Q&A: For Rent
#AD I was invited to join the CFE (not final build) and Early Access (final build) opportunities for For Rent. Thank you to the EA Creator Network for this chance to show you ALL THE THINGS! I w...
Forum Discussion
OTHER GAMEPLAY
Snooping & Secrets
Events
Hostable Social Events/Parties
Pool Party
Neighborhood Potluck
Manual Events/Situations
Breaking & Entering
Any sim can trigger this interaction triggered situation/event, they do not need the Nosy or Kleptomanic traits
This event allows your sims to Snoop in peace... At least, for a while. Unoccupied units won't have Secrets to find as they are tied to residents, or returning sims to mess with (bad for Nosy sims or sims with Evil/Mischievous intentions), but Kleptomaniacs would be more interested in material spoils/targets anyway so wouldn't care as long as the unit is furnished. This ability could also be handy when playing Rags to Riches style, allowing sims to break in to homes and squat for a short time there using the amenities.
There is a sim-picker when breaking in, so why not take the whole family, or even just a friend to act as the lookout? Even more fun comes into play if you combine this with Get Together... Take your Klepto Krew for maximum stealing in minimum time or your entire Prank Posse to prank all the things?
Autonomous Events/Situations
The handling and outcome of autonomous events/situations in Residential Rental lots can effect the rating of the unit(s) involved and the wallet of the Property Owner/Tenants, either positively or negatively.
Emergency Events (Residential Rental/Maintenance Troubles lot challenge)
These can be dealt with by Tenants or Property Owners (on Residential Rentals) or Owners/Occupiers (on other Residential lot types) and can involve getting their own hands dirty, hiring outside help or ignoring the problem and letting Tenants/other Tenants deal with it.
Participating makes the unit rating increase, ignoring it makes the unit rating decrease. Tenants solving their own issues will receive some monetary compensation for their time by the Property Owner as well as the appropriate skill, if any.
This is especially fun and allows for variety fun when playing rotationally. You might want to do Gardening if you Love Outdoors, for example, but would rather let the Property Owner deal with the plumbing and electricity.
E.G.
Events include, but are not limited to:
Explosive Malfunction
Plumbing Leaks
Electrical Failures
Garden Blight
Insect Infestation
Haunting
Cursed Object
Tenant Revolt
Trash Overload
A unit/shared space has trash on the ground and no/full bins. Clean the place up or hire someone to do it for you.
Fires
Maintenance Event (Residential Rental/Maintenance Troubles lot challenge)
These can be participated in by any household living on the Residential lot and Property Owners too.
Community Events (Residential Rental, possibly requires 2+ occupied units)
These can be participated in by any household living on the Residential lot, possibly by Property Owners too.
Charity Gift Drive
I'm curious if there are any other Emergency or Community Events added with this pack or with cross-pack compatibility.
Lot Traits/Challenges
Cross-pack Gameplay
MISCELLANEOUS
Tenant Phone Interactions
Tenant Computer Interactions
Snooping & Secrets
Spoiler
Snooping gameplay allows sims to uncover random, usually silly Secrets about residents to the unit/lot being Snooped on. None of the Secrets are tied to sim personalities or actions, and a lot of these secrets poke fun at the game and community memes.
You could use a Secret as prompt in gameplay to decide if that is a sim you are interested in interacting with, or if they give you the ick, or just plain ignore them if they don't fit how you see that sim. They could also be used as video or book inspiration for sims who want to make a living off of the Secrets they uncover. Snooping also offers extra fun/animations for various careers such as Journalists, Detectives, Covert Operatives, Secret Agents etc.
The Snoop interaction is available on various objects by default when visiting another sim's home, but there is always chance of getting caught if you are doing it while visiting sims who are home. Snoopable objects include:
You can usually find one Secret for each of the Teen+ sims in the household at a time. I haven't found any on Child or younger yet. You won't find another Secret about a sim until you confront them about the one you already know first.
