My lease renewal options truly suck. My current rent is $615. To some this will seem cheap, but I am frugal.
Option A
- Rent increases to $625 per month.
- Must give 60 day written notice if I vacate prior to end of term (12 months)
- Responsible for cancellation fee equal to one month’s rent ($625)
- Forfeit Security Deposit (what about my pet deposit???)
But get free carpet cleaning!
Option B
- Rent increases to $640 per month.
- Must give 60 day written notice if I vacate prior to end of term (12 months)
- Eligible for Security Deposit refund, less damages
No carpet cleaning 
Basically, I spend $30 more a month for no extra services and to maybe keep my security deposit (yeah right)–trust me, they haven’t been doing any upgrades round here (SEE “Fitness Center”–aka, old treadmill, elliptical, and weight machine.) There’s still a skanky bird’s nest (which was cute for a couple days) and bird feces all over the breezeway, cobwebs, dead bugs and debris (“PLEASE COME VISIT!” it screams.)
I like my apartment well enough I suppose. I tend to wish I had a bit larger bedroom, a coat closet, another bedroom or alcove for my desk so I could have both a desk and a dining room table (though I have a dining room table waiting for me at my grandma’s place–I just have to con someone with a truck and a desire to carry bulky items into helping me. If I don’t pick it up soon, they are going to give it to someone else.) I also don’t like the flooring and cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. I’d prefer hardwood floors too.
I do like my location, my fireplace, the exterior and my neighbors are pretty tame. The geese and ducks aren’t so bad either. (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to take a picture of the ducks standing in a row and tried to send it via picture text to people. It’s a rather embarrassing number. And I don’t think I’ve ever been successful.)
My ideal home has hardwood floors, a gas range, a fireplace (in the bedroom too!), a dining room, a window seat, crown molding and other architectural detail (I like old houses), a window overlooking mature trees, and a decent location.
My place is okay-I’m not home all that much and I have every modern convenience I could need. So why am I ready to move?
Yeah, I’d tell them that if they have any hope of keeping you as a tenant you expect the bird nest and feces to be cleaned up immediately. Also have them unclog the freakin drains already!
However, those lease terms truly suck. I’d look for something else. I would not buy anything now. You would be too rushed and might end up with a money pit.
yeah…I think I should find a new place.
I think you should buy. You’ve got time to make a wise decision. You just need to start the wheels already.