1/9/15
The Cost of Sanity
I was desperate. That's what I apologetically tell people who visit my apartment. In response people always say that the place is quite nice and that they are sure I didn't settle. On the surface this place, despite it's size, does seem quite nice. Safe neighbourhood, good parking, quiet complex. Underneath that lies a horrible contract and a desperate situation.
A year and a bit ago I was forced into moving because the owner of my last place was refinancing. It was inconvenient as I was... having surgery at the end of the month. I would have had to pack everything I owned before I left for it and move as soon as I got back from it (2 days and not being able to physically lift anything myself).
The week before I was living out of boxes and spent my days looking for a new place to live in LA The places I managed to tour were filthy and infested (even in the tour-able units!) or so far out of my price range I physically laughed. (2,500/mo for a studio?! What kings reside in this complex?)
With only one more day before I left for surgery I stumbled on the place I am currently residing. It was not listed but there was a sign. I called the number and the apartment manager let me in.
The unit was small- as studios are known to be. My heart was set on a one bedroom without carpets but I felt myself slowly giving in as I knew I had no more options.
I read everything. No holes in the walls allowed- no exceptions. I needed permission to have guests in the pool. All plumbing problems were my problem and responsibility to fix. You can't have a guest more than 3 days without paying several hundred more dollars. If it is suspected anyone is staying with you the manager had the right to search your apartment. Worst of all I was not entitled to my full deposit until I had lived there for 7 years! I signed everything knowing I was going to have to go to court later because of an unlawful contract was icing on the stress cake that was the whole experience.
I moved in and lived there after the surgery. I learned to live with the pushy manager. When the garage door closed on my new car I was not compensated. Got creative not putting holes in my walls. Couldn't house friends.
After a year there my rent was increased $125. This was unacceptable but I was working 12 hrs/day and had no time to argure. I finally have a lul in my work schedual and am looking forward to finding a new place.
Renter beware. This was a mind game.
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