'soft' rental market?

[an-art-worker.livejournal.com]

So I rent in Davis not far from the Rosebud (I like it - but I never expect 'cuisine' - it's just a diner. Never had anything but good service. I do miss the restaurant that used to be behind Rosebud - what a great secret spot that was for a meal or a drink).

Anyway... my lease is coming up in a month and I am prepping for the go-round with my cash-in 'elderly' landlord (she regales me of how hard her life is and then hits me up with absurd rent increases - or doesn't remember what we agreed upon and then jacks it).


So I am paying $1200. for a 1 bedroom (first floor - no porch - no parking) - though she claims it is a 2 bedroom. It is a 2 bedroom only if you get a curtain for the arched living room entrance or a door for the middle/dining room and don't mind someone walking through your bedroom to get to the true bedroom. In other words, this is a 1 bedroom with a dining room that can't be used as a bedroom.

I've been here a long time and have put up with a lot (or rather - have tolerated a lot of not fixing up). On the plus side, it's close to everything, my cat can go out, I have a washer/dryer hookup. A couple of years ago I was going to move but she offered to redo the bathroom and did, so I stayed. Last year I was going to move but she offered to repaint the place, and did: bringing in this painter SWAT team (who pinched my espresso pot) but ok. So here we are again. The kitchen is old. OLD I tell you! I mean linoleum peeling under foot old. No cabinets (though there is a pantry). Old sink. Mainly the floor bugs me.

What I don't know: is this market rate? I've been in some rehabbed places around here and f@@#$ing hell - I feel like a sucker for putting up with this. Inertia.

So I've been perusing the CL apt ads but I can't tell condition. Do you have a $1200. 4 room place in great condition? Maybe I can get them to whittle it down to $1000? Or do I go 'round again and just deal with the state of things.

group mind....... it's always reliable ;-)

Comments

[artic-monkeys.livejournal.com]

You should look around though, to see what is out there. There are some nice, up and coming areas around porter, spring hill, union square, and inman square. I remember seeing some really nice studios and one bedrooms around Spring Hill when I was looking for a place for my Wife's sister. You are far enough out of the city to at least have a porch or some yard space that you can enjoy.

http://boston.craigslist.org/abo/179439738.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/nfb/181079114.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/nfb/178646446.html

[artic-monkeys.livejournal.com]

Landlords seem to have different philosophies. Some want to raise the rent when ever they can, and others want to keep the rent stable as long as they are making a fair amount. They believe that if their rent is a little less than average they can retain better tenants that take care of the place. I would feel a little nervous living with a landlord that always wants to raise the rent. Or maybe some landlords use both strategies, depending on the tenants. If I really liked the tenants i would want them to stay.