Renting out basement utility help (rental market, how much, house)

[chiquitabanana9]

Hi Everyone.

We have a 1200 square foot finished basement with 3 windows, sliding glass doors, full bathroom with bath tub. The heating/air conditioning is controlled by the middle level. Our tenant has lived here since February, sometimes travels, uses our laundry on Sundays, and never comes up to use the kitchen. She has a mini fridge/microwave in the basement.

She's currently paying $925/month including all utilities (internet too). Today she asked us if her nephew who is a toddler could move in as his parents are having family troubles. Poor boy but he's blessed to have an amazing aunt.

Originally we liked the idea of only having 1 tenant, no children, for the peace and solitude. Plus she travels sometimes. But we are open to entertaining the idea of him staying. We've even considered building a kitchenette down there with tile, cabinets, bigger fridge, counter space, etc.

Would you charge extra for utilities or even rent in general if he moved in? Any ideas?

Thank you in advance!

[chiquitabanana9]

Anyone have thoughts on this? Any input appreciated.

Thanks so much!

[Grsz11]

A toddler would have no impact on utilities. You're charging for the space, not the headcounts, but I guess it ultimately depends on how much flexibility you have in the lease.

[Flamingo13]

https://www.city-data.com/forum/renting/

[chiquitabanana9]

Thank you both! I feel as though a toddler would, because instead of 68 degrees we'd keep it on 70 in the winter. Also he would take hot baths every night and our tenant currently doesn't cook but said she would cook every night for him. Plus the wear and tear I would think having a toddler with a lot of energy would do some wear and tear? The whole house is immaculate.

Thanks again.

[weezycom]

It seems to me the three factors you need most to consider for your own satisfaction with the new arrangement are
1) how much it's going to cost to build out the kitchenette and how long to recoup that expense;
2) wear & tear from a toddler (and a big increase in laundry b/c, bless them, they're messy little people); and
3) noise factor, because the best of kids still have meltdowns, scream & shriek with joy, run themselves into furniture and walls by accident, etc.

Is additional rent going to be sufficient to make up for any aggravations that come with him moving in? Is the situation with one or the other parent problematic, so s/he will be showing up at your house in an aggrieved frame of mind?

Your house, your budget, your tolerance levels, your area's rental market will all factor into the decision

[chiquitabanana9]

Thank you so much!

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by chiquitabanana9

Thank you both! I feel as though a toddler would, because instead of 68 degrees we'd keep it on 70 in the winter. Plus the wear and tear I would think having a toddler with a lot of energy would do some wear and tear?

It sounds like you want to charge more, so charge more. Obviously tell your tenant before the toddler moves in.

I wouldn't feel guilty because it's a toddler. Lots of people charge more for dogs even though children are far more like little tornadoes than most dogs.

[chiquitabanana9]

Thanks she's currently paying $925 including utilities like I mentioned. I just want it to be fair if we do ask to increase the rent. Will tell her tomorrow probably, but the toddler doesn't plan to move in until October. Thanks again.

[Grsz11]

So no lease?