WWED? (apartment stuff)

baystateapple

I just got a call back from the landlord of the place I saw last Friday.  They want to rent me the apartment.  It's $750 a month, they want a $250 refundable deposit because I have pets, it's 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, very large, with washer and dryer available for use in the downstairs for an extra $15 a month (so I guess the rent is $760 a month, heat included).  The cons to this place, as I've said before, is that it's in a noisier part of town, above a law office, and there's no parking between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday-Friday.

I have until Friday to decide if I want it, and on Friday he's coming to see me at work to get my deposit to hold the apartment (deposit would be $950).  It's not my ideal apartment, but it's a guaranteed get-out-of-my-old-place by June 1st.  There's another apartment that I was looking at (same price, without the pet deposit, and it's a 2-bedroom in a more suburban area), but so far I've heard nothing from the landlord and his phone has  been off since I met with him on Saturday.

What would you do?  Jump at the chance to move out, even if it's not the ideal living situation, because it gets me out  now?  Or keep looking for a new place, knowing that it could take a few more weeks or months before I'm out?

TIA.

chelseamb11

Would you be more miserable where you are now for a few extra weeks/months or more miserable at the place that is available ASAP?  I think that would be a good answer.  Plus, it's only Tuesday.. you could still hear something from the other guy right? Maybe call him and lave him a VM.  Explain his place is your first choice but another offer was made and if you can't go with him, you'd go with the other.

adamar15

How long would you have to sign a lease for?  Yes, it would be a pain in the ass to move twice if it's a short lease and you find a better place, but for me that would depend on how sucky your living situation is at the moment.

baystateapple

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:70e1794b-0a5c-48bf-953e-aa909b42145c">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Would you be more miserable where you are now for a few extra weeks/months or more miserable at the place that is available ASAP?  </strong>I think that would be a good answer.  Plus, it's only Tuesday.. you could still hear something from the other guy right? Maybe call him and lave him a VM.  Explain his place is your first choice but another offer was made and if you can't go with him, you'd go with the other.
Posted by chelseamb11[/QUOTE]

It's tough to say at this point.  Two weeks ago I would have said hell no, I'll wait it out.  But things with H are rapidly deteriorating.  It's so tense in the house that I can hardly stand it, and I'm sick of letting him see how upset all of this is making me. 

I'm just scared of jumping too soon and making a bad choice.  Especially since this place is going to lock me into a year-long lease.

chumlee7478

I'd call the other landlord and find out what's up with that place first, before making any decision today.  You have another few days to decide.  I wouldn't jump on it today.

That said, I understand the noisy part of town issue.  Is the parking situation the deal breaker as well? If you work during the week, would it be a problem? Is there alternative parking in the area? Can you get a permit to park nearby during the week?

Just thinking aloud.  I'd definitely wait til Thursday to make up my mind though.

angelstar975

I would likely wait... the no parking during business hours would be a huge turn off for me... what are you supposed to do if you have a day off work or something? Is this the place where the girl was rude to you, or was that the apartment that you haven't heard anything about yet?

I guess it comes down to how badly you want to be out of your current place. I can understand it must be really awkward living with your H right now. Since you have a few days before you have to make the deposit, I would definitely keep trying to get ahold of the other landlord and keep your eye out for other places.

I would probably want to wait for a place that I could see myself living in long term. Since you don't think at this point that you'll end up working it out with H, you might not want to move into a place that you aren't going to like and would have to be in for awhile, KWIM? Also, just curious, why are you the one who has to move out since your H initiated the separation? Seems like he should be the one hitting the bricks.

MattsPenguin

I agree with others.  Wait it out a few more days.  If it's miserable at home, then I understand your wanting to leave.

baystateapple

Chumlee, I have the option of parking in the church parking lot (the church is adjacent to the apartment).

I've been trying to call the other landlord.  His phone is never, ever on.  It was on for like an HOUR on Saturday and that was how I managed to get a hold of him to even look at the place.  As of yesterday afternoon, his ad was removed from Craigslist, which probably means that he picked a tenant.  He asked me to email him all pertinent information, which I did.  I just haven't heard from him since.  I don't know if this is his really unprofessional way of letting me know he's not interested, or if he's just really that flaky.

baystateapple

Angel, I'm the one who is leaving because I can't afford the rent on the apartment we have now.  H currently makes about twice what I do each month, so he's going to stay there.  Plus, it's a month-to-month lease, and he's planning on moving back home to Massachusetts as soon as his EMT certification transfer goes through (he's licensed in 45 states, MA is not one of them), and as soon as he gets an apartment.

tpender13

Since you can wait a couple of days to make a decision, I definitely would. I don't like the idea of the MIA landlord. If you're having a hard enough time getting ahold of him to potentially give him your money so you can move in, what's it going to be like if you have issues with the place?

