landlords out there that are renting their homes because they can't afford to live in them anymore. This type of landlord isn't going to have the cash to maintain the property before or after you move in. Watch your security deposit and document all deficiencies before you move in.

Nancy in Nokomis · 08-17-2008, 11:56 AM

Most decent older homes have had the old windows replaced to double pane -
It does not really snow much around here - just a lot of ice

Melbourne Family · 08-17-2008, 08:45 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. I suppose I'm also concerned about keeping bedrooms dark in the mornings, especially on the weekend, so that we can hopefully sleep in past the crack of dawn! We don't get any snow here in Melbourne, Australia so even a little covering of white on the ground will have our girls excited.

Thanks again for the info!