More Americans are renting these days, largely due to a shortage of affordable housing. Finding a place to buy, especially in a good location in the inner city, is difficult enough on its own. Actually having the money to buy the place, with current mortgage rates as high as they are, is another story entirely.
As such, renting is the only option most people have. Even so, rent prices are extremely high. While rent went down slightly in October and November, that is usually the case in winter months and is unlikely to signal a trend.
If you’re looking to rent in a central part of Inglewood or any other California city, you may be considering finding a roommate. Is renting with a roommate a good idea or should you try to find a cheaper apartment? Here are some things to consider.
Safety
Crime rates in the US have been going up since the start of the pandemic. This is a sharp u-turn after decades of crime rates declining. When you’re renting in the city, crime should be a consideration.
Of course, you should have insurance to protect your possessions from theft. What does renters insurance in California cover? Essentially, it will pay for your possessions if they are stolen, lost, or destroyed in an accident. It may also cover personal liability, which will pay out when someone claims against you for damage you caused them.
But claiming from insurance should be a last resort. It also doesn’t protect you from the danger or trauma of any violent crimes. Living alone in an apartment in the inner city does make you vulnerable. A roommate won’t solve that problem completely, but it does increase your safety and peace of mind.
Make sure any roommate you find is safety conscious. While having another person home can make you safer, a roommate who is lax with security can do the opposite.
Affordability
Chances are that you can only afford an apartment in the inner city if you find a roommate. Is it worth giving up some of your personal space for cheaper rent? Should you rather look for a place in a different area?
The reality is that even if you find a place to rent in a cheaper area, you may still find it too expensive without a roommate. You’ll also have to pay more for transport or gas to get around. You may have to drive further to get to work each day and to meet friends.
You should be able to find rent in the inner city that, with a roommate, works out cheaper than living in the sticks. How much you value your privacy is a personal matter, but it is definitely worth considering a roommate for affordability reasons.
Space
Many people assume that renting with a roommate means having less space available. However, that is not necessarily true. In fact, the opposite might be the case.
When you rent alone, you have to pay for your room as well as any other living areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. As such, you may have to choose a studio apartment or a one-bedroom with very little space available.
When you’re renting with a roommate, on the other hand, you split the cost of those spaces. You are therefore able to afford an apartment where you will have more space rather than less space. While you will have to share these spaces, you will have far more space to share.
Company
For some people, renting with a roommate is not a last resort. If you enjoy someone’s company and you’re both looking for a place in the inner city to rent, you might appreciate sharing an apartment. You’ll feel less lonely and become closer to your friend.
Of course, there is always the chance that the opposite will happen. Living with someone can be the worst thing for a relationship. You’ll have to make your decision based on your personality and theirs, as well as what’s best for the friendship.
The above are all reasons a roommate might be a good idea. Ultimately, if you do decide to rent without a roommate, you may have to compromise for an apartment that is far from ideal.
