Our Rental Turn Ons (and a few turn offs)

Reasons we’d be willing to pay more for a rental that may help you make a decision.

Finding the perfect rental can feel like a mix of treasure hunting and matchmaking. While affordability is key, sometimes it’s worth splurging for those must-have features that make a rental feel more like home. On the flip side, certain deal-breakers will have us hitting “next” on the listing faster than you can say “non-refundable deposit.”

Here’s a breakdown of what we’re willing to pay extra for—and what’s a hard no for us.

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Turn ons:

When it comes to comfort, convenience, and functionality, some features are worth the higher price tag. Here’s what makes the cut:

1. A King-Size Bed
   Sleep is sacred, and there’s no compromise on space when it comes to a good night’s rest. A king-size bed is the ultimate upgrade, ensuring there’s plenty of room to stretch out (and maybe even keep the peace during midnight tosses and turns) especially traveling with a large dog.

2. More Than One Bathroom
   Sharing a single bathroom with housemates or guests? No, thank you. Whether it’s for convenience during the morning rush or to give everyone their privacy, an extra bathroom is a huge plus.

3. Dedicated Workspace
   With remote work and hybrid schedules becoming the norm, having a separate, quiet space to focus is a game-changer. Bonus points if it’s well-lit and has enough room for a desk and chair setup.

4. Garage
   A garage isn’t just a place to park the car—it’s also added storage and protection from the elements. Plus, it gives peace of mind when it comes to security.

5. Comfortable Living Space
   Spacious, cozy, and inviting—those are the vibes we’re looking for in a living room. We’re happy to pay more for a rental that feels like somewhere we can truly relax after a long day, curl up with a good book or binge our favorite shows.

6. Large TV
   A rental with a big-screen TV? Yes, please! We love video games, movie nights and the hottest tv series. A large TV is the centerpiece of a great living room setup, has us revisiting a listing.

7. Well-Furnished Spaces
   Furnishings can make or break the feel of a home. We’d gladly pay extra for a rental that’s tastefully furnished, featuring modern pieces that combine style and comfort (not to be confused with over furnished which is a turn off).

8. Storage Options
   Clutter-free living is key, and ample storage helps keep things organized. We travel with a car top carrier, storage bins, luggage, and other pieces we don’t want to see every day.

Turn offs:

Some things are non-negotiable—no matter how great the rest of the rental might be. These red flags make us say “thank you, next”:

1. Large Deposits
   Shelling out a hefty deposit upfront is always a turnoff, especially if it seems disproportionate to the rental price and can often signify a place is a scam.

2. Non-Refundable Deposits
   Speaking of deposits, we steer clear of rentals that won’t refund our money under reasonable circumstances. It just feels unfair and should have you questioning the priorities of the landlord.

3. Full-Size Beds Only
   Full-size beds are fine in theory, but for a long-term rental, they feel cramped and no one is comfortable if sharing the bed. If we’re staying awhile, its okay to want a place that actually fits.

4. Top-Tier Pricing for Outdated Furniture and Appliances
   the property is charging premium prices for a rental stuck in the ‘80s? No thanks. If the furniture and appliances don’t match the cost, it should be a hard pass.

5. Bad Photos
   Grainy images, poor lighting, and unclear layouts make it impossible to tell what we’re getting into. Good photos are essential for grabbing attention and setting expectations so don’t waste your time. If the photos are screen grabs from a cell phone, I am also writing that off as a fraudulent place.

6. FUTONS (Yes, in all caps)
   Let’s just say futons are the quickest way to make us hit “next.” This is a lesson we learned the hard way one too many times so take our advice and throw that listing to the bottom of the list.

7. Spaces That Feel Empty
   A sparse, overly empty rental just feels cold and uninviting. Look for spaces that feel like they’ve been thoughtfully curated—not like someone moved out five minutes ago.

Rentals are about more than just a roof over your head—they’re about creating a home, even if it’s temporary. The features we’re willing to pay more for often come down to comfort, functionality, and the overall vibe. Meanwhile, the deal-breakers remind us to keep our standards high and not settle for less than we deserve.