Uncertain about rent - could use some thoughts

[Deborah Burian]

I have refurbed a 1/1 duplex that is ridiculously large to be only one bed. It's a B/B- prop in a C but improving area that is starting to attract some hipster/artist types.

I just rented a nice 1:1 on the same block that was markedly smaller but charming, with a good floor plan, for $495 - which was basically .90/sf plus $50/mo utilities.

If I put that same model on the new duplex, which is clean plain jane vs charming, I get a crazy number... $900, which is more than a 3/2 in this area. I'm fine with not getting .90/sf but am struggling with the right number.

Previously, with pretty terrible tenants it was $525/bills paid. I can live with $525/water paid but not sure that's the right price because of the size. Does the size get me anything but a headache?

Any of you with non-conforming properties have any words of wisdom?

[Elizabeth Colegrove]

@Deborah Burian

In my areas the prices are *primarily* determined by the number of bedrooms. The larger houses can get more money in the best school district but those are hard.