Grasping at apartment straws

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Hey folks, my boyfriend and I have been unable to find a place to buy in a timely fashion. We need to find a place to rent for a while, starting 9/1, while we look for a place to buy. We really don't want to be stuck in a lease for a whole year. Problem is, finding sublets starting at that time and lasting for a few months is difficult, and finding places that will allow tenancy at will without the tenant having been on at least one year's lease there already is very difficult. No one needs to tell me how unlikely it is that we will find this. I am getting that impression already. However, I thought I'd throw this out there, just to see if we get lucky.

We need:

* 2 bedrooms
* unfurnished if a sublet (we need room for OUR stuff)
* close to public transportation (doesn't have to be in the Davis area though)
* available on a month-to-month basis or for maybe a six month commitment
*1500 or under

I've put in my name with one rental agency (Maven) to notify me if they get any tenancy at will places available, and suspect my boyfriend has had to go the same route with Apartment Rental Experts today, more than likely. I keep scouring Craigslist, and have found a total of one apartment sublet that might actually meet our needs, almost.

Anyone know anything that could be helpful to us?

Comments

[cnoocy]

If you know you'll be moving again soon, putting some of your stuff in storage (or at least thinking of it as an option) may expand your choices.

[justjess.livejournal.com]

I doubt this will be very helpful, but the only friend I have who has a month-to-month (tenancy-at-will?) lease lives in Medford. I've never been able to find ones in the areas I've looked/lived in (Cambridge, Somerville, Winthrop, Allston/Brighton) when I've been looking for apartments (over the summer).

Good luck!

[annalauwa.livejournal.com]

try Red Line Real Estate-- he's on Elm Street and is very thorough and helpful. I have no idea if he has any month to month lease information, but it'd be yet another place to look!

[sundaisy-summer.livejournal.com]

I do think most people use craigslist, but maybe see if any of the local universities have listing forums. While summer is more plentiful for sublets, I imagine a fair amount of students and faculty go away in the Fall too, on sabbaticals and whatnot.

Good luck!

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

We usually make a deal with our tenants that they can move out before their lease expires, without any penalties, IF they find suitable renters to take their place. This has happened several times, and it has worked out fine for everyone. Maybe you could suggest a similar arrangment to some of the landlords looking for a year lease. Good luck with your search!

[davelew.livejournal.com]

If you break your lease and move out early, I think the landlord is legally obligated to try to find a replacement, and can only charge you rent until the replacement starts paying rent. If you find someone to take your place, I don't think the landlord can legelly turn them away and keep charging you rent.

Of course, it wouldn't be nice to do this, but you should at least be aware of your rights as a renter; a one year lease doesn't always force you to stay a full year.

[yourauntpeggy.livejournal.com]

you might be able to find something in the tufts housing.

http://ase.tufts.edu/och/Listing_form.htm

[pjmorgan.livejournal.com]

Funny but when I've advertised for short term rentals as a landlord, I've always had difficulty finding people and usually have to charge less than I would for a year lease, when you'd think the people who'd be estatic to find something rare that fits their needs. This market seems to be very illiquid on both sides, so I usually avoid it unless I truly have to.