What is a duplex?

A duplex is a residential building that contains two single-family units. Each unit is separate and distinct with its own entrances and living quarters. These units may be arranged side by side or one atop the other depending on the layout of the building. Sometimes, the owner of the duplex building will live in one unit and rent out the other. Or, the building’s owner may rent out both. Similar to an apartment, a duplex differs in that it’s more of a hybrid between apartment living and a single-family home. Here, we’ll examine just what a duplex is and everything you should know or consider before renting one.

Overview of a Duplex

As mentioned, a duplex features two units in a single building. Although the units are separate from one another, there may be shared elements such as a front porch and backyard. Sometimes each unit has its own back patio and there may even be a fence dividing the backyard. If the duplex contains a basement, this aspect of the building might also be shared or divided depending on the rental agreement. Sometimes basements feature storage spaces for renters as well as laundry facilities. The garage on the premises may also be a shared feature. Of course, there is no interior connection between each unit; they are distinct from one another, though they are contained in the same building.

Usually, each of the living quarters is similar in size. Like apartments, the units may feature one, two, or even three bedrooms. In many ways, these units have a house-like floor plan and tend to be more spacious than apartments with a similar number of rooms. Unlike condominiums where each unit is owned by an occupant, duplex units are not individually owned; the owner owns both units or, rather, the building and property in entirety.

What Are the Pros of Living in a Duplex?

There are lots of advantages associated with living in a duplex, and there may be some disadvantages that we’ll explore too. Often, it’s purely a subjective matter. What’s disadvantageous to one renter is actually a positive for another and vice versa.

Less Like Apartment Living

When living in a duplex, renters only have one other neighbor in close proximity--one neighbor to share walls or a ceiling with. Apartment buildings often have multiple units and are filled with many people that add to the noise factor and need for more shared spaces and amenities. Living in a duplex feels more like living in a single family home, which is appealing for many people who may have plans to purchase a home at some point in the future.

Semi-Private Outdoor Space

Living in a duplex affords people with semi-private backyard space. They only have to share the backyard with the other duplex renter. In some cases, the building’s owner may even put up fencing to divide the yard so that each renter has their own section of the yard. In an apartment, renters may only have a balcony or small patio section of their own, and not always that. Renters with children and pets may prefer a rental with private yard access.

Cost

Renting a duplex is often cheaper than renting a single family home because of the shared building, outdoor space, and garage. Although a duplex unit is often more spacious than an apartment, it’s not generally as spacious as a single family house. The rental cost reflects these elements.

What’s the Downside of Living in a Duplex?

Although there are many positives associated with duplex life, be sure to consider what many renters find to be cons:

Sharing

Renting a duplex means having to share a building--and that can mean having to deal with excessive noise or, conversely, to control your noise level. This lack of privacy can be off putting to some renters; however, there’s certainly more privacy associated with duplex living than apartment living or even condominium renting as there are fewer other building occupants to deal with.

It can also be problematic to have to share a yard and garage with other renters who may be messier or have other habits that are unappealing to you. Even so, there are still fewer renters to contend with than in an apartment building where all of the spaces outside the rental unit are shared.

Landlord on the Premises

Some tenants don’t mind living in a duplex with their landlord because they know that when there’s a problem, they have direct contact with the responsible party. On the other hand, many renters feel that it’s more stressful to live under the watchful eye of a landlord, but again, this depends on individual perceptions and tastes.

Increased Responsibility

In an apartment complex, the apartment owner or property management company takes care of landscaping, snow removal, and other necessary services. On the other hand, duplex renters often have to contend with some level of property maintenance as outlined in their lease. They may have to mow their area of the yard or remove their own snow.

Fewer Amenities

Many people opt for apartment complex living because of the amenities that are often included in their complex. For instance, don’t expect to find a swimming pool in the backyard of your duplex or even a clubhouse and gym. Apartment complexes frequently offer amenities in order to entice renters to choose their facilities.

Is a Duplex the Right Option for You?

If you’re looking for a place to rent, you’ll naturally want to consider your budget. The rent for a duplex is often commensurate with a large or even a luxury apartment. However, location will typically factor into the rent. A duplex is generally less expensive to rent than a single family home, which makes it a popular option for people who don’t need the space of a single family home and aren’t concerned about the semi-private nature of duplex shared spaces.

Life with Kids

If you have children, a duplex is often a better option than an apartment. An apartment may not feature any storage or very limited storage for kids’ outdoor toys and bicycles. Moreover, many apartment complexes don’t have spaces where kids can play as they can in their own backyard. It’s certainly easier for parents to monitor their children in a fenced semi-private backyard from their kitchen than from the third floor of a large apartment building.

The conventional house-like atmosphere of a duplex is also appealing for families who are looking for a budget-friendly rental option that still has the feel of a single family house. With more space for children and storage, the duplex satisfies many of the things that families often look for in a rental.

Life with Pets

A duplex is an easier space for managing pets, particularly dogs. First of all, not all apartment complexes allow pets of any kind. If they do allow dogs, there’s the necessity of navigating the dog up and down steps or in and out of an elevator to walk it. It may not always be ideal to walk the dog to an advantageous area like a dog park or the weather may be inclement. In a duplex where pets are allowed, renters can simply let their dog out quickly in the yard, just as they would in a single family home. They may also be able to set up a dog house in the yard or even a small kennel.

Outdoor Entertaining

If you enjoy cooking outdoors and inviting friends over for outdoor gatherings, a duplex is a great option. Of course, entertaining of any kind requires renters to always be mindful about their neighbor so as to keep disturbances to a minimum. The shared backyard space, however, is ideal for relaxing or enjoying small gatherings with family and friends. In some cases, the yards of duplexes are quite expansive, allowing each renter plenty of space to enjoy for themselves.

Tips for Living in a Duplex

If you opt to rent a unit in a duplex, you can make life there easier for you and the building’s other renter by maintaining a moderate or low noise level. Try to avoid placing your TV on a shared wall, for instance. If you have kids, be sure that they’re outdoor toys are always put away and that outdoor messes are attended to quickly. A dog that barks a lot can be a problem, so you might need to find strategies to reduce your dog’s barking tendency (i.e. obedience training).

There are many duplexes for rent in real estate markets around the country. For instance, you can visit RentLingo to help you locate a duplex in your vicinity. Be sure to check out several as you’re apt to find that different landlords may offer a wide range of different amenities just as apartment complexes do. For instance, some duplexes may already feature laundry facilities while others do not. If you decide to rent a duplex, you’re not alone. Roughly 8% of the population rents a duplex or quadruplex unit. Many find that duplex living is a terrific option that meets their current needs and budget.

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