🏘️ Tips for renters in Nashville

⛺ “It’s Everyone’s Responsibility”

Metro’s Office of Homeless Services Director April Calvin proposed in a recent meeting that if private property owners want a homeless encampment removed, they should help pay for it. [WKRN]

• The number of people experiencing homelessness in Nashville has increased by 4.1%. [WKRN]
• Insiders have criticized Calvin for how she handled previous encampment closures. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏞️ East Bank Construction Complicates Wasioto Park Repairs

Wasioto Park, previously called Cumberland Park, was once a thriving and award-winning park, home to many community events and a popular splash pad. But the splash pad has been broken for years, and the park’s signage and other amenities have fallen into disrepair. Advocates hope to see the park revamped, but East Bank construction complicates repairs. [Nashville Banner]

• Nashville’s Indigenous community successfully advocated for the park’s name change last year. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Our fave neighborhood splash pads [📰 Hey Nashville]

🚕 Inside the Life of an Uber Driver in Nashville

On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re chatting with a local rideshare driver about his daily grind — from transporting drunk tourists to fending off out-of-town competitors — and what driving for Uber has taught him about our city. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏠 Income Changes for Property Tax Relief Programs

The income restrictions for Nashville’s two programs that help people who struggle to pay property taxes have been raised. People aged 65+ who earn $61,920 or less annually are eligible for the tax freeze program. Seniors — plus people who are disabled or are military veterans or a surviving spouse — who make $37,530 or less are eligible for the tax relief program. [WPLN]

• Your property taxes, explained [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

RentCafe recently listed Nashville as one of the 50 best cities for renters, but I gotta say, I’m dubious. I know it’s hard out there for Nashville renters, with high rent prices, stagnant wages, and few protections for tenants. Here are some tips for renting in Nashville.

💸 Average Rental Price

When I moved into my first apartment in Nashville back in 2007, my rent for a two-bedroom was $700. Things look a bit different now 🙃

• Studio: $1,582
• One bedroom: $1,714
• Two bedroom: $2,067
• Three bedroom: $2,381

🔍 Where To Find Rentals

Lots of websites list rentals, and allow you to filter your searches. Here are a few:

• Apartments.com
• Zillow
• RentCafe
• Realtor
• Redfin

👯 Finding Roommates

One of the best ways to afford renting in Nashville is to find a roommate or three to offset the cost. I recommend asking your friends, family, and coworkers and posting on your personal social media pages first. If you’re still coming up short, or if that’s not a good option for you, here are a few other suggestions:

• Ask neighborhood or active local Facebook groups, like Nashville Roommates.
• Check Roomster, Roomies, DiGGZ, or the r/MoveToNashville subReddit.

🧑‍⚖️ Know Your Tenant Rights

Nashville doesn’t have rent control, and you don’t have the right to withhold rent if there are any issues. But you do have some rights:

• You have the right to live peacefully in the place you rent. Your landlord is not allowed inside without your permission, except in some circumstances.
• Your landlord must follow the lease.
• Your landlord cannot discriminate against you based on race, what country you’re from, sex, whether or not you have children, or disability.