Is there a friend or someone you could share the apartment with? If it were me, and I knew the right person that was also looking for a place, I would jump on that. You could share expenses, and still have an extra bedroom.

I'm leaning towards getting out now.

sarabellam

Honestly, I would take the place, even with the crappy parking situation. With your current living situation like it is, I'd want out ASAP.

I'm "lucky;" when my ex blindsided me with the news that he wanted a separation, he moved out the same day.

MattsPenguin

Well, if the other landlord is that difficult to get a hold of, maybe you don't want to live in that other place.  What if something breaks?  Keep looking.  I'm sure there's stuff around.

chumlee7478

If it was me, with an alternative to parking and place to live and be happy, I'd take it by Friday to know that there was light at the end of the tunnel. If you'll be happy there, then go for it.  I'd wait til Thursday night with the other landlord, though, just in case the guy actually answers his phone. 

I can understand not wanting to be around the tension/sadness/etc.  Before I broke up/moved out from my ex, I swear the tension was actually visible in the apartment. It was horrible.  I cried while brushing my teeth, it was that bad, but I wouldn't cry in front of him.  Getting out was like breathing fresh air for the first time in years.

I'm so sorry you're going through this.  *HUGS*

baystateapple

I don't need to share an apartment for financial reasons (I make enough to cover it), and honestly I want to live alone.  The 3-bedroom is beautiful, I really like it, but the area it's in and the parking situation are giving me pause.  I don't know if I'm just being ridiculous, or what.  All week I've been panicking because nobody was calling me back.  Now, somebody is, and I'm stalling.  FFS.

The MIA landlord thing is bothering me too. 

ahhhitsshannyn

I agree with waiting a couple days. Where would you park during those hours? Is it noisy in the apartment? Is it in a place you would feel comfortable walking around by yourself at night? Does the other apartment have washer/dryer?

I would go with the first apartment if you do not hear back by tomorrow or Thursday. It's usually not a good sign with them not calling you back, what if you got the apartment and it had a leak or something? How long would it take to call back?

LetsHikeToday

I wouldn't worry too much about the parking, especially if you can use the church next door. I'd move especially because the rental market moves so fast these days.

Habs2Hart

I'd take it.  If it's noisy at night, you can always chuck in some earplugs.  (I live by the train, like 100' from it, so I wear them each night). 

I'm sorry the sitch has deteriorated to badly.  I missed that you and your H are seperating since I'm not around a whole lot lately.  I'd want to get out too, and if the apartment is beautiful and you like it, and can park at the church, I'd do it. 

To me that sounds like a really great price! 

ahhhitsshannyn

I think he probably rented the apartment and turned off his phone from any other craigslist callers. I would write this one off and make a decision about apartment 1 or look for others in a better area.

sarabellam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:a227a5c7-deae-445f-96c1-7b056c44bdc7">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't need to share an apartment for financial reasons (I make enough to cover it), and honestly I want to live alone.  The 3-bedroom is beautiful, I really like it, but the area it's in and the parking situation are giving me pause.  I don't know if I'm just being ridiculous, or what.  All week I've been panicking because nobody was calling me back. <strong>Now, somebody is, and I'm stalling.  FFS.</strong>The MIA landlord thing is bothering me too. 
Posted by baystateapple[/QUOTE]
Give yourself a little slack here. This is an ENORMOUS step. You're allowed to feel a bit ambivalent.

