Common Types of Rental Properties

Finding a rental home that works for you starts with understanding what types of homes are in your area. Below are some common housing options you’ll find in Virginia:

Traditional apartment complex – A group of buildings that contains a number of apartments. Tenants may share parking lots and common spaces.

Condo and townhomes – Usually found in clusters, these may have more than one floor of living space and could include private green spaces.

Mixed-used property – These are found in neighborhoods that have a mix of commercial and residential spaces. Often the homes are found on the top stories of the building with storefronts, offices or restaurants below.

Efficiency, studio, flat or single-room occupancy (SRO) – A compact design that usually features a single-room unit with a bathroom. Generally, all living spaces including the bedroom, living space and kitchen are one combined space.

Rental assistance housing – Sometimes called subsidized housing, these homes help low-income renters afford decent, safe and sanitary housing. Qualified tenants pay a portion of the fair market rent for the area.

Detached property – Usually a single-family home, this type may appeal to a larger group. There are some that have two living units with one being occupied by the property owner and the other serving as the rental unit.

Mobile or manufactured home – These are usually transportable structures designed as a home with all the amenities including a living space, kitchen and sleeping areas along with plumbing, heat and air. They are usually found on a permanent site.