UT Reader Asks: A Roommate or a Tenant?

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 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
See other articles related to: urbanturf reader asks
This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/ut_reader_asks_a_roommate_or_a_tenant/5802
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever

When Johnsie Walsh rented a unit in her Stanton Park apartment building, she had no i... read »

An analysis by UrbanTurf found that there were 15 neighborhoods in DC where the media... read »

The project is the first Rosslyn high-rise that will include affordable units.... read »

Tysons Corner also comes in tenth nationwide in number of apartments built since 2016... read »

The H Street development pipeline is a shadow of what it once was.... read »
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Visit guides.urbanturf.com or start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro
10 Comments