House renters: how much do you spend a month? (Phoenix: 2013, neighborhood)

[MBryant23]

My husband, niece, and our 4 dogs will be moving out to Phoenix in August/September. We are looking to rent a house (2-3 bedroom) closer to the 17/101 area. Just figured I'd ask what any of you renting a house pay monthly for bills and rent. I want to make sure our butts are covered. We won't be getting cable/satellite or house phone so those aren't a problem. Do you pay rent/water/trash pick up fees? I know that will probably vary too.

Any preferred electric providers as well? Internet?

[rhahster]

About $1200-$1500 for a house that will be in a nice neighborhood, you can find cheaper. City of Phoenix will be your water/waste service and most likely your trash service in that area. Electric will be APS or SRP, depends who's area you live in. Set your electric plan with on-peak/off-peak hours and do your household stuff accordingly. Get ready for super high bills in the summer and low bills in the winter. Southwest gas will be you NG provider.

Last month for me in a 1100sqft house (1 person);

City of Phoenix - H2O and trash cost me about $40
S/W Gas - $26 but I hardly ran the furnace
SRP - I use more electric than the average person and my bill was $90, I get up to $350 in the summer but I run my A/C at 75 instead of 78 in the summer.

Internet has Cox Cable as the master in the Valley now, but CenturyLink has been busy setting up. Zero experience with CenturyLink but I know they are cheaper than Cox, no idea about customer service or reliability. Cox recently raised my price from $55 to $65 for internet.

Plan your move for September instead of August, a little cooler. Drink lots of water as you walk in/out of the house, don't get heat stroke.

[homebeyer2013]

Four dogs?

[caryberry]

Originally Posted by homebeyer2013

Four dogs?

Yikes! Finding four pet-friendly housing may be your biggest challenge.

[LBTRS]

I can't imagine finding a livable place that will allow four dogs. That is going to be more of a challenge and drive where you live more than anything else. You're going to have to take what you can get as there is not a lot of landlords out there looking for tenants with four dogs.

[Roger427]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

I can't imagine finding a livable place that will allow four dogs. That is going to be more of a challenge and drive where you live more than anything else. You're going to have to take what you can get as there is not a lot of landlords out there looking for tenants with four dogs.

Not only landlords, but HOA's as well. We can only have 2 dogs in our HOA.

[MBryant23]

rhaster thanks for the info! I will keep all of that in mind. Moving date depends on potential jobs for me.

Yes, we have 4 dogs. I don't see why it is such a big problem, my dogs a very well behaved and house trained. I originally had 2 but then rescued 2 that wound up staying because no one wanted them. I understand that there are a lot of people out there who don't like pets because of bad experiences. Hopefully the guy I am in contact with will be able to find us a place. we are considering buying as well for this reason but that might be a long shot.

[klotone]

We had Cox at first. The promised a "special deal" of $74.98 for 3 months. We only have internet - too busy for TV. Well, the 3rd month it went up to $81.54 without any advance warning. When I called to remind them we had a 3 month special, they denied it!! On the phone and in person! Then Cox tried to keep us by saying they have special offers, etc.. Well, why didn't they tell me that when I signed up! I've heard from others that Cox will increase the bill without any warning.

We switched to Century Link, and our monthly internet bill is $38.49! This is for 1 year. I don't notice anything different with the speed. Plus, they didn't even require an advance deposit but Cox did. The bill is cheaper and they're much nicer too!

On a side note: You will love the Phoenix area! My husband & I moved from Orlando and it's surprising how much more SUN there is in Arizona. Plus no humidity. Our dogs are more energetic (if that's possible for JRT's, lol) and NO fleas!! Our older dog, who is 10 and in good health, had skin irritations in FL, and was always biting and scratching - now his skin is completely clear! Good luck on your move.

[MBryant23]

Originally Posted by klotone

We switched to Century Link, and our monthly internet bill is $38.49! This is for 1 year. I don't notice anything different with the speed. Plus, they didn't even require an advance deposit but Cox did. The bill is cheaper and they're much nicer too!

On a side note: You will love the Phoenix area! My husband & I moved from Orlando and it's surprising how much more SUN there is in Arizona. Plus no humidity. Our dogs are more energetic (if that's possible for JRT's, lol) and NO fleas!! Our older dog, who is 10 and in good health, had skin irritations in FL, and was always biting and scratching - now his skin is completely clear! Good luck on your move.

Great info about the internet! That's one thing I am hoping to avoid so I will check into Century Link as an option.

We also have dogs with skin issues, especially our oldest. And fleas are a huge problem here in South Texas with all of this humidity. I am excited about getting away from the coastal humidity!