Reply #79: I know how you feel there - four rescue cats that look at me as momma and an elderly dog... [View All]

[haele]

I've seen a few links below that might find help. The tenant's assistance link is a very good one if your landlady is unwilling to negotiate the rent increase.

If you're close to senior status - (55 or so), there might be some help in various local Senior centers, or some of the churches or synagogues that have an honest community outreach program. (There are lots of rental scams in San Diego, so you'll want to stay with the larger or mainstream programs, like St. Vincent de Paul's)
If you've got a fairly stable income, even if it's small, and will obviously not pick up and move before a lease is up, many people are willing to negotiate on pets and perhaps some lower costs - especially if you are able to barter a service. The stable, reasonably reliable income and some care-taking over a long-term lease can be a major selling point to individual landlords who are not renting to pay a mortgage off a property.

You might also check with the United Way - their hotline for assistance is 211 - they've got a list of community support organizations for disabled that can provide some stop-gap help or pet-friendly room/rent-mate/rental services that can help you find a new place - and to help move you if you need that, too. I've known some shipyard workers and military members that have used that hotline in the past.

Haele