Save Money on Rental Housing
If you're a renter, housing expenses most likely take up the largest chunk of your budget. Thus, anything that can decrease your monthly rental payments will provide welcome relief. Included below are a variety of ways to reduce that cost.
Move to a Cheaper Place
For starters, consider moving to a less expensive dwelling. But, if you don't plan to stay there very long, the cost of moving might cancel any savings. Plus, if it increases your distance from work, the commuting costs could negate the benefits of a lowered rent.
Before moving, you may want to look into places to rent storage space. They can be quite reasonable, and some offer special discounts. By placing items there you rarely use, you can possibly get a smaller, less expensive place to live.
If you decide to move, begin a diligent search. Tell everyone you know, check out bulletin boards, and read the rental section of the newspaper. In addition, some of the larger apartment complexes are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book.
On the Internet, check if craigslist or Kijiji have listings for your area, which are free. You can also search for free using the following sites: apartments.com, ApartmentGuide.com, Rent.com (which you can get a $100 debit card from for many of the places you rent via them), and RENTNET.
Don't rule out apartment/house rental agencies. Some of these are free while others charge a fee. You may be able to get some of your money back if you can't find a place via them in a specified time period.
A way to live for no rent is to be a property caretaker. A newsletter called The Caretaker Gazette has caretaker job listings and ads of those seeking caretaking positions. These can range from basic housesitting to managing estates, ranches, and other operations. Sometimes a salary and/or other benefits are included.
Find a Roommate
Another way to save on rent is to split the cost with one or more roommates. The inconvenience/loss of privacy may be more than offset by the savings obtained. You can find roommates in a variety of ways.
Speaking to friends, relatives, and coworkers may provide possible candidates. Or you might consider posting a notice as well as checking other notices on free bulletin boards at places such as churches, colleges, and community centers.
Don't forget to check the newspaper ads of people desiring roommates. You can also pay to advertise in the newspaper or use the services of a fee-based roommate service.
Look at free local online sites such as craigslist or Kijiji. A fee-based online service is ROOMMATES.com.
Other Ways to Save on Rent If you want to stay put and not add a roommate, there are other possibilities for lowering your rental cost. If you have a car and your building has a garage or parking area for tenants, chances are you're paying an extra monthly fee for this.
If availability of space and neighborhood security permit, try parking on the street. If you don't drive your car very often and have family or a friend who has the room for it and is agreeable, consider leaving it there.
Think about getting rid of your automobile. You can just borrow or rent "wheels" when you really need them. In many cities, it's often easier and cheaper to take public transportation and the occasional taxicab. And, in some cities, you can get around nicely just by bicycling and/or walking.