Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about a group that connects people living in the Roosevelt Historic Neighborhood.

Before I became involved in my own neighborhood group, I thought these kinds of things were more for homeowners, like an HOA would be. I didn’t realize renters could also take part.

I enjoyed talking with the Roosevelt Action Association about how they’re not only including renters, but actively encouraging conversations between them and homeowners to strengthen the neighborhood. It’s cool stuff!

💬 Before we get into it, I have one question for you: What’s one thing you wish Arizona lawmakers understood about renting?

Reply to this email or send me your answer, and I’ll include some in our next edition. Have a great rest of your week!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🔑 A 26-story tower in downtown Phoenix with 401 apartments is now leasing, with rent starting at $1,470. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

💸 Rent in most Valley cities has dipped over the past year—but renters are still struggling to afford housing. (Phoenix New Times)

💧 A judge blocked a rule in Arizona that made housing developers prove their new sites would have 100 years of water supply. (Arizona Mirror)

💰 The average renter in the Valley pays nearly $1,200 less a month than if they were to buy a home. (AZ Big Media)

🏠 A build-to-rent development in Apache Junction opened this month, with rent for a one-bedroom starting at $1,474. (KTAR)

👚 Need to make rent? Skip online shopping and head to this Phoenix clothing swap. (The Copper Courier)

🌱 Trying to keep a garden alive? Here are four tips for keeping animals out of it. (Apartment Therapy)

How one Phoenix group is helping renters feel at home in their neighborhood

group of people wearing matching safety vests standing on a sidewalk

Roosevelt residents at a neighborhood cleanup event. (Courtesy of Roosevelt Action Association)

Imagine that a big new building is being constructed in your neighborhood.

You find out that the developers’ plans involve a large truck carrying construction materials and waste up and down your residential street, a place where children often play. You worry about the kids’ safety, and you want to express your concern—but as one person, how much can you do?

This is a question that members of the Roosevelt Action Association (RAA) don’t have to ask. When this group of neighbors found themselves facing this exact situation, they collectively gave that feedback to the developer and were able to get the plans changed.

“What we are attempting to do as an organization is be a mouthpiece for everyone in our neighborhood,” said Dustin Wright, vice president of the association.

RAA was formed in 1981, and the Roosevelt neighborhood received its historic designation in 1983, becoming Phoenix’s first historic neighborhood. The neighborhood’s boundaries are roughly McDowell Road, Central Avenue, Van Buren Street, and Seventh Avenue.

RAA offers both practical help—like tools for keeping alleys clean and safe—and opportunities for neighbors to meet each other. And they make sure that renters are included in the conversation.

How RAA connects renters and homeowners

Today I’m sharing a little Q&A from The Arizona Republic about a building that I—and probably many of you—drive past all the time.

The Phoenix Towers residential development on Central Avenue is shown on Aug. 9, 2018. (The Republic via Reuters Connect)

Q. There’s a tower in midtown Phoenix that’s pink. What’s with that?

A. Driving down Central Avenue in midtown Phoenix, you can’t help but notice the pink building.

It’s “the Pink Lady,” otherwise known as the Phoenix Towers co-op condos.

Phoenix’s first high-rise residential tower opened in the late 1950s to much fanfare, as outlined on Sunday, Feb. 24, 1957, in an Arizona Republic spread whose headline trumpeted, “The city grows up with Phoenix Towers …”

The towers no longer dominate the skyline, but residents continue to enjoy life there.

⛵️ If you need space for an RV or a boat: This three-bed, three-bath near 32nd Street and Beardsley Road sits on a 1/3 acre lot in a cul-de-sac. The 1,938-square-foot home has limited street parking, but it offers a two-car garage, driveway with room for two cars, parking in the side yard, and a concrete slab that could fit other vehicles. It also has a large yard with a playground set and basketball hoop. I can’t speak much for the interior of the house, though—the pictures aren’t great. The home is listed for $3,200 a month and is available May 1. Up to two dogs are allowed, but no cats. Tenants are responsible for utilities and yard maintenance.

🏊 If you need a pool to survive summer: This 1,288-square-foot home near 35th Avenue and Greenway Road has a fenced-in backyard pool with rent at $1,995 a month. The three-bed, two-bath is available May 12 and allows pets. Head up that the home includes a washer and dryer, but they cost an additional $40 a month, which is an odd fee that I haven’t seen before. The estimated total monthly payment is $2,215, which includes other “required services.”

🌳 If you want to live among big trees: This three-bed, three-bath near 32nd Street and Indian School Road has some big, beautiful trees in its front and backyards, plus a grass lawn and some shrubs. The 2,100-square-foot home is available now for $5,500 a month, and pets are allowed. There is a guest house in the back that is occupied but has a separate entrance and its own private yard. The owner pays for trash, water, and Wi-Fi, while the tenant pays for gas and electric. The driveway holds two cars, and there is street parking available for up to two cars.

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

Email here

Listings available as of April 29. 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!