I'm trying to decide whether to stay in my current apt or go to another
May 1, 2013 2:57 PM   Subscribe

I'm trying to decide whether to stay in my current apt or go to another one. Details including snowflakery below.

I've been here six months on a month-to-month. I was at my last place ten years but my landlord was unable/unwilling to deal a drummer who drummed at all hours. (I'd also tried dealing with him myself, to an extent, with no success).

This place is $550 plus about $115 in electricity (no gas). Pretty reasonable but maybe a little expensive for this part of town. I'm on the low end of the salary scale. Three blocks from work. New neighbors seem OK, I asked him not to drum when I'm home (I though my brain was breaking when I realized what he was doing). He seemed contrite and apologetic, and I have heard no further drumming.

The other place: I'd be across the hall from an old housemate of 20 years ago. Good neighbor, no trouble. $475 + gas + heat, in addition I'd have a microwave and laundry. Twelve month lease. Six or seven blocks from work.

Both places were completely remodeled prior.

Potential/old neighbor leaves ten pairs of shoes in a shelf in hall. Laundry room in basement is full of crap and things hanging up. While I looked at the potential place, I could hear the man below me cough, leading me to think my current place is insulated better, noise-wise.

I think I have a bit of sensory processing disorder, it's not bad enough I'm surrounded by yammerers 8 hours/day. I like a little peace and quiet and night.

Still, I'd like not to be broke/put money in savings. Have you ever negotated with a landlord either to lower your rent or to not make you sign a 12 month lease? (I don't want to sign a l12 month lease as I hope to have a house/condo soon).

I'm guessing since nearby schools are getting close to being out it will be a renter's market, but who knows.

You know moving is just a chore. How do I tease out what is the right thing to do?

Excuse what is probably a myriad of mistakes, I'm running off to work.
posted by Prairie to Home & Garden (2 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
I am not clear if gas and heat are included or separate in the 475, I want to know what is their average monthly cost. Are these your only options? I would try to check out a few more places, since you seem pretty meh about both.
Around here, month to month carries a premium, since you can move out pretty much whenever. Is your landlord going to give you a better deal to sign the 12 month lease? Maybe split the difference in cost and ask for a 6 month lease instead.
posted by florencetnoa at 3:51 PM on May 1, 2013


I'd stay put if you know it's going to be less than a year. It costs money to move and it's a big, freaking hassle. Also, the devil you know.

If the sound insulation sucks at the other place, then hands down, forget it. I'm very noise senitive and it's a deal breaker for me.

You might want to invest in a white noise machine to help you drown out random noises that may interfere with your sleep.

I like the idea of asking for a reduced rent in exchange for a 6 month committment.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 7:29 AM on May 2, 2013


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