Should You Rent in Retirement?

Pros of Renting in Retirement

Renting when you're retired can be beneficial in the following ways.

Flexibility and Low Maintenance

One of the significant advantages of renting in retirement is the freedom from maintenance and repair responsibilities.

When you rent, it's typically the landlord's responsibility to take care of repairs, maintenance and property upkeep. This can be especially appealing as you age and may want to avoid the physical demands of maintaining a property.

Additionally, the flexibility of a rental allows you to move more easily if your circumstances change, whether it's to downsize, explore a new location or be closer to family. With that in mind, the amount of maintenance expected could vary depending on the type of place you rent. For example, if you rent a single-family house or townhome, you might be responsible for more upkeep than with a condo or apartment.

Check with the property management company or landlord and read leases closely before committing to avoid surprises.

Predictable Monthly Expenses

Renting can provide a level of financial predictability that can be comforting during retirement.

Your monthly rent is typically fixed, at least as long as your lease is current, making it easier to budget for housing costs without worrying about unexpected repairs, property value fluctuations or surprise increases in property taxes. This predictability can be particularly beneficial if you're on a fixed income and want to ensure your housing expenses remain stable over time.

That said, if you live in a large city, popular destination or other area where property values are rising, your rent could potentially increase to an unaffordable level—or, if you're in a home or condo, the owner could decide to sell.

Access to Amenities

Many rental communities, especially those designed for retirees, offer a range of amenities that can enhance your quality of life.

These amenities could include things like fitness centers, community activities, on-site maintenance and even transportation services. Choosing a rental property with amenities that align with your interests and needs increases the likelihood of having a more relaxed and joyful retirement experience.

Cons of Renting in Retirement

Renting during your retirement years isn't for everyone. Here are some cons of renting instead of owning.

Lack of Equity

One of the most significant drawbacks of renting is that you won't build equity in the property.

Rent payments go toward the landlord's mortgage rather than building ownership in a home. Building equity is an important long-term goal for some retirees, as it can provide financial stability and the potential for a source of funds through home equity loans, cash-out refinancing and similar loan products. Additionally, you lose the option of leaving real estate to loved ones or friends in the event of your passing, which could impact generational wealth.

Limited Control and Stability

Renting means that you're subject to the decisions of the property owner. They can choose to sell the property or change the lease terms, which might disrupt your living situation.

Additionally, rent prices can increase over time, potentially impacting your budget and financial stability—especially if you live in an area where significant rent increases are common.

The lack of control can even affect your quality of life. For example, if your version of hospitality involves hosting large groups of family or friends regularly, renting an apartment or similar type of housing might expose you to the risk of things like noise complaints.

Less Personalization

When you rent a property, there may be limitations on how much you can personalize your living space.

You might be unable to make significant modifications or renovations without the landlord's approval. This might seem small, but for many retirees, the chance to finally design a space that fits their unique needs and tastes instead of prioritizing children or other loved ones can be a big deal. If having the freedom to design and modify your living space is essential to you, renting might not fulfill that desire.

Should You Rent or Buy in Retirement?

When you're weighing the decision whether to rent or buy in retirement, consider the following factors to guide your decision:

Renting may be better if:

• You want flexibility. If you anticipate wanting to move frequently or explore new locations, renting provides the flexibility to do so without the commitment of owning a property.
• Maintenance is a concern. If the idea of maintenance and repairs seems daunting, renting eliminates the responsibility for property upkeep.
• You prefer predictable expenses. Rent payments offer predictable monthly expenses to help you budget effectively during retirement.

On the other hand, buying may be better if:

• Building equity matters to you. If building equity and having a potential source of funds through home equity products is a priority for you, or if real estate is part of how you envision caring for future generations in your family, homeownership could be a better fit.
• You crave long-term stability. If you're looking for long-term stability and want to establish roots in a community, owning a home might provide a sense of permanence and stability, which can be even more critical as you age.
• You think personalization is key. If you enjoy customizing your living space and making modifications to suit your preferences, owning a property allows for greater personalization.

The Bottom Line

Deciding whether to rent or own during retirement is an important decision, but it's a journey filled with personal and financial considerations. Renting offers flexibility, less hassle and a clear picture of expenses, while owning a home means building equity, having a stable base and customizing your living space.

Ultimately, the choice that's right for you will depend on what matters most to you, your financial objectives and how you like to live. If it feels too overwhelming, chat with a financial advisor or real estate expert who can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. No matter what you decide, planning for retirement by getting an understanding of your financial picture and budgeting with your long-term goals in mind will help you be all set to live your retirement dreams.