Woman in Her Thirties Says She Actually Loves Renting Because When the Boiler Breaks It Is Not Her Problem and She Would Rather Spend on Holidays

There is a lot of pressure to own a home by a certain age. TikTok creator @thirties89 is pushing back. In a short clip, the woman in her thirties shares a view that might surprise anyone raised to believe renting is just throwing money away: she actually enjoys it. “If the boiler breaks, it’s not my problem,” she writes. “If I want to move somewhere new, I can.”

The video itself, posted in June 2026, is only a few seconds long, with no real narration. Her caption carries the message. She says people act like everyone should own a house by 30, “but honestly, I quite like renting.”

She lists her reasons plainly. Repairs are someone else’s job. She has the freedom to pick up and move. She is “still able to make my home cosy and personal.” And she would “rather spend some of my money on holidays, experiences and enjoying life than be completely stretched by a mortgage.”

She is careful not to knock homeownership. “Owning a home is a great goal for lots of people,” she writes, “but renting isn’t the failure some people make it out to be.”

@thirties89

Renting Is Not Just for the Young

Her point may land with more older readers than you might expect. Plenty of people in their 60s and 70s are making the same choice. After decades of mowing lawns, replacing roofs and paying property taxes, many retirees sell the family home and rent an apartment or a cottage in a senior community. The reasons often sound a lot like hers: no more surprise repair bills, no yard work and the flexibility to move closer to grandchildren or try a new city.

Selling a paid off house can also free up a large sum of money for travel, health care or simply a comfortable cushion. For some, that peace of mind is worth more than the equity sitting in the walls.

If you are considering that move later in life, a few cautions apply. Talk with a tax professional before selling, since capital gains rules and the home sale exclusion can affect how much you keep. Look closely at how often rents rise in the communities you are considering, and ask whether there are age restricted options with more predictable increases.

The Real Pros and Cons

Whether you are 35 or 75, the rent or buy question comes down to your own finances and priorities. Here is an honest look at both sides.

Renting pros: Major repairs, like a failed furnace, water heater or roof leak, are typically the landlord’s responsibility. Moving is easier, since you only need to give notice rather than sell a property. Upfront costs are lower, usually a deposit and first month’s rent rather than a down payment and closing costs. You also avoid property taxes and big insurance bills, though renters insurance is still a smart buy.

Renting cons: Rent can go up when your lease renews, and in many places it has risen sharply in recent years. You do not build equity. A landlord may decide to sell, which could mean moving when you did not plan to. And there may be limits on pets, painting or making the place truly your own.

Owning pros: A fixed rate mortgage keeps the main housing payment steady for years. Each payment builds equity, and homes have historically gained value over long periods. You have the freedom to renovate, garden and decorate however you want.

Owning cons: Every repair is yours. Financial planners often suggest budgeting around 1 to 2 percent of a home’s value each year for maintenance. Selling takes time and costs money in agent fees and closing costs. And a large mortgage can leave little room in the budget for anything else, which is exactly the trap this creator wants to avoid.

Making a Rental Feel Like Home

She mentions that renting does not stop her from making her place cozy, and that is good news for anyone in a rental. A few easy ideas:

Use lamps instead of overhead lights. Warm, low lighting changes the mood of a room instantly.

Add textiles. Rugs, throw pillows, blankets and curtains bring color and softness without permanent changes.

Try removable options. Peel and stick wallpaper, adhesive hooks and plug in wall sconces let you personalize without risking your deposit. Always check your lease first.

Bring in plants. Even a few easy houseplants make a space feel lived in.

Ask before painting. Many landlords will allow it if you agree to repaint before you leave, or if you choose a neutral color. Get permission in writing.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you are weighing the decision, consider how long you plan to stay in one place, how stable your income is, how much you can comfortably set aside for emergencies and how much you enjoy, or dread, home projects. Try running a simple comparison: add up what owning truly costs each month, including taxes, insurance and repairs, and set it beside the rent for a similar place. A fee only financial planner can run the numbers for your specific situation.

This creator has made her choice, and she sounds happy with it. Her message is a simple one that can apply at any age: the right home is the one that fits the life you want to live, whether your name is on the deed or on the lease.

Willow and Hearth