Earlier this week, we asked Utahns to share their experience with renting in the state. Here’s a sampling of what you said.
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“It’s been great so far. I moved here a month-and-a-half ago and was very surprised with how affordable it was in Sugar House, when considering the fantastic neighborhood and amenities nearby. I am in a 750-square-foot one bedroom apartment. Comparing such a large apartment in such a great location to many, many other cities, I think it’s a fair price, though I do think I got a winter special price due to the slower season. However, even now I think it’s a good deal for the current prices. The complex I live in feels safe, in good repair and high quality. I’m very happy here.” — Max, Salt Lake City
“I don’t rent in the traditional sense. I live in a mobile home. I own my home but rent the land. My rent is $1,000 a month just for the space. They charge extra for the water and trash. I do not know how my neighbors with mortgages afford to live here. Before we sold our single family home, my mortgage was $1,100. I am frustrated that I pay so much for so little.” — Kim, Sandy
“I literally pay more per month now for my college student’s shared room at a student housing complex near UVU than I did for my family to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in a fourplex in SLC 15 years ago. When my family moved back to Utah from New York City a few years back, I was astonished to find that many apartments in Orem cost nearly as much as our apartment in Queens, but without any of the benefits of public transit, walkability, proximity to resources, etc., that we had in NYC. We’re moving back to upstate New York soon, and a house that is 25% larger than our house in Orem is 40% less than our house in Utah is valued at. Housing in the urban/suburban areas of this state (and likely the rural areas as well, but I’ve no experience there) are completely untenable.” — Sandra, Orem
“We struggled with rent being expensive, so we decided to rent a house with a family member so that we could split the cost. We like our location and landlord.” — Katie, Lehi
Earlier this week, I looked at a duplex (2 br 1 ba, w/d in unit) in Ephraim for $900/month plus utilities. The owner told me he’d had 20 applicants within a week of listing the unit. The market is tight for renters, even in some of the rural counties of the state.” — Clinton, Ephraim
“I’ve had nothing but good luck, but I’m a special case. My landlords are my parents.” — Michael, Midvale
The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.
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