Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about the size of Phoenix-area apartments and how falling rents may be unlocking some more square footage for renters. 

If I wasn’t committed to my current apartment, I’d definitely be checking out listing sites and seeing if there is something bigger and better now in my budget. 

We’re also talking about the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, cool rentals currently on the market, and upcoming community events. 

I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, July 22. Hope you enjoy!

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🏠 The bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act, which includes 47 proposals to make housing more affordable, became law Saturday—despite President Donald Trump’s choice not to sign it. (CNN)

💸 Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs supports this legislation. Here’s how it could help lower housing costs in the state. (azcentral, 🔒)

🥇 In a list of the best US cities for renting, Valley cities took the top three spots—and eight Arizona cities were in the top 25. (KTAR)

💰 However, to rent comfortably in the Phoenix metro, you need to earn at least $74,000 a year—up from $36,000 a decade ago. (ABC 15)

🚶 Have you heard of Culdesac in Tempe? The same company is planning to turn a vacant lot in Mesa into 1,000 apartments and townhomes, with a goal of providing a walkable community. (The Copper Courier)

⛈️ The state saw some intense monsoon activity this week with more to come. Hope you didn’t see any damage to your home! (Arizona’s Family)

❤️ If you need some positivity today, check out this thread of people sharing why they love living in Arizona. (Reddit)

With the way the numbers are moving, it may be worth checking out some listings if you’d like to upgrade your Phoenix apartment. (shisu_ka/Shutterstock)

If your Phoenix apartment has been feeling a little stuffy, I have good news. Rents have been falling, and now’s a good time to shop around to see if you can afford more space. 

A new report from RentCafe found that a $1,500 budget can get a renter more square footage in the Valley compared to a year ago. (While the report chose this number to analyze, the average apartment rent in Phoenix is $1,374. It’s higher than $1,500 for houses and townhomes.)

Interestingly, this hasn’t been the trend for the rest of the country. Out of 200 cities in the report, renters in 128 could afford less square footage this year. 

To be clear, though, the gains that the Phoenix area has seen aren’t huge. Veronica Grecu, RentCafe real estate researcher and senior writer, told Rent Check PHX that renters may be able to afford “a slightly bigger version of the same type of apartment,” but not necessarily jump from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom. 

“This is a good time to shop around, compare the price per square foot across neighborhoods and negotiate at renewal,” Grecu said. “While [renters] shouldn’t expect to upgrade to a much larger apartment on the same budget just yet, the current market gives renters more leverage to explore their options and see where their money goes the farthest across the metro area.”

⬇️ If you want below-average rent: The estimated rent for this three-bed, two-bath near 35th Avenue and Cactus Road is $1,980 a month after fees—and the average rent for that size house in Phoenix is $2,300 a month. The 1,728-square-foot home has a cool triple-arch entryway, a fenced-in backyard, and a covered patio.  There is a washer and dryer in the home, but they cost an additional $40 per month 🥴. The house is available now, and pets are allowed. 

🚘 If you want to keep three cars out of the sun: This home near Bell Road and Seventh Avenue is huge, with four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,696 square feet. Along with the huge garage, it has a super tall entryway, a loft, two(!) double vanities, a fireplace, and big windows throughout the home. It’s available now and listed for $3,150 a month. Small dogs are allowed. 

🛁 If you want your bathroom to scream “drama”: This primary bathroom is something to be seen. It has vanities on opposing walls and a spa tub in the center of the room, next to a glass-block window with striking red drapes. It also looks like there’s a TV in the corner of the room, but don’t quote me on that. The four-bed, four-bath is north of Happy Valley Road, right against the Cave Buttes Recreation Area. The 3,030-square-foot house sits on 1.25 acres and includes a turf backyard, a shaded and heated pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, and a three-car garage. Rent is $7,500 a month with a flat $250 a month for utilities and pool service. The home is available Sept. 7, and dogs 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 July 14. 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 and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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