Once you have revealed that you know their Secret, you have 2 options.
Rinse and repeat.
You could use a Secret as prompt in gameplay to decide if that is a sim you are interested in interacting with, or if they give you the ick, or just plain ignore them if they don't fit how you see that sim. They could also be used as video or book inspiration for sims who want to make a living off of the Secrets they uncover. Snooping also offers extra fun/animations for various careers such as Journalists, Detectives, Covert Operatives, Secret Agents etc.
The Snoop interaction is available on various objects by default when visiting another sim's home, but there is always chance of getting caught if you are doing it while visiting sims who are home. Snoopable objects include:
- Beds
- Dressers
- Bookshelves
- Desks
- Unsecured Computers
- Mailboxes
You can usually find one Secret for each of the Teen+ sims in the household at a time. I haven't found any on Child or younger yet. You won't find another Secret about a sim until you confront them about the one you already know first.
Once you have revealed that you know their Secret, you have 2 options.
- Promise to Keep Secret (+ Rel)
- Blackmail (-Rel, +Cash)
Rinse and repeat.
Events
Hostable Social Events/Parties
Pool Party
Spoiler
Cost: §100
You can invite any known sim (no Open Invites like HR events this time) and a known/unknown Mixologist. Gold Rewards unlocks the new Float Lounger/Pool Float.
Main Task: Socialize while Swimming x5
Other Tasks:
I'm kind of confused that Gyms aren't included as venue types for Pool parties, as they often have pools. Spas and Rec Centres might have them too, but can't test that yet.
It seems like a lot of the tasks are based on socialising, objects or swimming generally (rather than in pools specifically), so this event could potentially work on a Water Lot, or any lot with swimmable water nearby too as long as going off lot will still count for the task. I need to test this.
Testing if this works on Beaches, Rec Centers, Spas or any qualifying venue type placed on a Water Lot will have to wait, however.
You can invite any known sim (no Open Invites like HR events this time) and a known/unknown Mixologist. Gold Rewards unlocks the new Float Lounger/Pool Float.
- Invite Sims:
- Host - Responsible for organising event & fulfilling party tasks, 1-8 required.
- Guest - Attends as guest, 2-15 required.
- Mixologist - Tends a bar on the lot, 0-1required.
- Host - Responsible for organising event & fulfilling party tasks, 1-8 required.
- Select a Place:
- The
's Residence - Lounges
- Parks
- National Parks
- Pools
Tasks - The
- Socialize by Poolside x1
- Relax on a Float Lounger or Lounge Chair x1
- Thank a Guest for Coming x1
- Go Swimming x5
- Have Drinks x3
- Socialize in the Hot Tub x1
- Listen to Music in Hot Tub x1
I'm kind of confused that Gyms aren't included as venue types for Pool parties, as they often have pools. Spas and Rec Centres might have them too, but can't test that yet.
It seems like a lot of the tasks are based on socialising, objects or swimming generally (rather than in pools specifically), so this event could potentially work on a Water Lot, or any lot with swimmable water nearby too as long as going off lot will still count for the task. I need to test this.
Testing if this works on Beaches, Rec Centers, Spas or any qualifying venue type placed on a Water Lot will have to wait, however.
Neighborhood Potluck
Spoiler
Cost: §300
Despite the event name this is not restricted to neighbours only, sims seem to be able to invite any known sim (no Open Invites like HR events this time). Gold Rewards include the new 2x1 grill.
I like that you have the option of just a few dishes, or a full on banquet by deciding how many of the guests bring food.
Starting party cost makes this very expensive (3x the price) compared to just flat-out hiring a Caterer, so I wouldn't recommend it as a way to fill the fridge with leftovers. However, I can't seem to hire a Caterer via fridge nor phone in this CFE build, so maybe they changed how hiring that NPC works?
