A townhome rental is a multi-level dwelling that is part of a row of attached homes. Many three bedroom townhomes for rent have private entrances, small yards, and a patio. Here are some tips for creating an accurate budget for a townhome rental:
Determine Base Rent
Base rent is the fixed amount of money you agree to pay the landlord monthly to live in a townhome. It is the primary component of the rent cost outlined in your lease agreement. When planning your budget, begin with this fixed cost before adding other expenses. It provides the minimum monthly housing cost, separate from additional living costs that may vary from month to month.
Utility Expenses
Utilities are the basic services that help make three bedroom townhomes for rent comfortable and livable. They can include:
- Electricity
- Water
- Trash collection
- Internet
- Cable TV
When renting a townhome, prioritize the utilities that support daily living requirements, such as water and electricity. Some utilities are included in the base rental costs and are paid to the landlord, while others are the sole responsibility of the tenant. Estimating average monthly utility usage can help you determine monthly costs. When budgeting for electricity, account for appliances that consume more energy for more accurate estimates.
Transportation Expenses
You can include your commuting expenses in your monthly townhome budget. If you drive to work, you may need to budget for fuel and parking fees. When searching for townhomes for rent, review options located near schools, industry hubs, and recreational areas. This helps limit costs associated with daily travel requirements. Planning for transportation expenses to regular destinations enables you to estimate the cost of living in a particular area.
Furnishing and Setup Expenses
When moving into a townhome for rent, you may need new furniture, kitchen equipment, and curtains. You can choose an apartment that offers custom kitchens, high-efficiency appliances, and gas fireplaces. Options furnished with key appliances eliminate the need to purchase key resources like ovens, washers, and dryers.
Planning for furnishing and setup helps verify you have enough liquid funds to cover initial rent and deposit requirements. Make a list of the items that you need in your house and check their prices ahead of time. This provides an accurate representation of the total cost of moving in, beyond your monthly payments.
Community Fees
Plan for applicable homeowner association (HOA) fees in your townhome community. HOA fees are common payments in townhome neighborhoods that have shared spaces and amenities. Depending on the HOA’s rules, you may be required to make monthly or annual payments. The fees cover the costs of maintaining common areas within the community, including landscaping, lawn mowing, and upkeep of shared gardens. Sometimes the fees also cover parking lot maintenance and sidewalk cleaning.
Learn More About Three Bedroom Townhomes for Rent
Townhomes are available in planned communities or urban neighborhoods and come with specific lease terms on property use. Many townhomes offer more space for storage and include attached garages. Contact a reputable real estate agent today to learn more about townhome rentals.