For Rent: One Closet

I suppose you've heard about the high cost of living in Hawaii. The housing prices have sky-rocketed over the past few years, and here's proof:

Among listings of rooms for rent was a closet — a closet! — in a Kailua house, for $100 a month. There were 33 replies and the closet was rented immediately.

The walk-in was advertised on the Web site Craigslist.org.

The posting, dated Feb. 10, made it clear that this closet was intended for living space:

"We are 4 professionals living in a very spacious house. We have a huge walk-in closet downstairs outside living areas that is being used for storage. You can fit a twin bed in there and probably a small nightstand. We can power your closet with some extension cord.

"This space is best for someone who doesn't stay at home much, and literally just needs a bed to crash. We did some tests with a metal bar so you can definitely 'lock' your door for full privacy. Obviously there is limited storage space.

"You will share a bathroom with 4 other people. Utilities are included. Fifteen minute walking distance to Kailua Beach Park, safe neighborhood, plenty of street parking."

Unfortunately we didn't buy a home when we moved here over three years ago, and now I'm afraid that a house here on the windward side is out of our reach. I never thought about buying one and renting out the closets, though!

Related Tags: Hawaii, real estate, cost of living