This is the time of year when most blogs (especially those that get money from advertising) will post gift-buying guides for their users. We've done this a few times ourselves. However, we're not ad supported and we do have a mission to remind people that thinking before you spend money is a really good idea. So this year we thought we'd provide a list of things that you absolutely should NOT buy for renters unless they specifically tell you that they're on their wish list. After all, renters have somewhat unique living arrangements that prevent them from making the most of many common gifts.
If you were thinking of giving any of the following items to your apartment-dwelling friends, please make sure to ask them first. It's better to spoil a surprise than to waste money on something they cannot use.
1. Anything that weighs more than 30 lbs. Many renters live in walk-up buildings. Asking someone to carry your 50 lb gift up three flights of stairs is not a kind thing to do.
2. Anything that requires mounting. Most leases forbid nailing things into woodwork and/or walls.
3. Kitchen appliances. Many apartment kitchens have limited counter space and storage space. Most vintage apartments have only one outlet per room, one or two breakers for the entire apartment, and kitchen/bath outlets may or may not be grounded.
4. Pets. Beyond the cost, care and abandonment risks inherent in giving pets as holiday gifts, many renters could lose their housing if they bring home a puppy, kitten, fish, snake or any other critters.
5. Bulky items. In many apartments, regardless of age, space is at a minimum. Closet space can be nearly non-existent. If it's bigger than a shoebox, steer clear of it.
6. Smoking supplies. Many apartment complexes ban smoking indoors, so stay away from the hookahs and pipes.
7. Noisy Games. Speakers, dart boards, ping pong, foosball, and pool tables are all guaranteed causes of strife between neighbors. Same with music-based games like DDR and Rock Band. Between the booming and the stomping around and the sound of assorted projectiles falling on the floor, they're all just disasters waiting to happen. And while we're on the subject of noise...
8. Musical Instruments. Nobody wants to listen to their neighbors noodling away on their electric guitar, drum kit or saxophone.
9. Space heaters, electric blankets and electric warmers. Many apartments' electrical systems cannot handle the power drawn by items with their own heating elements. If your renter friend is using landlord-provided power, they're probably going to get in trouble. If they pay for their own power, using these devices will drastically increase their power bill.
10. Outdoor furniture and appliances. Not every apartment has outdoor space. Things like grills, patio furniture and even outdoor plants are basically useless.
Can you think of any other gifts that would be very bad for a renter? Let us know in the comments!
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I large apartment complexes car care is sometimes forbidden on the property. Perhaps car care items should be avoided if you know your friend has to park on a public street or in a large managed lot.
Great point, Jody.
I've had leases that banned candles and anything with an open flame, so things like candles and sterno-heated s'mores sets might also be off limits.
I second #2! That easily is never though of.
Also #8! So 8. Especially saxophones.