Question 1

How much rent can I afford?

Accepted Answer

A widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. This leaves room for other essential expenses like utilities, groceries, transportation, and savings. If you have significant debt or additional financial responsibilities, consider spending less to maintain a healthy budget. Tools like rent calculators can help you determine what’s affordable based on your specific financial situation.

Rent Affordability Calculator

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, here is a link to the "Rent Smart" https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/rentsmart/ workshop series helps tenants understand things such as finding a rental, pre-rental inspection, who is responsible for repairs, eviction, effective landlord/tenant communication, and more. The free workshops are held via Zoom and run monthly.

SIGN UP HERE: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=IYOmLNoOCEmIskJKjLSw-b_9ADOuA9dAlPZw3rV-QC5UM1Q3NDdTNVFWQUVDU1FEWUdBUVVPS0M5USQlQCN0PWcu

Question 2

What is the average rent in Kenosha?

Accepted Answer

Get data from this calculator:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr/fmrs/FY2025_code/select_Geography.odn

Kenosha stats below:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr/fmrs/FY2025_code/2025summary.odn

Question 3

What is a security deposit, and will I get it back?

Accepted Answer

A security deposit is an upfront payment, typically equivalent to one or two months’ rent, intended to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent. You’ll get it back at the end of your lease if you leave the property clean, undamaged, and with all lease terms fulfilled. To ensure its return, document the property’s condition during move-in and address any issues before vacating. Landlords are required to provide an itemized deduction list if they keep any part of the deposit.

Question 4

What is the average utility cost in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Utility costs vary by state and depend on factors like energy prices and usage. For example, Move.org reports the national average utility bill is around $400 per month, including electricity, gas, water, and internet, but states like Hawaii and California tend to have higher costs, while states like Idaho and Arkansas are lower.

In Wisconsin, the monthly average utility cost is $382.

To get a more specific estimate for your state, consider looking up recent averages for electricity, water, gas, and internet individually. Electricity tops the list as the most expensive part of a typical monthly utility bill, while water typically remains the least costly (depending on where you live).

https://www.move.org/utility-bills-101/#Cost_by_state

Question 5

Can I negotiate my rent or lease terms?

Accepted Answer

Rent negotiations are possible, especially in a less competitive rental market or with private landlords. You can request a lower rent, reduced fees, or perks like free parking or included utilities. To negotiate successfully, demonstrate your reliability as a tenant (e.g., steady income, good credit, or a strong rental history). Landlords may be more flexible if you’re signing a longer lease or moving in immediately.

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