A listing for a rental property in Walnut Creek, California, was recently taken off the market due to requirements posted by the property manager. Realtor.com reported that the listing said, “If working from home, an additional $200 monthly,” on top of the $3,250 monthly rent.
ABC 7 Bay Area News reported on the listing and community reactions, sparking a larger discussion on the current state of renting properties.
According to Zillow, rent in the Bay Area ($3,600) is 78.48% higher than the national average ($2,017).
Working from home offers alternatives to commuting for those with disabilities and elderly tenants.
Locals and social media users expanded on how landlords overcharge and take liberties that impact the cost of living.
Founder and CEO of Lotus West Properties Ari Chazanas wrote for Forbes about tenants who work from home. Chazanas said, “On the one hand, an increase in demand for housing means offering property at a higher rental price…On the other…the unit may be exposed to higher levels of wear and tear since the tenants are spending more time inside of the unit.”
This sort of mentality inspired more debate on the morality of landlords and their practices of housing profit.
The 535-square-foot home dubbed “The Cottage” listing continues to boil over discourse. A user on Reddit reposted the listing under r/bayarea, prompting discussion on whether the added fee is legal or not.
Users called it everything from ‘insane,’ ‘predatory,’ and ‘absurd,’ and questioned the legality of added fees. Unfortunately, it appears to be within legal boundaries. ABC7 interviewed East Bay Rental Housing Association CEO Derek Barnes on the public’s reaction. “… someone working from home throughout the day could use more electricity, water, internet and air conditioning than someone who leaves… “You’re not likely, you know, to be aware of your usage of these precious resources if you don’t see a bill,” Barnes said.”
Chazanas added more, “…landlords should upsell the unit by explaining all the advantages that exist for turning the rental space into a living and working area for the remote worker.”
The locals, ABC7 interviewees, and social media users continue to discuss the current state of rent and upcharge fees.
One Reddit user hauntingly said, “This rent is higher than my mortgage.” A Walnut Creek local bluntly told the ABC7 correspondent, “Rent is already so expensive!”
The person who posted the listing hasn’t made any public response or comment on the situation.
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