How much are comparable places

50 is nothing , do you not live in the dc area?

I'm always in favor of less commuting. I'd move personally even if I was getting a little less for the money.

Anonymous wrote:You really need to figure out if $200 more in rent is going to buy you something closer to work. If you live this far away from your jobs, sounds like you might get some sticker shock.

Thanks for the heads up. The extra $200 bumps is up enough to get a great townhouse, which is what we are in now.

You really need to figure out if $200 more in rent is going to buy you something closer to work. If you live this far away from your jobs, sounds like you might get some sticker shock.

Look now. The rental market is slower right now for the winter but will pick up by June. Also, any place that has been on the market for 30 + days, ask for a reduced rental rate - $50 - $100 off.

OP here, I agree $50 isn't unreasonable, but its just the "is it worth it" part. I am thinking its time to start looking for a new place. How can we secure a place this far out? Won't most places want renters ASAP? We definitely can afford paying 2 rents.

$50 increase after 2 yrs? Your landlord may not have even raised it as high as the market will bear. Probably cut you a break and wants to keep you. It's a $600/yr increase.

Don't do anything rash, make sure you investigate your options fully because the rents closer in a really high and most good rentals get snapped up quickly. As a landlord, I can tell you that for the last few Springs, good rentals get multiple applications immediately, price increases are not unheard of due to competition and this year is shaping up to be no different.

I don't think $50 is unreasonable.

BUT, I would move closer to work. Improve your quality of life, cut your gas bill not to mention the wear and tear on your vehicles.

Sounds like a win/win to me!

Definitely up your price $200, and move 30 minutes closer.
That's a no brainer!

I think that's a totally reasonable increase in rent for what it's worth, but it sounds like living closer would be easier and just as cheap, so make the move!

What % increase is that? I wouldn't necessarily be incensed by a rent increase, especially if you didn't get an increase last year. But I do agree with the PP's that you might be happier living closer to work. I moved closer in, cut my commute by an hour a day and I'm happier. One of the joys of renting is that you're not tied to the one location. Good luck!

I would definitely try to move closer to your jobs. That is the beauty of being a renter, you have flexibility to pick up and go when you want to.

Start looking now, to get an idea of the apartments/developments/areas that you like.

Now. Rentals are few and far between.

We've been in our house for 2 years and our landlord is raising rent $50/month. Our commute is already at 40-60 minutes in the am an 60-90 minutes coming home. Together, we spend $450 in gas. We didn't want to go through the hassle if moving but if we increase our budget by $200 we can cut half off commute and gas and almost break even. Is it worth the hassle and extra rent? Lease is up in June, when should I start looking?