Good Deal or Not? Owner Request – Rental Edition

From Craig’s list ad:

Beautiful 1-bedroom (517 sq. feet) terrace level apartment, located 3 blocks from the Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro station (Green/Yellow lines). Newly renovated one year ago. Big windows give lots of light on a quiet street, close to all conveniences of the city. Gorgious hickory wood floors throughout, with stainless steel appliances (gas stove, dishwasher, large microwave). Central A/C, jacuzzi tub, garbage disposal. Washer & Dryer in unit. No pets, no smoking. 1 year lease preferred (renewable). Street parking is easy, and apartment is very walkable to the best of Columbia Heights! 3 blocks to Georgia Ave Metro, or 5 blocks to Columbia Heights station. 1 block to the Looking Glass Lounge bar and restaurant (previously Temperance Hall). 4 blocks to new Target, Best Buy, Giant Foods, Washington Sports Club, Starbucks. 5 blocks to Wonderland Ballroom. $1350/month, water included. Utility bill averages $50/month in summer and only $25/month in winter. 1 month security deposit and $20 application fee (for credit check) required.

The owner writes, “I just need to see if people think the rent is reasonable… it’s so hard to tell, especially considering that I’ve seen one bedrooms in the area go anywhere from $800-1800!”

So do you think $1350 sounds reasonable for a one bedroom rental in this location?

An interesting comparison is a group house listing from craig’s list also sent by a reader.

The are asking $570:

Our Columbia Heights group house is looking for a new housemate for a good-sized room with a private deck. Move in would be on March 1st. The house is 3 floors with 2.5 baths, separate living room, dining room, large kitchen, and large back deck that is perfect for grilling. Central air and heat, washer/dryer, dish washer/garbage disposal, and cable/wireless internet. Rent is $570 (plus a $525 security deposit). Utilities (electric, water, cable and internet) are not included and usually range from $60-$100 per month. We also have a housekeeper come clean once a month, which costs about $15 per person per month.

The house is a short walk to the Columbia Heights (10 minutes) and Georgia Ave (5 minutes) Metro stations. It is also very close to the Columbia Heights Giant, Target, Red Rocks, the Wonderland, the Looking Glass Lounge, and The Red Derby. Tennis courts, basketball courts, and softball fields are right around the corner, and Rock Creek Park and Adams Morgan are within walking distance.

The five other roommates (3 males, 2 females) are all young professionals who enjoy relaxing with each other in the house but also have their own separate lives. Our ideal roommate would be clean, respectful, and easy going.