400 S Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220

The Location & Vibe

Live in a charming piece of Richmond history! This owner-occupied shared house is a converted late-1800s corner commercial building in the... heart of Oregon Hill. You cannot beat the location: four blocks from VCU and Monroe Park, a block from Hollywood Cemetery, across from Robert Pleasants Park, and a short walk or bike ride to Brown's Island, the James River, and the Fan
.
The house features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, abundant natural light, and an open, spacious floor plan. Please note: Because of its historic layout, the house is not mobility-friendly and requires navigating a relatively long flight of stairs to the second floor.


Turn-Key Shared Spaces

The common areas are furnished and ready for you. There is room for some additional furnishings if you have something that fits.

• The Kitchen: Recently remodeled and fully equipped for cooking enthusiasts. Features butcher-block counters, a large double sink, a dishwasher, and a newer range with an induction cooktop and convection oven. It is stocked with cookware, small appliances, dishes, and utensils.

• Laundry: A large laundry closet includes a Miel washer and dryer set.

• Outdoor Living: The back door opens onto a brick patio and a fenced-in yard. Upstairs, there is a sitting room that opens onto a newly refurbished, sizable deck overlooking the neighborhood, complete with outdoor furniture and a sun shade.

•Eco-Friendly: The house has solar panels to keep energy use efficient, dual-zone HVAC (heat pumps with gas backup), energy-efficient windows, and we actively recycle and endeavor to conserve resources.

A vacuum cleaner and other cleaning supplies are available for day-to-day cleaning.

One of two rooms are currently available.

Room 1:
You will be renting a bedroom at the front of the house, overlooking the park. A shared full bath is across the hall.
•The Space: A little larger than 150 square feet with antique heart-pine floor, abundant natural light, a closet, and a built-in bookcase.
The monthly base rental is $1,050.

Room 2:
You will be renting the master suite with a private bathroom. The total space is about 288 square feet. with hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a large closet. The full bath has a walk-in shower.
The monthly base rental is $1,250.

A Note on Pricing & The "Lead Tenant" Discount

The security deposit is equal to one month's rent. The pet deposit is additional, if applicable.

A flat-rate utility fee is due with rent monthly. The current approach calculates the amount as the average total utilities over a one year period divided equally by the number of housemates.

• What the Utility Fee Covers: The fixed utility fee is fully inclusive—it covers each person's share of high-speed internet, electricity, gas, water/sewer/trash/recycling. We can add bi-weekly housekeeping services if everyone would like that.


• The Resident Cats:
Two friendly resident cats, Obi and Puff, come with the house.
Because at least one of the cats is FIV-positive, the ideal applicant either has no pets, or has a well-socialized FIV-positive cat. No dogs, please.

• The Discount:

Because the owner travels for extended periods, an addendum offering 10% off the listed rental amount is offered for one of the rooms to a "Lead Tenant" who is willing to treat the house like their own.

In exchange for the discount, you would handle:

• Cat Care: Topping off their water and food, keeping the litter clean, and giving them some love. One of the cats, Puff, stays almost exclusively outdoors while Obi goes in and out.

• Garden/Yard Care:
The yard is deliberately "wild," featuring wildflowers, native plants, and fruits. Duties include watering, light weeding and pruning, and occasionally taking the weed-eater to the small grass path and exterior green area to keep them clear. You are welcome to plant some of your own additions!

• House Upkeep: Acting as the primary point of contact for services while I am away, and helping to keep the sidewalks clear and tidy per city guidelines.

The Ideal Roommate

An accommodating, reasonable person who values kindness and mutual respect. Someone mature, communicative, and respectful of their housemates and the spaces.

If you are a graduate student, medical resident, or professional looking for a beautiful home rather than just a cheap room to pack into, this is for you.

Next Steps:
If this sounds like a perfect fit, please reply with a brief introduction about yourself and your typical schedule. From there, we can set up a time for you to come tour the house, meet the cats, and see if it’s a great mutual fit before proceeding to the formal application process! Read More