Woman lives in 1,200 sq ft underground bunker after striking 'unusual' rental agreement

A clever woman has brilliantly bypassed the sky-high rental market by making a 1,200 sq ft underground bunker her home, saving herself a hefty $1.5k per month.

44 year old Caitlin Johnson seized the opportunity to live in a friend's backyard subterranean shelter in Bakersfield, California, after moving from New York in April 2024.

For just $500 a month, Caitlin enjoys a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area, 18 bunk beds, an extra bathroom, two additional toilets, and another shower.

Bunker found

Caitlin proposed that she could reside in and maintain the bunker and garden for just $500 a month - a bargain compared to the typical $1.5k to $2k monthly cost of a one-bedroom flat in California, which she claims to be saving, reports Mirror US, reports the Express.

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Unusual living arrangement

Working in the entertainment industry, Caitlin stated, "On average, a one-bed rental in California is about $1.5 to $2k a month.

"I rent part of the yard and the bunker for $500 a month - I also don't pay utilities.

"The trade-off is that I take care of the bunker and yard so she doesn't have to take care of it," she explained.

Always on the move

After spending nine months in New York, Caitlin returned to California for work, just as her friend was moving into a new house with a 1,200 sq ft bunker in the backyard, prompting Caitlin to cheekily ask if she could move in there.

Recounting her chat with her mate, Caitlin shared: "When she bought the house, she was saying how she didn't take any care of the bunker."

In fact, Caitlin managed to convince her friend to let her move into the bunker and rent it from her: "One day I convinced her to let me move into it and rent it off her."

Four times cheaper

Caitlin has discovered that the bunker offers more space than some of the cramped studios she's stayed in around New York.

To reach her underground pad, Caitlin passes through a hydraulic door, descends 15 steps, and strides past a blast-proof door.

No-one to 'fallout' with

While sunlight never reaches the interior of the bunker, Caitlin isn't bothered—it's great for her beauty sleep, and she's set up a bit of artificial sunshine in her bedroom.

She confessed that the winter months can be tougher due to the constant darkness both inside and outside the bunker.

Caitlin revealed, "There are two 10-foot by 4-foot hydraulic doors into the bunker, so during the day when I'm home, I'll have them open to let light in."

Tough winter

"I'm out most of the day working, I return home when it's night time, I descend to the bunker and it doesn't feel odd as it is night time."

Caitlin admitted that the bunker isn't meant to be a "forever home," but she's so smitten with her subterranean lifestyle that she's negotiated with her friend to extend her stay for another year, which they've agreed to.