This rental is located at 747 10th St., SE:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Pleasant, economical basement apartment in 9-unit building. Excellent location on quiet residential street, just 2 blocks from Barracks Row and 5 blocks from Eastern Market Metro. Great value for the price. Large bathroom; separate bedroom; built-in shelves in living room. $1,145 + electric (+ optional monthly $20 laundry fee). Available in early February. NO DOGS or SMOKING, please.”

Does $1,145 + electric sound reasonable?


This rental is located at 137 Varnum Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“We have a newly renovated basement suite with a private full bathroom available in our NW DC home. The large bedroom has both front and rear windows and the adjoining suite has two large windows as well. You have your own access from the street through the back garden and you have a private patio and garden area with fruit trees. There is a large, brand new walk-in closet and your bathroom has a steam room spa and overhead heater. Washer & dryer are available, we have wireless and utilities are not that much per month. We have a fenced in front and backyard and newly renovated kitchen.”

Does $950 + Utilities sound reasonable for this 2-room basement rental?


“Dear PoP,

Not sure if you’ve run across this new rental property in that huge mansion on Anna J. Cooper Cir. Below is the Zillow result I found it listed. That house still continues to fascinate me.”

Awesome, I’m a huge fan of Anna J. Cooper Circle. We actually looked at the neighboring house in early Nov. which has some good history. Zillow lists the house for rent at:

Address: 1903 3rd St NW, Washington DC 20001
For Rent: $2,350/mo
2 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 1,100 sqft

It must be split up because that home looks way larger than 2 beds.


This rental is located at 13th and Irving St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“1 Br apartment available early January. Tenants relocating and apartment wont last long. Current tenants have been the only renters since remodeled in 2007. New SS appliances, berber carpets and tile throughout. Shared patio in backyard. Great Neighbors. 1 block to Columbia Heights Metro. ALL utilities included in rent (Dish TV, Water, Electric, Internet, Phone local and long distance, ADT Security). Apartment is ready to move in with no worries about hooking up any utilities. Apartment Available Mid January to the right tenants. Accepting applications immediately. Pets considered. Reduced rent negotiable if you take on utilities.”

The reader writes:

“My landlord is really awesome, responsive and has made the rent all inclusive for the next tenants! The place is really turn-key. Utilities included are: ADT security system, Dish network (HUGE HD package with everything, all the premium channels), phone, internet, water/sewer, and electric. And a really nice full size washer and dryer.

And the next door neighbors have been a Garden of the Day before”.

What do you guys think – does $2100 sound reasonable?


This rental is located at 1106 7th Street, NE:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Clean 1 BR English basement apartment in the heart of the Atlas District. Two blocks from Galludet U. Perfect student housing. Separate entrance, front and back. Street Parking. $1075 plus utils. 2 year lease preferred, minimum 1 year lease required. Available now. Washer/Dryer, dishwasher, central air. Walk to Metro. Pets discouraged, but will consider on case by case basis.”

Does $1075 sound reasonable for this 1 bedroom English basement apartment?


This rental is located at 1440 N St NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Will be renovated before move-in with new paint, bathroom updates, and new appliances!
Ideally located studio apartment.
Hardwood floors with a good sized bathroom and lots and lots of closet space.
Can fit a queen size bed and full living room set.
Fully functional kitchen with additional breakfast-bar great for dining.
One block to Thomas Circle and 3 blocks to DuPont Circle. Walking distance to WholeFoods, Caribou Cafe, METRO, the new hot night spot U street corridor, and K street dining/night spots.
Gorgeous rooftop POOL with a panoramic view of DC skyline, great for BBQs and summer fun.
All utilities included!
Building has security with a 24-hour door man.
Laundry facility on the same floor.
415 Sq Ft, on the second floor.”

$1375 sound reasonable?


This rental is located at 1415 Chapin Street, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Columbia Heights/UStreet: Renovated Beaux-Arts Bldg: This is a Great Top Floor 1-Bedroom-Wood Floors throughout Living areas, Classic Checkerboard tile in bathroom, Brand New Carpet in Bdrm, Window Furnishing existing, New Decorator Paint, Black Appliances, Security, Weight Room, Sundeck. You can walk to shops & restaurants that are on block and under construction as well as stroll to everything that’s in Colombia Heights, Ustreet, Adams Morgan. This apartment is centally located between all three!!”

I’m thinking $1390 for a top floor 1 bedroom at this location sounds pretty good. You guys?


This rental is located at 2112 New Hampshire Ave NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:


Beautiful Jr. One bedroom in a great location!!!!. This apartment with a total of 564 square feet includes a dishwasher, garbage disposal, gas range and frost free refrigerator. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!!!!. This unit also has a large seperate kitchen and dressing area that you will love. Don’t miss out on this unit. First come, First Served. This unit is available to move into as of January 25!!!

This is a really great building with friendly neighbors and management. 24 hour front desk, package acceptance, roof top sun deck, fitness center. This 3rd floor unit with a southern exposure and has an unbelievable view of Washington, DC. Laundry facilities are located on each floor. Parking is available in our lot and if you have a pet, we will be happy to accept your cat. The security deposit is only $500 which is refundable. Application fee is $55. If you are interested in applying for this unit you need only leave half of the deposit and application fee upon completion of application. Personal checks or money orders accepted.”

This one is for the reader yesterday who requested a non-basement option. Does $1496 sound right for this junior 1 bedroom?



Photo by PoPville flickr user itsnoteasybeingaprincess90

Those who follow the afternoon rental options won’t be surprised but I didn’t realize rent had increased this much. The Washington Post reports this morning:

“In this region, rental prices surged 22 percent in 2009 from a decade earlier, according to the latest inflation-adjusted Census figures.

In local apartment buildings, rents jumped 8.2 percent — about twice the long-term average — to $1,643 this year as vacancies disappeared, according to a study to be released next week by Delta Associates, a Alexandria-based research firm. The area’s vacancy rates are the second-lowest in the nation, after New York City.”

Yikes, but I’ll still do my best to find some good ones!


This rental is located at 410 Ridge St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Tree-lined Ridge Street hosts this fabulous basement 1 bedroom. This quaint apartment has central AC for those hot DC summers ! What a great location just 2 blocks to the Convention Center and 7th St/Mt Vernon Sq METRO. Walk downtown to experience DC citylife at its best, great restaurants, theatre, and night life. Neutral decor throughout, new carpet, newer appliances to include Dishwasher.”

Does $950 plus utilities sound about right?


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