hints on how to find good places for rent in a small town?

**qtkitty** · 05-26-2010, 01:58 PM

since i am now looking for a place thats in my budget to rent ... * knocks on wood * .. does anyone have any hints on finding good places to rent ? I looked in our local newspaper and not much there. Any ideas?

BTW thanks in advance

**Neeley** · 05-26-2010, 02:09 PM

Call real estate offices. Most handle rentals.

**stinkbug** · 05-26-2010, 02:14 PM

Ask everyone you know!! Sometimes rentals are word of mouth. Do you have a local Craigslist? Screen those VERY carefully....People you work with, ask about areas they live in.

**shoiji** · 05-26-2010, 03:37 PM

I would get the word out to everyone you know. If you attend a church talk with people there. You never know who might be willing to rent a place even rooms. I found a room for rent that was listed on the supermarket wall. Was really fortunate since the family was really nice. She said yes because my father was there with me at the time.

**nodmicks** · 05-26-2010, 06:04 PM

I don't know how small of a town you are in but since moving to our town of 1200 I have been able to find out just ABOUT anything by asking/mentioning it to someone at the library, the school , the feed store or the post office. It seems in a small town everyone knows everyones business and is willing to lend a hand

**qtkitty** · 05-27-2010, 07:44 AM

i need to hunt down a friend of mine she somehow found a doublewide in great condition for $200.. i think she may have a horseshoe somewhere.

I saw a place in the paper that was WAY in my budget ( being in the budget isn't always the most important thing though) , however the line read " minimum 3 person family must have employment" I was like thats .... odd .. why three ... then i got to thinking about it .. man, woman, and child ... if one parent gets paid off then there is another one to keep the slack.

I am trying for around $500, however if i changed some things i could go a little higher, but i want to make sure i am saving still even though im on my own. Makes me uncomfortable thinking of going from month to month, or not having enough to cover emergencies.

**stinkbug** · 05-27-2010, 08:44 AM

It's illegal for them to require two incomes for a rental as long as you meet the income level....or to even say how many people are a minimum family. WTH??? Call the housing authority in your area.

**qtkitty** · 05-27-2010, 12:42 PM

Stinkbug~ You have to keep in mind however that the economy in this area is ... well horrible there is a very high unemployment rate in this area. And its not because of the recession, it was like this before hand, because all of the industry that we had moved out of the area. They are trying hard to correct that issue by helping companies so they come here and grow and prosper. So most likely they have been burned quite often.

I do not know if i called and asked if i could look at the place. Heck maybe they would not mind a working single mom. *l* One of the ladies i know told me i should get prego so i could get it... jokingly of course .. i was like noooo ill just pick up some guy off the street *rme* .. haha ... NO WAY.. NO HOW!!

**forHISglory** · 05-27-2010, 01:14 PM

The advice about asking at realty businesses, library, PO, etc. is good. I would add asking at church offices, too. Sometimes they know of a parishioner who has something available.

**frugalfranny** · 05-27-2010, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

It seems in a small town everyone knows everyones business and is willing to lend a hand

I agree....in my small 'hometown' the rentals were even seldom put in the paper......it was ALL word of mouth. So pass the word.....to anyone and everyone!

Originally Posted by stinkbug

...or to even say how many people are a minimum family.

Not sure what you meant here but you CAN limit the number of PEOPLE you accept for the rental.....so while not a minimum, it certainly is a maximum. As long as you are consistent, it is legal. If I have a two 'people' limit.....it can be a single parent with one child....a couple....or two adults.

It sounds like this is what was meant by the ad.....but maybe not....maybe 'minimum' was the key word and in that case it does sound a bit discriminatory. But.......by the same token.........would you REALLY want to rent from a landlord that had been FORCED to let you live there???

I would call just to inquire............curiosity!

**savvy_sniper** · 05-27-2010, 01:33 PM

It's a long shot, but check craigslist. Even though you are in a small town, there COULD be something listed.

Tell EVERYBODY you know you are looking.

**stinkbug** · 05-27-2010, 03:44 PM

The Fair Housing ACt says that a person cannot be denied housing due to familial status. Which means....they cannot specify what type or how many family members can live there. They are not stating a maximum (allowed due to bedroom space or sq. ft.) They cannot say *we will only rent to two working adults*. If she meets the minimum income requirement, they can't refuse to rent to her. However....we all know this happens, and often.

**mek42** · 05-27-2010, 04:33 PM

Have you considered the possibility that whoever wrote the ad screwed up and meant maximum? Did you call and ask?

**Libby** · 05-27-2010, 06:34 PM

Was going to suggest looking at the grocery store to see if they have a community news cork board with postings up there - adverts for services & rentals etc.