Is there a law against decent apartments or something?

[eyesroll]

I just went out apartment hunting. I looked at maybe 10 properties (plus, I had two people blow me off... "Oh, sure, I'll be there at 1..." :eyes:). Anyhow.

I am primarily looking at duplexes/triplexes. I am considering larger buildings if the apartment is right, but I'm not interested in living in the standard two-story complex with the two-bedroom apartment with the galley kitchen and the beige walls and the clubhouse with the "exercise room." (You know the type. I want something with a little character, at least.)

Anyhow.

The best apartment, space-wise, was a death trap.
The best apartment, quality-wise, was teeny-tiny.
The best combination of space and quality? Across the street from one bar, and practically sharing a backyard with another. (I have nothing against bars, but I don't want to live THAT close to two of them.)
I walked into one -- the other tenants (and a lot of beer and a portable TV for the Packers game) were on the porch. "Hey, lady...you our new neighbor chick? You like to party?" I am utterly not kidding.

I don't think I'm being that picky...I know decent apartments, in that part of the city, in my
price range, exist...all I'm looking for is a 2-bed, 1-bath, with enough space for one woman and two birds. I don't need a lot of frills. On-street parking? Fine. Laundromat? I've got quarters. No A/C? Sears sells the window units. 1968 kitchen? Long as it works.

Here are a couple of pointers for landlords:
1. A 6 X 8 space without a door or closet is not a bedroom.
2. Don't try to tell me a bathroom is all-new when it's not. You do know that the date of manufacture is stamped on the inside of a toilet tank, right? And don't try to tell me you salvaged a brand-new 1974 toilet WITH RUST INSIDE THE TANK specifically for this installation.
3. Exposed wires? That's a no-no.
4. Your child shouldn't be running around an unfinished attic, barefoot and wielding a carpet knife.
5. Please do not excuse the boorish behavior of your other tenants by saying, "well, the good thing about living with college guys is that you can bribe them with pizza to shovel the walk."

</annoyed rant>

[ET Awful]

1. LOL . . . ain't apartment livin ' grand? :)

That's why I was so psyched when I found these lofts. Cheaper than most apartments, and brand spankin' new. Hell, I was the first person to ever crap in the toilet in this place . . . literally. BRAND NEW!!!

I'm happy :)

[eyesroll]

3. I'd love a loft...unfortunately, most of the lofts in this area fall into

one of two categories:

1. Condo (I won't be ready to own for awhile)
2. Expensive.

Sigh.

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. I TOLD you

you should move to Madison. :)

Not only do we have a house available for rent, but we just found out that the tenants in one of the two-bedroom units in our little apartment building are applying for a mortgage to buy a house, so we'll have that unit available, too! Great building with tenants who only complain if I don't get the Feingold and Kerry signs erected fast enough!

[eyesroll]

4. It's too bad I'd have to commute all the way to Glendale, or I'd consider

it...

I'm sure you don't let your child (4-ish) run around with a carpet knife, do you?

[Lefta Dissenter]

10. well,

not anymore. Why do you think I only have two kids? :evilgrin:

(and really, the commute to Glendale would be very pleasant! ;) )

[catmandu57]

5. I guess it depends on where you are

I've had some good apartments, and I've had some real holes, but if I can help it I'll never live in another one.

[barb162]

6. "A 6 X 8 space without a door or closet is not a bedroom"

reminded me of a few years ago when I was an apt. dweller. I remember calling a landlord for an ad I saw in the paper. When I met him at the apt., there was a 3 foot wide hallway from the kitchen /living room area going back to the bedroom /bathroom area. That 3 foot wide hallway was the "second bedroom." He said it to me with a straight face. I just thanked him and left.

[Sannum]

7. Good Luck!

I live in a big city, but after about 6 months of looking, I found a wonderful apartment. It is in a turn of the century building, and I have almost no view, but it is beautiful and Large and I never expected to find it. I almost settled for a dingy studio a week before I found mine. Don't give up!! Your apartment is out there:)

[sbj405]

8. My theory is that all the good apts are never advertised

b/c whoever moves out usually has a friend waiting in the wings to take it over. That's been true of all the kick ass places that I've lived.

[eyesroll]

9. You're probably right.

I need better friends.