Despite the event name this is not restricted to neighbours only, sims seem to be able to invite any known sim (no Open Invites like HR events this time). Gold Rewards include the new 2x1 grill.
- Invite Sims:
- Host - Responsible for organising event & fulfilling party tasks, 1-8 required.
- Potluck Contributor - Brings group meal, eats and stays as guest, 3-15 required.
- Guest - Brings no food, but eats and stays as guest, 0-15 required.
- Host - Responsible for organising event & fulfilling party tasks, 1-8 required.
- Select a Place:
- The
's Residence - Lounges
- Nightclubs
- Parks
- National Parks
- The
I like that you have the option of just a few dishes, or a full on banquet by deciding how many of the guests bring food.
Starting party cost makes this very expensive (3x the price) compared to just flat-out hiring a Caterer, so I wouldn't recommend it as a way to fill the fridge with leftovers. However, I can't seem to hire a Caterer via fridge nor phone in this CFE build, so maybe they changed how hiring that NPC works?
Manual Events/Situations
Breaking & Entering
Any sim can trigger this interaction triggered situation/event, they do not need the Nosy or Kleptomanic traits
This event allows your sims to Snoop in peace... At least, for a while. Unoccupied units won't have Secrets to find as they are tied to residents, or returning sims to mess with (bad for Nosy sims or sims with Evil/Mischievous intentions), but Kleptomaniacs would be more interested in material spoils/targets anyway so wouldn't care as long as the unit is furnished. This ability could also be handy when playing Rags to Riches style, allowing sims to break in to homes and squat for a short time there using the amenities.
There is a sim-picker when breaking in, so why not take the whole family, or even just a friend to act as the lookout? Even more fun comes into play if you combine this with Get Together... Take your Klepto Krew for maximum stealing in minimum time or your entire Prank Posse to prank all the things?
Spoiler
To start the event, just click on the front door of any unit or Residential lot (empty or occupied) and choose Break-in. If the lot/unit isn't currently loaded, you will have to do this a second time once the target lot/unit is loaded.
Sims will attempt to gain access with a crowbar. It might take a couple of attempts, eating into the time allowed by the event. I think higher skills might help here, but I don't know if it would require Fitness or Handiness.
Once inside, sims have the option to Snoop on various objects to discover Secrets and/or potentially steal something with the Kleptomaniac trait. There is a timer until sims come home and catch you in the act, but it only had the pie timer and no actual numbers, so total time allowed is unknown and possibly variable.
You can click the timer at any time to finish the event and go home, or you can wait it out and see what happens when caught.
Sims will attempt to gain access with a crowbar. It might take a couple of attempts, eating into the time allowed by the event. I think higher skills might help here, but I don't know if it would require Fitness or Handiness.
Once inside, sims have the option to Snoop on various objects to discover Secrets and/or potentially steal something with the Kleptomaniac trait. There is a timer until sims come home and catch you in the act, but it only had the pie timer and no actual numbers, so total time allowed is unknown and possibly variable.
You can click the timer at any time to finish the event and go home, or you can wait it out and see what happens when caught.
Autonomous Events/Situations
The handling and outcome of autonomous events/situations in Residential Rental lots can effect the rating of the unit(s) involved and the wallet of the Property Owner/Tenants, either positively or negatively.
Emergency Events (Residential Rental/Maintenance Troubles lot challenge)
These can be dealt with by Tenants or Property Owners (on Residential Rentals) or Owners/Occupiers (on other Residential lot types) and can involve getting their own hands dirty, hiring outside help or ignoring the problem and letting Tenants/other Tenants deal with it.
Participating makes the unit rating increase, ignoring it makes the unit rating decrease. Tenants solving their own issues will receive some monetary compensation for their time by the Property Owner as well as the appropriate skill, if any.
This is especially fun and allows for variety fun when playing rotationally. You might want to do Gardening if you Love Outdoors, for example, but would rather let the Property Owner deal with the plumbing and electricity.
