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UT Reader Asks: A Roommate or a Tenant?

  • July 23rd 2012

by UrbanTurf Staff

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UT Reader Asks: A Roommate or a Tenant?: Figure 1

In this installment of UrbanTurf Reader Asks, a potential homeowner weighs two options: a tenant in a basement unit or a roommate in a second bedroom?

"I am considering making my first real estate purchase, and I am looking for a property that will allow me to lessen the financial burden by having a tenant. My question is: Which is better, a row house with a separate basement rental unit, or a two-bedroom condo in which I could rent out the second bedroom? The first option is better for some obvious reasons, but also more expensive, harder to maintain, and legally onerous (certificate of occupancy, etc.). The second option is more doable financially, but I would have to live with a stranger."

Readers, what do you think? Post your thoughts in the comments section. If you would like to submit a question for UrbanTurf Reader Asks, send an email to editor2012@urbanturf.com.

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This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/ut_reader_asks_a_roommate_or_a_tenant/5802.

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