RVA Rental Gems

Hidden rental gems in Richmond, Virginia

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Property Review: Gumenick Properties

Gumenick has been around for a while. They own a few different properties in the Richmond area, 3 of which are rental properties. I have lived at two of those; Malvern Manor & The Estates at Horsepen. Overall, I have really enjoyed being one of their tenants. As far as apartment communities go, I think this is one of the best in Richmond. Here are the pros and cons of their properties from my experience.

Malvern Manor:

1 bedroom - $975 (beginning rent) - $1040 (ending rent)

Pros

Location, close proximity to Carytown, central location near to highways, universities, shopping areas

Excellence maintenance on property

Friendly and professional staff

Beautiful clubhouse (that I unfortunately never had time to use)

Well-maintained units

Amenities included W/D (small one) in unit & dishwasher

Lighting fixtures and hardwood floors, beautiful courtyards

Space - square footage is ample at 850.

Cons

All 1-bedroom units are on the top floor (if you like walking up 3 flights of stairs everyday, this is the place for you).

The bills are far higher than they quoted me. This is an older apartment so nothing is energy-efficient. My power bill was sky-high during the very hot and very cold months. We're talking about a few hundred dollars worth in one month. 

Price - Expensive, between the time I moved in and out my rent had increased by almost a $100 - I was offered $1075 for my next least option. 

Low ceilings - after living here for almost 3 years I started to feel like it was an attic.

Kitchen design - I wish they would knock the walls down and make it a galley style kitchen. It gets very hot, hard to cook in, thankfully there's a window. 

Small parking spaces - they had to make room for more cars when they added on buildings so they made the parking spaces much slimmer. 

I love the location of this property, you really are close to everything and that's what you're paying for. I was too busy to enjoy all of their amenities but while it is expensive, it's pretty fair. I moved because I realized I could move into their other property off Monument - The Estates at Horsepen, live in a townhouse, and pay almost the same price. The rent is more expensive but my utilities bills are much lower so the price works out to be the same. 

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What major U.S. cities are best for renting and buying?

We crunched the numbers and found some eye-opening answers.

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[rvarentalgems]

December is here! What is your favorite thing about this joyful month? 

[rvarentalgems]

Do you look like this in your own apartment during the winter months? Are you afraid your electric bill will sky-rocket if you turn the temperature up just a few degrees? 

If you said yes, check out these awesome tips from home renters on how they beat the harsh winter without paying a huge bill. 

[rvarentalgems]

Beautiful historic home on Patterson Avenue, 1br/1ba - $1200 - available Jan.1. Perfect for a young couple/young professional. Option of fully furnished ($1400). View listing here. 

[rvarentalgems]

Fully renovated 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in the Museum District (Stuart Avenue) available for rent. $1000- 2br - 750ft2 - view listing here.

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12 Decorating Tips for Renters

If you rent a house or apartment some decorating options are out of the question such as putting nails in the wall to hang your favourite art piece. Well don’t worry there are some great decorating solutions to make your rental feel like home!

1. Removable Wallpaper

No need to stare at that ugly wall any longer. You can now cover it with wallpaper that can be removed as soon as you leave or get sick of it! The great guys at www.removablewallpaper.com.au have designed their wallpaper with renters in mind and there are so many colours and designs to choose from. The wallpaper is washable and breathable so perfect for kitchens and bathrooms which can sometimes be the least attractive rooms in a rental property. 

2. Framed Wallpaper

So maybe covering a whole wall is a bit pricey? You can still decorate your walls with wallpaper just frame it! You can even make yourself a stylish bedhead.

3. Paint Chip Mural

If you are like me and have a big collection of paint chips (from my uni days) why not use them to create a mural on one of your walls? 

4. Instant Granite or Marble Counter top Film

Found on www.appliancesart.com this film can transform the look of bench tops, or furniture. Stuck directly over the current top, what a difference it can make. Give this one a try.

5. Stainless Steel Film/ Stainless Steel Magnetic Cover

Also found on www.appliancesart.com this is another brilliant idea to give your appliances new life! There’s also heaps of different designs if you want to give your appliances a more arty look!

6. Confetti Wall Display

This is a fun and easy one to create. You can either use all different coloured paper or one, cut out circles and stick onto the wall using blu tack.

7. Make your own circle art

Cut out circles and display either in a frame or on a canvas. Use one colour or a few whatever will suit your style!

8. Add privacy film to bathroom or kitchen windows

Great if you need privacy and want to do it beautifully! Easily removed when needed.

9. Display your photos polaroid style

You can make a clothes line and hang your photos from it or create shapes such as this love heart. If you have Instagram you can use a filter to make your photos look like polaroids. Otherwise print out your photos all the same size then cut out squares (slightly bigger than your photos)  and stick your images onto them. 

10. Decorate with Washi tape

Washi tape is one of my all time favourite decorating tools. There’s so many uses for it. Here’s just a few examples of how you can utilise it in your rental. 

11. Add wood floor tiling to your balcony

Give your balcony a make over with these wooden floor tiles. 

12. Accessorise with soft furnishings

Use cushions, throws, and rugs to add personality to your place. 

So there you have it 12 great decorating ideas to dress up your rental. Which ones will you try?

Photo Credit: www.applianceart.com, www.buzzfeed.com, www.pinterest.com, www.removablewallpaper.com.au 

[thisoldapartment]

Check it: According to POPSUGAR Home, the #3 commandment of rental decor is that thou shalt ditch the vertical blinds. Take heed! -EL

via theeverygirl

[thelittlestapartment]

Renting your apartment? Can’t paint your white walls? Make them work for you instead of against you! 

Pick a fabulous accent color and integrate it into your furnishings and artwork. These framed vintage scarves set the tone for a bold statement and an amazing look. I love the hot pink against the natural wood. Afraid of hot pink? I’m pretty sure any color will do :) 

[rvarentalgems]

How to hang art (and more!) while renting --> Remodelaholic.

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[apartmenttherapy]

(via 6 Rental Updates that Won’t Break Your Lease or Piss Off Your Landlord | Apartment Therapy)

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Meet your new spring cleaning bible.

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23 DIY Storage Ideas For Closets

Here are 23 DIY Storage Ideas For Closets that will turn that typical closet space into something useful such as office space, seating ideas, or even an area for your kids bed. Click on over and check out this great round up today and start reorganizing those closets.

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Now, we've seen dual sinks, but dual vanities? That's a dream. 

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Take a look at this modern, chic property that has just opened up for leasing on the Boulevard. We're in love.