Habs2Hart

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:5c1e2919-79d9-45a0-a8f3-f37e092a8012">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWED? (apartment stuff) : Give yourself a little slack here. This is an ENORMOUS step. You're allowed to feel a bit ambivalent.
Posted by sarabellam[/QUOTE]

And this, for sure. 

midgetthemighty

I'd keep looking. As well as what others have said, I have another tiny concern. I know this is a super minor thing so feel free to completely ignore it, but FI's old apartment had heat included in the rent and it was horrible. It was boiler heat and it felt like a sauna even in the winter. He had issues sleeping because of it. #firstworldproblemyoumaywanttoconsider

angelstar975

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:59c33f97-34de-45b3-ad51-8933bdc51e8e">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]Angel, I'm the one who is leaving because I can't afford the rent on the apartment we have now.  H currently makes about twice what I do each month, so he's going to stay there.  Plus, it's a month-to-month lease, and he's planning on moving back home to Massachusetts as soon as his EMT certification transfer goes through (he's licensed in 45 states, MA is not one of them), and as soon as he gets an apartment.
Posted by baystateapple[/QUOTE]

Ahh, that makes sense then.

I think I change my answer... since there is somewhere for you to park during the hours you can't park in the complex, then I would probably take the place. If this other landlord is being flakey now, even if you did get the place, I can just imagine how hard it would be to get ahold of him about repairs, etc. The apartment itself sounds pretty nice and really cheap, especially for a 3 bedroom, although I'm not from your area so I don't know if that's the going rate.

ahhhitsshannyn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:5c1e2919-79d9-45a0-a8f3-f37e092a8012">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWED? (apartment stuff) : Give yourself a little slack here. This is an ENORMOUS step. You're allowed to feel a bit ambivalent.
Posted by sarabellam[/QUOTE]

I agree. And honestly, if you chose this apartment today, it's not like you could move in sooner right? It would still be June 1st? So your stalling really wont make any difference in the long run.

July2012bride

I would wait until Thursday night to make a decision and at the same time continue to look for places.  Although the apt of the 1st one sounds good, the MIA landlord doesn't.

You might find something that is better than either of these options.

It is good to know there is alternate parking though.

ETA:<---- Apparently the qualifications for getting a gold medal have been drastically reduced

tpender13

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:a227a5c7-deae-445f-96c1-7b056c44bdc7">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't need to share an apartment for financial reasons (I make enough to cover it), and honestly I want to live alone.  The 3-bedroom is beautiful, I really like it, but the area it's in and the parking situation are giving me pause.  I don't know if I'm just being ridiculous, or what.  All week I've been panicking because nobody was calling me back.  Now, somebody is, and I'm stalling.  FFS. The MIA landlord thing is bothering me too. 
Posted by baystateapple[/QUOTE]

If you like the apartment itself, and you have the option to park at the church, I think you'll get used to the noise. We live not too far from an airport, and the planes drove me nuts at first. Within a few months, I barely noticed them.

Honestly, after hearing you say this, I think you should just go for the 3 BR.

baystateapple

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wwed-apartment-stuff?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:28762cf6-5104-46b1-9e78-1123e5c48b87Post:5c1e2919-79d9-45a0-a8f3-f37e092a8012">Re: WWED? (apartment stuff)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWED? (apartment stuff) : Give yourself a little slack here. This is an ENORMOUS step. You're allowed to feel a bit ambivalent.
Posted by sarabellam[/QUOTE]
It is REALLY hard, ha ha.  I keep getting upset, then getting mad at myself for getting upset.  I know that I am going to be okay eventually, but right now I am so far from okay that it isn't even funny.  I just wish all of this had never happened.  And then I get upset with myself for wanting something that I truly can't have, and being a child about it.

ahhhitsshannyn

Oh Bay

MyUserName1

I'd do it if I were you as long as the part of town is relatively safe..  Sounds like the parking isn't a deal-breaker and I think you'll get used to the noise. 

I'm not sure I'd want to deal with the MIA landlord, if it's this hard to give him money, how difficult is it going to be when there's a water leak?

adamar15

Bay, you don't sound like you're being a child.  You sound like a normal adult going through a shitty situation.  I'm here for you if you ever need to talk, about this stuff or anything else ♥

calixtine

If it were me, I take the apartment that you have been offered and assume that the other one is either rented out or that the landlord is not interested in renting it out.  Besides, I don't know if I would want to live in a place that I couldn't get ahold of the landlord when I needed him/her.  If your current living situation is that uncomfortable, I would want to get out ASAP and I would deal with the apartment having a flaw or two.  The parking thing sucks but it sounds like you have a plan for that; the only thing that would really give me pause would be the noise level but if it consistent traffic noise then I think you will probably learn to tune most of that out over time.

ahhhitsshannyn

Gold for everyone!