Townhomes or townhouses have been popular for numerous decades. The attached unit homes save the owner or resident the expense of upkeep and maintenance while also offering recreational and other amenities for which expenses are shared by a homeowners association.
Renting a townhouse offers various benefits as a living option. Nevertheless, beware of these drawbacks before you sign the lease.
Shared Walls
A major drawback of townhouse living is that owners and renters typically share a wall with two or three neighbors. Therefore, noises, for instance barking dogs and loud music can become a nuisance.
Nevertheless, good insulation can tackle this issue while several townhouse owners find they enjoy the sense of community that comes with close neighborhood living.
Limited Land
A townhouse generally has less backyard and front square footage compared to detached single-family homes. Furthermore, they have less exterior and interior space and the yard space is usually limited because every unit is adjoining the one next on both sides.
Although this decreases your mowing responsibilities, it implies you won’t obtain the benefits that come with having considerable yard space, for instance space for children to play and landscaping opportunities.
You’ll also find that events such as private parties are frequently impractical or difficult depending on the setting.
Restricted Creativity
A townhome comes with restricted creative opportunities unlike a single-family home, which offers flexibility and freedom.
You’ll discover that townhouses are usually part of planned developments and governed by homeowners association rules. Therefore, this may restrict your ability to paint a different color, include sheds, or other items.
Community
Living in a townhome means being in a common-interest development in which standard rules govern the community. The homeowners association or HOA oversees and enforces daily community operations, including trash removal and maintenance of the common area.
Furthermore, it dictates the color of exterior walls as well as who can reside there. For instance, breed and pet size restrictions are common and senior communities limit the residents’ minimum age.
Stairs
Living space in a townhome is generally more vertical than horizontal and you’ll find that 2-3 story townhomes are common. This implies you may need to walk up one to flights of stairs to reach living areas or the bedrooms upstairs.
In the event that you have medical issues or struggle to go down and up the stairs, this poses some challenges. Fortunately, some developments have elevators for multi-story properties, especially those that cater to older populations.
Amenities
Besides covering external maintenance, the HOA in townhome communities frequently offer several other services. Typical communities include tennis courts and swimming pools. Some may even provide luxuries such as a video, gym, and video library.
While these amenities are beneficial to the community, the drawback is that they are mutual. Therefore, there’s somewhat less privacy than comparable amenities in single-family homes.
Final Thoughts
You may find a townhome appealing because of its desirable location and maintenance requirements. If you think a townhouse is suitable for you, consider the benefits and drawbacks before committing yourself to any decision.
For more information on renting a townhouse, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.