Thinking about buying a home but signing another lease instead? Welcome to Rental Diaries, where real people break down what it’s actually like to rent—what they pay, what they sacrifice, and what they’re still dreaming about.
Today, a mom who works at her family’s electrical company shares how she found her dream rental in Florida: a three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse with a host of smart features—where she secured two months’ rent for free.
Having lost her home in the wake of the 2008 financial crash, the mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, initially lived in a rented townhouse, before moving in with her sister, who needed help paying her mortgage.
However, when her sibling decided to sell her home, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to carve out a personal space for herself and her kids. Her search for that perfect dwelling led her 25 minutes south of Orlando to St. Cloud, and Nona Homes, a brand-new rental community of 94 townhomes.
When she came across a three-bedroom townhouse with a one-car garage, high-end finishes, a private yard, and smart technology, she knew it was just right for her and her 21-year-old twins, two dogs and two cats.
But the thing she loves most about her new home is the privacy and the fact that hers is the first family to live in the space.
Below, the renter talks about how happy she is in her new space—and why she isn’t in a rush to buy another property now that she’s found her own place to call home.
Who is the renter?
Age: 55
Household setup: Lives with her 21-year-old twins who are working and going to college
Occupation: Works for her family’s electrical company
What is the property like?
Location: St. Cloud, FL
Property type: Townhouse
Rooms: Three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
Size: 1,600 square feet
Additional amenities: A small dog park
What was the budget—and how much were the final costs?
Max budget: $2,000 per month
Listed rent: $2,300 per month
Final rent: $2,300 per month*
*Includes landscaping, concierge fees and the smart-home package
Upfront deposit: $2,200
Broker’s fee: None
Utilities included: None
Inside the rental process
What was your home experience when you were growing up?
I was born in the Dominican Republic and, growing up, we always lived in a house that my parents owned.
What has your living situation looked like up until this rental search?
Until the 2008 crash, I was a homeowner living in a home I bought—and built—in Florida. After that happened, I rented a townhouse for several years, but all that changed a year ago when my sister needed help paying for the house she purchased.
My brother and I—and all our kids—moved in to help her pay her $5,000 per month mortgage. I was paying her $2,000 a month.
What made you start looking for a new place?
My sister decided to put the house for sale and that was great because it was time for me and my kids to find our own space. I need my space—I’m a neat freak!
Did you ever think about buying?
That’s always in the back of my mind, but I haven’t been able to get to the point of saving enough. Maybe someday!
Did you have any non-negotiables?
It had to be clean and brand-new. And even though it isn’t the biggest place I’ve lived in, it’s so nice here. The appliances are up-to-date and we have a washer and dryer and this makes me happy. The other places I looked at were in my budget, but the appliances were too old, or they weren’t upgraded. Or I’d walk through a house and it looked dirty—I saw so many where the carpets were filthy.
Did you have a specific neighborhood in mind?
I wanted to find a place that would be near my sister’s house, but the places I looked at weren’t right. At one point, I found a townhouse I loved but they wouldn’t allow pets and, at the time, I was waiting for [mine] to be registered as emotional support animals.
The agent quickly found someone else who didn’t have pets. That was very disappointing—I really wanted that place!
What was the search like?
I kept looking at places and most weren’t what I was hoping for. A lot of the listings were misleading. When I saw the listing for my current rental, realized it’s a half an hour from my job and saw that they were offering two months free, I thought this is it—this is going to work.
Did you work with a broker?
No. I wanted to find my next home myself. I knew that if I saw it, if I felt it was right, then it would be the right place for us.
What was your first impression of this home?
From the minute I saw it, I wanted it. When I walked in the door, I felt that this was where we belonged, where we should be. My kids love it, too!
Did you try to negotiate with the owner?
I didn’t. The special they were running of offering me two months free made me happy. I didn’t feel the need to negotiate.
What do you love most about your rental?
The privacy here is priceless. If I open the back window or door, I don’t see people. As friendly as I am, I don’t like people looking at my stuff. I also love the covered patio out back. It’s the perfect place for my dogs to run around!
