Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

So we are going to be moving in October. We found a complex we were happy with, but after a friend suggested it, I went on craigslist and saw a bunch a apartments that were cheaper and actually included utilities. Now, I have been living under a rock, and am not very familiar w/ craigslist at all. Is it reputable? Is it better to rent from a complex than private or the other way around? We have only rented via complexes, so I have no clue. If anyone ever rented part of someone's home before, could you fill me in on the pros and cons?

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

We found our house through Craigslist and we've lived here for almost 2 years.

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

Craigslist is just a glorified online classified ad.

The listings will be as reptuable as the people who posted them. So it's hit or miss. But it's definitely something to check out.

If I had an apartment for rent, the first place i'd put it is on Criagslist. I would like to think I am a "reptuable person" so take it for what it's worth.

Message edited 2/3/2009 9:27:38 AM.

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

I got my apartment on Craigs List as well. I've been in my place 2 1/2 years.

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

Like a PP said, Craigslist is just online classified, it does not guarantee you will get a better place, a cheaper place or someone not trying to scam you.

I rented from both, a complex and apartments in someone's home.

I started with a place in someone's home. Here is my personal experience:

Pros: a bit cheaper
Cons:
- if your landlord lives in the same house, they don't care that their kids run at 11pm. They don't care if they scream. They don't care about making any noise. You will have the feeling that it's THEIR house and they do as they please. I felt they always acted like they were doing me a favor (although I payed the rent). I found they were always procrastinating to fix things. In an illegal apartment (a lot of them are!), you might have to share the same mailbox as the owner.

Complex:

After 2 places in someone's house, I did find a great apartment in a complex that was $900 per month in a great location. They don't come often but you might have to go through an agency.

Pros: No personal agenda from a landlord, who might decide to take the place back after 3 months so SIL can move in. Trust me, that can happen especially if it's an illegal apartment. In a complex, you get your own mailbox. There is ususally a super on the premises. Things get fixed (in my experience!).

Cons: Usually a lot more expensive. But if you look you might be surprised they can find good deals. I love that you can stay and nobody will snoop in or turn your heat down to 50 degrees when you are out during the day (that would be a con for renting a place in someone's home).


I rented 2 places in someone's home. I ended up in a comples because I just could not take it anymore.

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

where are you looking to rent-a one bedroom is coming up in my facilty.

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

We currently rent now from a complex (our second time). I agree the 1 mailbox thing would definitely bother me (although I guess, if we went that route, we could get a PO Box). One thing though, our complex currently raises the rent on us almost every 3 months (we have a 2 year lease, but they claim it's for increases in taxes, energy surcharges, etc). They are always making excuses to try to come in, even in our old complex they would sometimes come in while I was in the shower w/ out any advance notice (part of the joys of renting). I am at a loss of what to do.

Message edited 2/7/2009 8:10:28 PM.

Re: Renting? Complex vs private apts on craigslist

we found our apt on craigslist, we've been here for 3 yrs now