E.G.
Spoiler
I had a Water Leak issue as a Tenant so had lots of plumbing to fix. I called over the Property Owner first, to make fixing faster, but then fixed my own shower while the Property Owner fixed something else. For that, I received 75 simoleons once the event finished.
Events include, but are not limited to:
Explosive Malfunction
Spoiler
Stoves (both electric and gas stoves, possibly other gas powered appliances like fireplaces/grills too) can blow up, this can start a spreading fire and maybe death. Fight the fire, call Firefighters or install preventative sprinklers and alarms. Exploded items and fire damage need replacing and floors cleaning after. Normal post-fire insurance pay-out is given to (active?) household.
Plumbing Leaks
Spoiler
Requires functional Water Heater or plumbing objects in unit or shared space. Blocked toilets, broken plumbing objects, broken water heater, puddles causing mess. Fix items, call the Property Owner or hire a sim to do it.
Electrical Failures
Spoiler
Requires functional Fuse Box or electronic/powered appliances in unit or shared space. Broken appliances/electronics, broken fuse box, chance of electric shock/death. Fix items, call the Property Owner or hire a sim to do it.
Garden Blight
Spoiler
Requires gardening plants in unit or shared space. Sick gardening plants. Individually cure plants (costs money, saves plant), or uproot them (removes plant).
It's probably not worth saving plants unless they are particularly rare, as the cost is steep. Removing plants also frees up space in small gardens to allow new things to be planted, so this one isn't all bad.
It's probably not worth saving plants unless they are particularly rare, as the cost is steep. Removing plants also frees up space in small gardens to allow new things to be planted, so this one isn't all bad.
Insect Infestation
Spoiler
Cockroaches or other bugs (simply called insects/bugs in game). Individually squish bugs by stomping them (free, kills patch, takes time), or fumigate the lot (costs §400, nukes them all, fast).
Haunting
Spoiler
Random ghost sim roaming the unit/lot, possesses/breaks things. Can socialise with the ghost until it's willing to leave (free, takes time) or exorcise an object while the ghost is possessing it (costs money, faster).
Cursed Object
Spoiler
Hide and seek game. Find the Cursed Book and get rid of it. You can destroy it, or send it to another household in the mail if you want to be evil.
Tenant Revolt
Spoiler
Tenants picket the Residential Rental lot (uses the protest animations first seen in City Living) and have to be appeased. Property Owners can be called to the lot/visit and can attempt to Promise Better Conditions by socialising with Tenants. Tenants can Complain About Rental Conditions to Property owners. Property Owners can try to appease Tenants from a distance by sending a letter, but I forgot to check if Tenants can complain via mail during event.
Trash Overload
A unit/shared space has trash on the ground and no/full bins. Clean the place up or hire someone to do it for you.
Fires
Spoiler
While not an official situation with this pack, they can be started by sims grilling or using other flammable objects in shared spaces very easily when the lot is active.
Maintenance Event (Residential Rental/Maintenance Troubles lot challenge)
These can be participated in by any household living on the Residential lot and Property Owners too.
Spoiler
This is an upkeep based event where sims should perform routine checks, maintenance and possibly upgrades on electronics, appliances, Fuse Box, Water Heater, garden plants and possibly other upgradeable items such as beds or Eco Lifestyle power/water generation objects.
You can do these interactions at any time to improve reliability, but these events may be required for aspiration tasks/goals and ratings changes.
Participation makes unit ratings increase, ignoring the event makes it decrease.
You can do these interactions at any time to improve reliability, but these events may be required for aspiration tasks/goals and ratings changes.
Participation makes unit ratings increase, ignoring the event makes it decrease.
Community Events (Residential Rental, possibly requires 2+ occupied units)
These can be participated in by any household living on the Residential lot, possibly by Property Owners too.
