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How Do I Choose the Best Duplex House for Rent?

Lori Kilchermann
Lori Kilchermann

When searching for the best duplex house for rent, you may want to consider more than just the structure. While a ranch style duplex house for rent will usually offer less noise than a two-story setting, this type of home places both dwellers on the same lawn. If you select a two-story duplex house for rent, you might choose the upper half to lessen the noise that emanates through the ceiling. Since half of the safety, such as fire risk, is dependent on the other dwellers in the unit, you may also want to consider the character of the people residing in the other half of the duplex when choosing a house to rent.

One of the most common complaints from some people living in a duplex house for rent is noise from the neighbors. When searching for the best rental property, you may want to avoid any type of duplex house for rent that places you under the other tenants' living space. A ranch style home with the living quarters divided in the middle will typically offer the least amount of residual sound transferring from one family to the other. In two-story homes, you may choose to occupy the upper level to reduce the sound of overhead foot traffic coming through the ceiling. When choosing the upper level of a duplex house for rent, you may also benefit from a deck or balcony to offer relaxation instead of the yard that may be shared with the other tenants.

Duplex homes may be side by side or stacked.
Duplex homes may be side by side or stacked.

It is important to choose a rental home that is up to date on safety issues, such as fireproof barriers between duplexes and fire escapes on upper floors. This factor is doubled when choosing a duplex. The chance of accidents increases significantly in a duplex due to the increase in families within the home. You may want to interview any current resident in a duplex house for rent that you are considering moving into. Additionally, you will want to make certain that the renters in the other half of your duplex share your beliefs in fire safety, cleanliness and any other aspect of your life that you hold near and dear.

It is important to choose a rental home that is up to date on safety issues.
It is important to choose a rental home that is up to date on safety issues.

Choosing a duplex that has occupants who cross your belief system can prove to be painful existence for you. To be certain that you can coexist with your neighbor, meet with them and introducing yourself prior to making a commitment to the duplex house for rent. Other factors that you will want to base your selection on are the proximity of schools, shopping centers and your workplace.

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    • Duplex homes may be side by side or stacked.
      By: Andrew Bayda
      Duplex homes may be side by side or stacked.
    • It is important to choose a rental home that is up to date on safety issues.
      By: Maridav
      It is important to choose a rental home that is up to date on safety issues.