Renting a Room in Phoenix (apartment, rental, month-to-month)

[svendrell]

In some cities, like New York City, renting a room when you're older isn't unusual - higher cost of living, etc.

What's your take on renting a room (in your 30s / 40s) in Phoenix? Does the laid back culture I read about on here describing Phoenix carry over into this area... Is there a significant number of people with roommates who are older?

[DougStark]

It depends on the area your home is in. If you're near ASU, for example, you'll get a lot of responses to your ads.

[hikernut]

I rented rooms from three different people in the past, homeowners ranging from roughly 30-50. I've also rented out rooms to people many years ago, although they were mostly people I knew from my office.

As a renter, I always looked for a situation where the owner was living there full time (i.e., not a flop house with random folks coming and going), I had my own bathroom, and the fewer housemates the better.

From the homeowner's point of view, of course they will prefer someone with a job and few/no visitors. If you are wanting to rent out rooms you will get calls from many people who are employment-challenged, and also from people who are getting divorced and will be having kids visiting. Both of these situations are problematic, of course. Perhaps the idea roommate is someone who's commuting to Phoenix for work and just wants a cheap/safe place to sleep during the week. Or perhaps someone who's new to the area and wants to rent a room until they find a permanent place to live.

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by svendrell

In some cities, like New York City, renting a room when you're older isn't unusual - higher cost of living, etc.

What's your take on renting a room (in your 30s / 40s) in Phoenix? Does the laid back culture I read about on here describing Phoenix carry over into this area... Is there a significant number of people with roommates who are older?

Older people are more likely to have a place of their own.

Renting rooms is more common among the younger twentysomethings and even some thirtysomethings.

I work with some younger people who are searching for places to live in safer higher-priced areas but can't afford the rent on their own so their first step is finding someone to share room and board with.

[hikernut]

I would expect there are way more roommate situations in NYC than in Phoenix, but there's enough here to find what you want if you're patient.

I'm not clear on whether you intend to be the tenant or the landlord. If you're looking for a room, and you have a job and no complicating factors like kids or pets, I think you will be able to find some really nice situations. I much prefer a house sharing situation to apartment living, as long as you can find someone who is compatible.

If you're the potential landlord I think it's tougher. You have to be ready to say "no" to people who are not a good fit, who ignore your rules, etc. Make sure to have a lease agreement in writing, and I would make it month-to-month with a 30-day notice from either party to end the lease. Finding a good housemate is tougher than finding a tenant for a separate rental property, where the main concerns are that the pay on time and don't damage the property.

[svendrell]

I currently live by myself (in New York, not in Arizona), but I'm tempted to move to Phoenix and downsize in the process by renting a room or sharing a place. It's good to know that it's not too unusual out there! Thanks for the feedback everybody.