Charity Gift Drive
Spoiler
Someone has organised a charity event on the Residential Rental lot. Donate objects via mailbox. This requires things in your sim's inventory, but something as simple as collectibles or toys works. I have participated both as a Tenant and as a live-in Property Owner. Not sure if Property Owners can contribute if they live off-lot.
I'm also wondering if this event is triggered by having a Generous sim living on the lot. I only saw it once so far, but lilsimsie said she saw it several times while playing her test lot/households, one sim of which had the Generous trait.
I'm also wondering if this event is triggered by having a Generous sim living on the lot. I only saw it once so far, but lilsimsie said she saw it several times while playing her test lot/households, one sim of which had the Generous trait.
I'm curious if there are any other Emergency or Community Events added with this pack or with cross-pack compatibility.
Lot Traits/Challenges
Spoiler
0 Lot Traits. 2 Lot Challenges.
- Mold (lot challenge) - There's a dampness in the air here that just doesn't feel right. Keep puddles mopped, trash from overflowing, and plumbing objects clean or mold piles will start to appear.
Mold comes in 2 types, Allergenic (unpleasant, makes sims Dazed) and Toxic (Makes sims Uncomfortable, changes sim appearance, can kill sims).
Mold can be cleaned up one-by-one with a spray and protective gear (free, but takes time), all at once via a fumigation bomb (pricy, but fast) or by killing it with fire (warning: may cause firey death and damage).
Sims are more likely to get infected, and for infections to worsen the longer a sim is exposed to it (in the same room). Visibly infected sims and Death by Mold ghosts can spread Mold into shared areas and even other lots, making this the second deadly infectious disease along with Rabid Rodent Fever. - Maintenance Troubles (lot challenge) - Home ownership involves maintenance and this lot brings surprise events knocking.
This is similar to the TLC lot trait trait from City Living, but can be applied to any Residential lot (except for Residential Rental units which already have this gameplay by default.) It causes Maintenance Events to occur, and gives some downsides/realism to owning a house rather than only having bad maintenance issues when renting.
Cross-pack Gameplay
Spoiler
New Unit Rule
New Unit Events
- (C&D) No Pets unit rule - This is the only new rule with all packs. It only mentions dogs & cats in the tooltip, haven't tested with horses/rodents yet.
New Unit Events
(C&D) Pet Adoption Drive - 5 or so strays (a mix of cats and dogs) spawn on the lot. Sims should be friendly to them to participate. Spawned strays are also adoptable.
MISCELLANEOUS
Tenant Phone Interactions
Spoiler
Home > Show Tenant Agreement - shows Unit Info/Rules UI, not interactable)
Home > Call Property Owner To Visit - NPC or Played Property Owner comes to lot
Travel > Move Household (§x) - x=owed rent + §500 Lease Breaking fee if moving mid-lease
Business > Buy a Residential Rental - Any sim, not just Tenants
Home > Show Tenant Agreement - shows Unit Info/Rules UI, not interactable)
Home > Call Property Owner To Visit - NPC or Played Property Owner comes to lot
Travel > Move Household (§x) - x=owed rent + §500 Lease Breaking fee if moving mid-lease
Business > Buy a Residential Rental - Any sim, not just Tenants
Tenant Computer Interactions
Spoiler
Snoop - On other households' computers
Household > Move Household (§x) - x=owed rent + §500 Lease Breaking fee if moving mid-lease
Household > Show Tenant Agreement - shows Unit Info/Rules UI, not interactable)
Household > Buy a Residential Rental - Any sim, not just Tenants
Order > Purchase Marbles - Any sim, not just Tenants
Snoop - On other households' computers
Household > Move Household (§x) - x=owed rent + §500 Lease Breaking fee if moving mid-lease
Household > Show Tenant Agreement - shows Unit Info/Rules UI, not interactable)
Household > Buy a Residential Rental - Any sim, not just Tenants
Order > Purchase Marbles - Any sim, not just Tenants
