By Jude 
So you’re considering renting in Cincinnati? Great idea! The Queen City is having something of a renaissance these days. With its scenic riverfront, an improving job market, and lively neighborhoods, Cincy’s got a lot to offer. But before you sign that lease agreement, there are a few things you might want to know. Let’s run you through what you need to consider when searching for your ideal Cincinnati rental.
Understanding Cincinnati’s Neighborhoods
Cincinnati is a patchwork quilt of diverse neighborhoods, all with their own vibe and bonuses.
Over-the-Rhine (OTR) has been changed from a problematic zone into one of the hot spots in the city. It is full of chic bars, restaurants, and stores in beautiful historic buildings. Rent in this neighborhood is not cheap, but you’ll be at the centre of events.
If you want something more chill but nonetheless cool, go visit Northside. This one’s got a funky, artistic vibe with indie shops and lots of good (and different) eats. The prices are also reasonable as compared to OTR too.
Oakley and Hyde Park are good areas for young professionals, these areas offer a nice blend of urban amenities as well as the quieter streets. Both of them have their own squares with shops and restaurants. They are quite safe and clean though you have to pay more for these requisites.
With the inclusion of Pleasant Ridge, College Hill or Mount Washington, the families tend to incline to such areas. These areas have such places as ample areas, good schools, and a community feel without being too far from downtown.
If you are on a stricter budget, Price Hill, Westwood and some parts of Norwood are more affordable. Simply do homework on particular streets as quality may vary within these neighborhoods.
Cincinnati Rental Costs
Let’s talk about money. Cincinnati is still reasonably priced compared to other big cities, but prices have been going up.
For a good one-bedroom you will pay for approximately $800-1200 depending on the neighborhood. Two-bedrooms typically run $1000-1600. If you want to live in such trendy areas as OTR or Hyde Park, add a couple hundred to those numbers.
Utilities do not form part of most rentals. Estimate to have to pay an additional $100-200 dollars each month for fundamental utilities such as electricity and water. The Internet will add another $40-70.
Most landlords require first month’s rent and a security deposit equal to one month’s rent before moving in. Some might ask for the last month’s rent too, so be prepared to fork over a chunk of cash upfront.
Don’t forget renter’s insurance too. The average cost of renters insurance in Cincinnati is around $10 to $15 a month. You can easily get it online as there are plenty of providers who make such products available in a few clicks.
Weather Considerations
Cincinnati has four distinct seasons, and each one affects your housing needs.
In summers, it is hot and sticky with thermostats usually in the high 80s and 90s. Air conditioning isn’t just the nice-to-have, it’s almost a necessity from June to September. Ask about AC before doing any documents.
Winter can always be so harsh with low temperatures dipping far below freezing level. Good heating is a must. Learn whether heat is included on your rent, or you will have to pay for it separately. Also ask about insulation – the adorable old Cincinnati buildings can be drafty and cost a fortune to heat.
The city receives an average 15 inches of snow per year. If you’re renting a house or if you have a street parking check regarding snow removal. In apartment buildings, find out if stairways and/or walkways are cleared in a timely manner.
There are many rainfalls during spring hence look out for water damage or leaks when you view properties. Fall is beautiful though brief as they have beautiful colors all over the many parks in the city.
Transportation and Commuting
The way you will be moving around should guide you in your choice of rental place.
Parking is a big thing if you have a car. Downtown and OTR offer little street-parking and you may need to pay for space in a garage for $100-150 a month. Most other neighborhoods have street parking, but there are streets that require one to have a permit.
The public means of transport in Cincinnati are mostly buses operated by SORTA (Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority). They are acceptable in the central areas but, in outlying neighborhoods, they are sporadic. There is also the Cincinnati Bell Connector, which is a streetcar that goes from OTR to downtown and into the riverfront, but its range is limited.
As an interesting surprise, much of Cincinnati, especially Downtown, OTR, Clifton close to UC, and central parts of neighborhood business districts, is very walkable. The city has been also working on updating the bike lanes although hills can make it difficult to ride a bike.
Consider your daily commute when choosing a location. Traffic can get congested on I-75 and I-71 during rush hours, so living closer to work might save you lots of time and stress.
Rental Application Process
Getting approved for a property in Cincinnati is the standard process.
The majority of landlords check credit scores. A 650 credit score and up should get you into most buildings, but below 600 and you might have issues. If the credit is less-than-great, a cosigner and/or a bigger security deposit might get you in.
Income requirements generally request that your monthly income is a minimum of three times the monthly rent. Landlords will want these confirmed with pay stubs or employment letters.
References from past landlords truly make a difference. Cincinnati has a number of small property owners with a few properties each, and they want tenants that pay rent on time and cause no issues.
Criminal record checks are the norm. Minor infractions that happened a long time ago may not be a problem, but recent ones or severe problems certainly will.
It costs $25-$75 per person for an application fee, and you should factor this into your budget when considering several properties.
Making the Final Decision
When you have your last remaining choice/s left, take these final few into consideration.
Go there at various times of the day and on various days of the week. Some places are calm on weekdays but raucous on weekends, and others are the reverse.
Speak with prospective neighbors if possible. They’ll provide you with a true perspective of what life is really like there, from noise levels to the responsiveness of the landlord when you need repairs.
Test the cell phone reception within the apartment building or residence. Cincinnati’s hilly landscape is prone to dead spots, and older structures with thick walls tend to block signals.
Consider future development plans for the area. Cincinnati has many neighborhoods undergoing change. This could mean better amenities down the road but also construction noise and rising rents.
Go with your intuition regarding the location. Something doesn’t seem right if you get a bad feeling about the property or the owner. There are a number of alternatives for rent in Cincinnati; don’t accept a spot that doesn’t feel right.
Cincinnati is an up-and-coming city with plenty of offerings for renters. From its low cost of living to its vibrant cultural landscape and unique neighborhoods, you’re bound to find a place that feels like home. Being equipped with this insider information, you’re set to discover your ideal Cincinnati rental. Break a leg, and welcome to the Queen City!