Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about a fun way to find new clothes without having to spend much.

Rent is a fixed expense, meaning it’s something you can’t be flexible with from month to month. But clothes shopping is an area where we have a lot more leverage in deciding how much to fork over.

I’ve been putting off replacing some items in my wardrobe for a while now, because I know it’ll really add up. But after learning about Community Closet and other swaps, I’ve realized I may be able to find some great pieces for only a small donation.

I’m hoping to attend a swap soon—Community Closet’s next one is this Sunday—and report back. But for now, check out the story below.

I’ll be back in your inbox on April 29. Hope you learn something useful, and don’t forget to forward this to a fellow renter!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

Need to make rent? Skip online shopping and head to this Phoenix clothing swap

tables with piles of clothes and two people waking through and looking at clothes hanging on a rack

Swappers look through clothes available at one of Community Closet’s clothing swaps. (Courtesy of Community Closet)

When Jacqueline Braden moved from Arizona to Denver in 2020, she realized her wardrobe wasn’t quite prepared for the cold weather.

But a friend stepped in with a solution: a clothing swap she was hosting at her home. This is as simple as it sounds—participants bring in clothes they are ready to part with, and take home items that other people contributed.

It makes for an easy, and cheap, way for people to build up or slim down their closets while preventing items from ending up in a landfill.

Braden had such a good experience with this swap that when she moved back to Arizona, she wanted to get a version of it going here.

She worked with some friends to hold more public events, branding themselves as Community Closet. They set a goal of holding a swap every season and have now held around 15.

As of April 11, the average rent in Phoenix was $1,830 a month—meaning many renters don’t have money lying around to spend on new outfits. Community Closet makes it possible for people to find clothes that make them feel good without worrying about their budget.

Where to find the next swap—plus tips for holding your own!

🛏️ If you want to be able to put your bed to sleep: This 1,141-square-foot home in Ahwatukee has a king-size Murphy bed in the main bedroom. Furniture, besides the Murphy bed, can either remain in the rental or be removed. The two-bed, two-bath allows cats and dogs and is available starting May 1 for $2,250 a month.

🌸 If you want a dose of 1950s Hollywood in your home: This 1,975-square-foot home in the Encanto Vista Historic District has some serious retro style. From the red brick exterior and floral wallpaper to the wood paneling and pastel bathroom tiling, this four-bed, three-bath majorly stands out. The home includes an in-law suite, covered parking for three to four cars, and two backyard storage sheds. The home is available now for $3,275 a month, and small dogs are allowed.

🌭 If you plan to throw giant backyard parties: This 3,488-square-foot home is massive in its own right, but it also has a big backyard set up for hosting. It includes turf, a fire pit, a pergola with lighting, a grill, and a covered patio area. The two-story home near Camelback Road and 107th Avenue has four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a five-car garage. It’s available now for $4,499 a month, 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!

Email here

Listings available as of April 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!

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

I’ve received some questions about tenants’ rights when it comes to repairs. I’ve already covered air conditioning, but here’s some more general info.

When you need something fixed in your rental that affects your ability to live in your home, make sure to let your landlord know in writing. If your landlord doesn’t make the fix within 10 days of the written notice—or potentially sooner if it’s an emergency—you have options.

If your landlord isn’t cooperating, you can hire a contractor to complete the work, and you can deduct the cost of the work from your rent. However, you need to submit required documentation, and the cost cannot be higher than $300 or half of your monthly rent, whichever is higher.

This doesn’t apply if the need for repair was due to a “deliberate or negligent act” by the tenant or anyone on the premises with the tenant’s permission. It also doesn’t apply if the need for repair is so minor that it doesn’t affect the “fit and habitable condition” of the property.

Of course, I know this is making things sound a lot simpler than they ever are. If you’re in this situation, it’s likely worth consulting legal counsel (there are, although limited, free options available) to make sure you’re operating within the law.

Submit your questions here

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

❌ A Mesa mobile park home is closing, leaving residents scrambling to find a new place to live. (ABC 15)

⚡️ A single-family rental community in Scottsdale says it’s the first in the city to earn the Net Zero Energy Ready designation. (KTAR)

💸 In no surprise to anyone, Arizona was ranked one of the least affordable states, thanks to housing costs. (Phoenix News Times)

🔑 Units at a new 36-unit complex in midtown Phoenix will be just over $1,500 a month. (The Copper Courier/USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

🧶 Do you have a lot of bare floor space to fill? If so, here’s a guide to buying a good rug. (Apartment Therapy)

🛋️ Here are 16 designer-recommended apartment upgrades that won’t cost you your security deposit. (Good Housekeeping)

💡 Ever wondered how much of your monthly electric bill goes toward the utility’s profits? Find out using this calculator. (Energy & Policy Institute)