Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about ways you can cut your energy bill in an apartment.

It can be tough because, as a renter, you only have so much control over your space. But our reporter Britteny Dee lays out some ideas for things you can do without losing a security deposit. 

Electricity costs have been a struggle in my three-floor condo. As you can imagine, this summer heat rises right up to my bedroom. I’ve tried some of the things on this list, though, to help keep out the heat, and I do think it’s helped!

We’ll also talk about questions you should ask on your next apartment tour, and a new mutual aid event in Phoenix coming up this weekend. 

Hope you enjoy! I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday. If you know another renter who may benefit from this newsletter, please forward it their way! 📧

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🔨 Home construction is lagging in Arizona and the rest of the US this summer because of worker shortages and inflation. (Arizona’s Family)

🏠 Cities and towns in Arizona plan to push the Legislature to regulate short-term rental housing next session. (Arizona Capitol Times)

💸 Maricopa County’s new eviction diversion program allows renters in four Phoenix ZIP codes with high eviction rates to apply for up to $3,200 in rental assistance. (KJZZ)

🪖 A new, women-only US Vets facility in Phoenix is providing female veterans with safe housing and other services. (ABC 15)

💰 While lots of people still consider buying a home part of the American dream, some experts say renting can be the better option. (Moneywise)

❓ Here are 40 smart questions to ask when you’re looking for a new apartment. (Instagram)

🪟 These seven small decor changes helped make a small kitchen look totally different. (Apartment Therapy)

Your utility bills can go through the roof in the summer, so check out our tips. (Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash)

By Britteny Dee

Arizona’s rising cost of living is stretching household budgets thin. High electric bills are part of the problem—especially during the summer months when extreme heat forces homeowners to run their air conditioners more often.

And with a proposed 14% rate increase by Arizona Public Service (APS)—the state’s largest electricity provider—currently under review, electricity prices are expected to increase further. 

In major cities like Phoenix, residents are hit even harder, with an average cost of living higher than in many other parts of the state. So, if you’re living in Phoenix and looking for ways to save money on utilities, you’re probably not alone.

We spoke to two experts who shared their top tips for Phoenix renters trying to reduce their electricity costs.

🏠 If you want to live in a big historic home: This listing comes from readers Dustin and Adriana, who are part of the Roosevelt Action Association that I profiled in April. They have listed a 1,690-square-foot, two-bed, two-bath on Willetta Street off of Seventh Avenue in downtown Phoenix. The single-level home—built in 1923—is $3,000 a month for a year lease, or $2,900 a month for a two-year lease. There’s also a 576-square-foot guest house that can be rented with the home for $4,650 a month. Adriana notes that she and Dustin live in the neighborhood and take care of tenants’ needs directly, without a property management company in between. The house is available now, and pets are allowed. 

🔑 If you want a cross between an apartment complex and a neighborhood: Roma Meadows is a group of single-family homes near Seventh Street and Indian School Road. This 1,409-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It’s listed for $2,430 a month with an offer of one month free for a 13-month lease. The house includes an attached garage, an enclosed patio, and a balcony. It’s available now and pets are allowed. 

🏊 If you want to swim right next to Camelback Mountain: This 850-square-foot casita is one of eight units that sit on 4 acres near the base of Camelback. The one-bed, one-bath—built in 1972—includes access to a community pool and is available now for $1,950 a month. It’s unclear if pets are allowed. 

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Listings available as of Aug. 24. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with a story by Britteney Dee. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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