Renting in NOVA (Alexandria, Reston, Centreville: fit in, sublet, apartment complex)

[datbird]

I've been finding a lot of good deals on townhouse rentals around the whole metro using www.homesdatabase.com. Just set the type to "For Rent" and you'll see all sorts of townhouses... a lot of what I see mentions pets on "case by case basis". Not sure if that means the owner wishes to met the pet and discuss its history or what.

[athousandlogins]

Also, bear in mind that a private owner who rents out fewer than 4 properties is not subject to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers/f-landlord.shtml - broken link), at least not in FFX County. This law provides substantial protections to tenants, and I for one really regret renting a home that is not subject to it. Apartment complexes are always subject to it.

[ted08721]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

I found that I could rent a full house (3br/1ba) in North Springfield or an older townhouse/duplex (2br/2ba) in the part of Alexandria around Huntington metro for around $2000/month. I had no problem finding pet friendly rentals (though my dog is only 25 lbs, not a restricted breed, and has quite the little "doggy resume" to prove she won't tear up the house). The extra $400 over my $1600 apartment is a 25% increase though, significantly more than the extra $100 you mentioned you saw before.

Play around on craigslist to get an idea of what private landlords are renting their homes for. That was the quickest way for me to find ballpark numbers and determine what was worth it.

I found a private home where the owner was willing to rent out a room and also allow my two dogs to stay, with a gigantic fenced in backyard on craigslist.
it's a basement walkout with private bath with a joint used family room which i have to myself most of the time $900. a month all utilities included with use of kitchen, in Reston.
Most apartments wanted pet deposit x 2 dogs, some were not refundable plus monthly rent between $40/50 for each dog.
Most had weight limitations for each dog or combined weight.
Its been almost 4 months and so far everything has worked out.

[treebw]

I live in a 2 bd with 1 bath, huge (in my opinion...it may just be large) backyard and a small front yard space.
I looked into apartments; they were almost the same price if not more, some I would have to pay to have a car there (up to $200/mo).
My landlord fixes things. I have not had any problems yet. I have rented through property managed places before and it usually took longer for repairs, they have to do the paperwork and get approval and such.

Good luck whatever you choose!! Check Craigs List, that is where I found mine.

[Guamanians]

Originally Posted by datbird

I've been finding a lot of good deals on townhouse rentals around the whole metro using www.homesdatabase.com. Just set the type to "For Rent" and you'll see all sorts of townhouses... a lot of what I see mentions pets on "case by case basis". Not sure if that means the owner wishes to met the pet and discuss its history or what.

yes, this is a good way to shop around. It seems like the supply of rentals is high right now, so he should be able to find a private TH or SFH for under $1800. I just scored a nice SFH for less than that. If they accept pets, the pet deposit is generally around $500...

[normie]

Originally Posted by Guamanians

It seems like the supply of rentals is high right now, so he should be able to find a private TH or SFH for under $1800.

Is the supply high right now? Not something I know offhand so maybe you're right, but I'm surprised. Wouldn't it seem more likely supply would be low, considering how many people are moving here right now?

[Guamanians]

Originally Posted by normie

Is the supply high right now? Not something I know offhand so maybe you're right, but I'm surprised. Wouldn't it seem more likely supply would be low, considering how many people are moving here right now?

I was surprised too. There are many homes on the rental market. I'm sure there are many reasons, but I have my thoughts. I think many of the rentals are by homeowners (or investors) who do not want to sell right now. Some of these people may have paid too much initially, and others may be riding out the down market.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by Guamanians

I was surprised too. There are many homes on the rental market. I'm sure there are many reasons, but I have my thoughts. I think many of the rentals are by homeowners (or investors) who do not want to sell right now. Some of these people may have paid too much initially, and others may be riding out the down market.

I totally agree. Many people do not want to sell now, so they are renting out their homes.

[lisa0907]

I live in Northern VA and the rental rates are pretty expensive. A rental property works best for me. For a rental property all of the cities you mentioned are in close proximity to each other. In my opinion you do get more bang for your buck if you rent private property. Fairfax is one of the most priciest cities on your list. You may want to try Ashburn or Leesburg VA (Loudoun County) just a suggestion if it's not too far of a commute for you to work.

[wsamon]

yeah, where do you work? I know that you mentioned living inside the beltway being too expensive but didn't seem to indicate it being too far from your job, but mentioned that places west of vienna, etc. were too far... Do you work in the city? Also what kind of lifestyle do you want to live? Keep in mind that some apartment complexes provide many more amenities than you would ever get from a townhome or SFH.

For example, I live in the Huntington Gateway apartment complex in Alexandria and I love it. It's about a 10 minute walk to the Huntington metro (end of yellow line), and they provide a free shuttle service during rush hour for days that you don't feel like walking. It's 3 stops to King St., 2 to Eisenhower where the theaters are, or you can just drive to either place in about 5 - 10 minutes.

There's an underground parking garage for my cars (one free, $50 / car after that). I love the amenities that it gives me too (or would if I didn't keep getting hurt, sick, and working so much...). It has a pretty good gym with plenty of space; free weights, universal, smith and nautilus machines; and bikes, treadmills, stair steppers, etc. It also has racquetball, 2 outdoor tennis courts, an indoor/outdoor year-round pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, and 3 outdoor gas bbqs with patio style seating near the tennis court and swimming pool. Any repair request we've put in has been addressed within 24 hours, usually within a couple. Try finding all that in a townhouse or SFH! My biggest complaint is really that the cable wiring seems to be a little iffy for carrying HD signals. Mythbusters and a few other shows have a tendency to cut out a bit on the HD channels... Oh, and we pay $1800 / month for a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment with about 1150 sq ft I believe. The 2 bath is key to me. I couldn't live in a 3 bed 1 bath type of environment that the one poster mentioned. It's hard enough for me to get going to work in the morning let alone if I had to wait or rush for someone...