Perils of renting in Davis Sq/Somerville (Boston Globe)?

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Hi, is this consistent with your own observations about the rental market around Davis Sq? Could any real estate person comment on this?

"With the vacillations and the range in prices, “I’ve never seen a rental market like this in all my 20 years of renting real estate,” said realtor Irene Bremis."

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2009/09/the_summer_switchover.html

Comments

[dougo.livejournal.com]

I looked at about 20 apartments for rent (2-4 br, $1700-$2300) in June and July, and the average quality was pretty disappointing. I'm pretty happy with where I ended up (big 2br for $2000, talked down from $2200) but it wasn't an obvious grab. And there are two other units in this building (four units total) that have been on the market since early July that are still vacant. I think landlords really overestimated the Sept 1 rush.

[dougo.livejournal.com]

To clarify: I looked in June and July, for apartments available Sept 1.

[rethcir.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think a lot of the rentals that were of acceptable quality when the gentrification trend began are now in a downright dilapidated state after many decades of disregard by landlords and abuse by tenants.

I'm committed to never look for a 9/1 apartment again.. I'll move to my parents' house for a few months if necessary. Just not worth getting screwed over like that.