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Thread: Ugh trying to find a new apartment

  1. #1
    Featured Member Sophia_Ashley's Avatar
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    Default Ugh trying to find a new apartment

    I've been wanting to move out of my tiny ass 3 bedroom flat for the last year. However, my credit is completely shot. And probably will remain so for a decade to come. There is NOTHING I can do to repair it. Before anyone asks. I had an ex...who didn't pay his taxes...guess what happened? I tried to fight the tax man and lost (I didn't want to pay his portions!) and I now have a levy on my bank accts and a public notice which is on my credit report for 12 grand.

    They are getting their money, but the damage is done.

    I've remained here because this landlord allows me to be late. I just throw extra money on top. I have off street parking. And any maintance has been easy to get done.

    However, the economy is shit and people are willing to rent to almost anyone willing to pay the high cost. Which means the awesome people that did live in my building = gone and the non awesome people are moving in.

    I live in a 3 story building that's 100 years old with 5 apartments in it. It's loud here because it's an old building and there is nothing but hardwood floors. This is a very trendy area for the hipsters and up and coming's. The rent is still fairly cheap considering how close to downtown I am.

    I paid when I moved in 1,050 dollars this was close to 3 years ago.

    My lease starting this month is now 1,400 I live in a 900 sq ft apartment people.

    I live alone with 2 kids.

    Last night at 1 fucking AM 2 really squirrely looking dudes began moving into the apartment directly below me. I mean homeless looking crackheads. I watched in horror as they began dragging in boxes.

    Also 2 bro like douchebags moved into the other apartment below me. They have beer fuck fests till 5 am. Again you can smell and hear everything here.

    This building was all women. We were all young and everyone began to get married, pregnant and move out to the burbs. I however remained due to credit issues. I fear no one will rent to me.

    I can afford 1400 a month in rent. That's not the issue. The issue is coming home at 1am and my kids watch themselves. (13 and They are great kids..who stay in the apartment and text me through out the evening. Now that these fucks are moved in (the crackies) I'm worried.

    Plus the rent increase, I'm calling bullshit on that. She knows my occupation so she knows I'll pay it. She also is aware of the IRS issues. So it's either a poliet way of shoving me out or she is being a cunt. Either way I know places in this area are going for around that but c'mon...that large of a jump?!

    I've started going through CL and looking at places. I want to move closer to transportation (the brown line here) as well as a friendlier area to kids...a yard ..things of this nature.

    I found a place for a lil' under 2 g's a month. 1800 sq feet, 3 bedroom ...amazing. I wrote to the guy and was upfront that I went through a messy "divorce" and my credit took a shot. But that I'm gainfully employed as well as a mother to two quiet kids. And I explained (minus the unfair rent hike) that the reason we were moving was because I felt our building was too loud and I didn't agree with the way it was. That my lease is up and I put my foot in my mouth by stating if he felt that my credit was too bad that a larger security deposit in order to make him feel more secure was a compromise I was willing to listen to.

    Which I am. I am willing to pay more to secure a place to live.

    Here are the details to the place btw

    Available for October 1 occupancy. ENORMOUS newly renovated 3-bedroom/1 bath stately apartment with vintage details in building with 1850+ sf footprint on a huge lot with big yard and garden, and plentiful sunlight on a tree-lined street in Lincoln Square. Formal living and dining rooms with original French doors and antique moldings, decorative fireplace with built-in bookcases, large bedrooms with lots of closet space, high ceilings and hardwood floors throughout, new central AC/heat, new kitchen with high-end stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, microwave, pantry and hutches, free laundry in building, and easy street parking. 2 1/2 blocks to Brown Line Western stop, steps to Lincoln Square shops and restaurants. Rent is $1825 plus one month deposit. Maximum 3-person occupancy. Pets are welcome after interview and extra deposit. Standard lease. Credit check. Garage parking available, $50/month.

    THe pictures are awesome btw. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle this? I sent a well rounded email I think...And yes I lied about working from home. I can cover my ass as my boyfriend owns a publishing company and we can always say I work for him. If need be. I can come up with documents.

    Hello,

    My name is X, I now live here in Chicago and I'm looking to move Oct 1st. I viewed your ad on Craigslist and wanted to get a bit more information from you and possibly set up a time and date to view the apartment. I have no problem paying the move in fee+the amount for rent however, I recently went through a tough divorce and because of it my credit took a shot. I am employed, I do well for myself but I think it's only fair to be up front and honest so that we are both on the same page. If I were to like the place, and you were to feel comfortable in renting to me I'm willing to consider a larger amount on the security deposit as a fair compromise to taking a chance.

    We currently (I have two sons) reside in Wicker Park. Obviously not the best place for kids and the building we've lived in for 2.5 years has recently went from a quiet family building to parties and dogs barking. Cars are being broken into and personally I don't feel safe here. My lease is expired as of Oct. 1st and I honestly feel it's best we move somewhere with more space and a quieter building.

    I hope to hear back from you. If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to email me back. I work from home so I generally respond the same business day.

    Thank you for your time,
    as damp as a cellar. . . all mildewy I'm as damp as a cellar. . . all mildewy

  2. #2
    Featured Member Kalligirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ugh trying to find a new apartment

    I think its good to be upfront and the letter sounded genuine. He should respect your honesty.


    If you can get wage verifcations from your employer and also great references or even a letter of recomendation (i guess thats what you could call it) from previous landlords I think that would also help. Do you have a very rich customer who can vouch you also do other kinds of work (i.e. secreterail, paralegal etc) and use him as reference?

    As long as the faulty credit does not have to do with not paying landlords or mortgages and its blatant it has to due with your ex, I don't think you should have too big of a problem unless he has lots of ppl w/ excellent credit trying to get the place. But hey, maybe he will be cool and take you into consideration. And the fact you offered to give more money may get you in! good luck!!!

  3. #3
    Featured Member Sophia_Ashley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ugh trying to find a new apartment

    Thank you. I know it was a foot in the mouth sorta situation. I don't want to seem over eager and I also know when I'm being taken advantage of. So that's why I threw in "the fair " phrase.

    I have good to excellent on my apartment as far as ref. go. I owned prior to this, out right so that won't be of much help.

    My actual employer is Scores and I'm not on payroll there but I do have a rather rich friend who will vouch for me if need be. He did so on a resume when I got my corp job. I can also say my boyfriend's publishing company without mentioning of course that he's my boyfriend. My issue will fall in the W-2 field and recent pay stub. Unless I get really crafty and give rich friend 600 bucks to cut me a paycheck of some sorts (whichI can deposit and take 600 back out of ) twice ...but that's a lot of effort.

    I got this apartment with shitty credit (not as bad as now) and NO employment history because I always worked at strip clubs with no W-2's.

    The only thing I can think to say is that I work freelance jobs and dance 2 nights a week. And explain that I had to do this since I can no longer cash checks through a bank or have a legit job. As the IRS will garnish all wages. Again that's very true.
    as damp as a cellar. . . all mildewy I'm as damp as a cellar. . . all mildewy

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