Doing some apartment research for a friend (Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville: apartment complex, renter)

[jahall05]

So I am doing some apartment research for a friend who works in the Lawrenceville area.

Preferences:
-Under 850 a month
-Includes as many utilities as possible
-Complex/apartment building
-On public transportation line or close to bus station
-1 or 2 bedroom, preferably no studio apartments

These may or may not be realistic...they are going off of what they had in Ohio before moving, but Pitt is a different area so give me your best options

PS: We have checked out Walnut owned properties, but they all seem very pricey?

Thanks!

[Rocket88]

Although Lawrenceville has gotten more expensive in recent years, that seems doable. Others may have a better pulse on the neighborhood than I do.

[SteelCityRising]

I rent a dumpy (yet structurally sound) 1-BR in Polish Hill, which is walking distance from Lawrenceville, for $700/month (plus all utilities), so it's most certainly possible to find a 1-BR in the surrounding areas for <$850/month.

My advice? Your friend should try to find a roommate and split the cost of a 2-BR apartment. With a maximum monthly rental budget of $850/month each ($1,700/month total) he/she could find something newer, modern, and dare I say the buzz word "chic"? He/she can also have an instant friend in a new city.

[jahall05]

Well the plan was for me to move in and split costs, but since I haven't had luck finding a new job yet that isn't possible yet.

Their old apartment was 850 a month and included all utilities (even internet), but it was also an apartment complex that was meant for the local college students.

What are the big name rental companies in Pittsburgh? I know of Walnut, but there surely are more I have missed.

[jay5835]

Forbes Mgmt. has some near, but not in, L'ville. Some are in your price range, including a couple in Polish Hill, mentioned above. And Stanton Avenue is very near Upper Lawrenceville.

Forbes Management | Pittsburgh Apartment Rentals | Browse Property

[jea6321]

any specific reason your friend only wants to rent from a larger management company? there are lots of small time landlords in pittsburgh and often you can find a much better deal renting one of their units compared to a larger complex.

[bluecarebear]

Originally Posted by jahall05

PS: We have checked out Walnut owned properties, but they all seem very pricey?

No, it's Lawrenceville. You won't be able to get a decent 2br under $1000. Most amenities and utilities aren't included. Don't be surprised it they have to split utilities with other renters.

[jahall05]

Originally Posted by jea6321

any specific reason your friend only wants to rent from a larger management company? there are lots of small time landlords in pittsburgh and often you can find a much better deal renting one of their units compared to a larger complex.

They for whatever reason feel more comfortable renting from a large management company because they are afraid of legal issues with a smaller renter or getting the smaller renter to fix stuff when needed. Trust me, I tried telling them to just read their lease agreement and make sure they understand it and it sounds fair as well as get recommendations from people in the area or previous tenants. They don't want to hear it :/ maybe though in the future with more persuasion

[shadowfax]

If she is willing to have a longer commute the 64 traveles from the Waterfront to Lawrenceville so she might look for apartments in some of the older houses in Greenfield and other points along that route.

[ProFiction]

Originally Posted by bluecarebear

No, it's Lawrenceville. You won't be able to get a decent 2br under $1000. Most amenities and utilities aren't included. Don't be surprised it they have to split utilities with other renters.

I have a more than decent 2BR for $850. It was available for over a month before I even went to look at it. You can probably find what you want when you want if you're interested in looking. Don't listen to the most negative person on this forum about anything ever.