Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about hacks for hosting gatherings, even in small spaces. It’s doable, and fun—I promise!

We’re also talking about what you wish lawmakers understood about renting, and we look at some new apartments and townhomes coming to the Valley.

Here’s your question for our next edition on May 27: If you could give your landlord a letter grade, what would it be and why? Reply to this email or send me your answer here.

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🔨 A developer is building 80 townhomes near north Phoenix’s TSMC semiconductor plant. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🔑 A complex with 300 luxury apartments is being built in Glendale near the Westgate shopping center. (azcentral, 🔒)

🏠 The Arizona housing market is seeing some of the highest price drops across the US as it readjusts after the pandemic. (Phoenix New Times)

⌛️ More US homeowners are watching their properties sit on the market longer—so they’re renting them out instead. (Axios)

💸 Funding for the federal Emergency Housing Voucher is running out earlier than expected, leaving some renters scrambling. (Arizona Mirror)

💰 Want up to three months in free rent? Check out these south Phoenix townhomes. (The Copper Courier)

🛋️ Need some new seating? IKEA members can get 10% off sofas and sectionals through May 18. (Apartment Therapy)

You don’t need a lot of space to host fun gatherings. (Francesca Daly/COURIER Newsroom)

When you think of a “house party,” you probably imagine it being at a … house. Especially one with a big kitchen, comfy living room, and sizable backyard. 

But you definitely don’t need those things to have friends over for a good time. I’ve hosted everything from your typical college party to game nights and dinner parties, all in apartments.

Here are some low-cost tips for hosting in a smaller place that I’ve gathered throughout my 10+ years of renting in the Phoenix area.

🐴 If you want a place that welcomes livestock: This 2,907-square-foot home in Laveen sits on 1.3 acres and includes three covered stalls, a corral, and a cleaning station. This five-bed, four-bath has solar, and electricity is included in the $5,500 a month rent. There’s also a two-car garage, carport, RV port, and storage sheds. Tenants pay for water, gas, and pool maintenance, and they’re responsible for managing manure if they have animals. The home is available July 1, and dogs are allowed. 

🌀 If you like fun landscaping: I’m charmed by this 1,134-square-foot home’s squiggly path leading up to the door. The three-bed, two-bath near McDowell Road and 24th Street has a backyard patio and turf, as well as a covered parking space. The home is listed for $2,700 a month, and it comes furnished. It’s available now and small dogs are OK. 

💰 If you want below-average rent: The average three-bedroom rental in Phoenix costs around $2,200 a month, and this one is listed for $1,500—but it’s only 924 square feet, so it’s definitely not as big as other three-beds. The home near Greenway Road and 40th Street has a fenced backyard, patio, and carport. It’s available now, and cats 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 May 8. 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!

This is The Tenant’s Voice, a place where we can share our renting frustrations, helpful tips, and pressing questions. 

In the last newsletter, I asked what you wished Arizona lawmakers understood about renting. Here’s what you and some of our followers on Instagram and Nextdoor said:

💬 “That the rents have become so unaffordable that people with FT jobs can’t even qualify let alone afford the rent. PLEASE address the housing crisis for all Arizona’s citizens!” — Denise P. 

💬 “Unfortunately, we don’t have price gouging laws. It’s too Red to get it passed, unfortunately. We need Republicans out of Office so votes will be passed. Kris Mayes is the best Attorney General we’ve had since Terry Goddard.” — Marcie L. 

💬 “Rent control, rental rates are out of control, also it should be illegal for a rental properties not to accept money orders. Also, it should be illegal for them to force you to use a pay portal that charges a $10 on top of your actual rent to use the pay portal to pay your rent. Also a two-bedroom apartment shouldn’t cost more than 1500 a month.” — Godric F. 

💬 “Rent control … employers are not increasing pay at the same rate property owners are increasing rent. They shouldn’t be allowed to increase your rent $500 because the ‘market value’ has increased.” — Monique B.

💬 “Honestly I think the lawmakers do understand, they just don’t care. It doesn’t benefit them to change.” — Chris S. 

💬 “How expensive it is to break your lease. Why do they also need twice my rent in fees after giving 30 days notice? Seems silly to punish someone after they’ve proper notice.” — Nick G. 

💬 “You often pay for amenities that are never delivered [because] companies skirt laws.” — @wandering_penelope

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner and edited by Paula Solis.

Rent Check PHX is free for everyone. Your financial support makes that possible.

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
The McKinley Club
734 W. Polk St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007