I've been searching for a 2 bedroom apartment for myself and my friend for almost 3 months now, and I'm really beginning to get frustrated. I've seen places that they'd have to pay me to live there because of repairs, or the neigbourhood, and I've also seen nice places that were just too small.
Today, I call a place that advertised 2 Bedrooms starting at $730, and was told there was one available for September, and it was $795. First off, why do these places lowball the price and then give sticker shock to potential tenants when they call? Secondly, THIS IS HAMILTON, PEOPLE! There's such a thing as being too expensive for the area the apartment's located in. I refuse to pay +$800, plus utilities for a shitty place downtown, that I know I'm just going to have issues with.
4 comments:
Hi, This is totally random, but I sometimes read your blog - from Michelle Lake's blogroll and I have an upstairs apt in the duplex I own in Hamilton. Not sure if it would be what you're looking for, but let me know your preferred area and rent and who knows?
Melissa
It's really not that random. I sometimes read your blog via Michelle's blog as well :) And now I hang my head in shame that I forget to update my blog regularly.
Apartment-wise, I'm looking for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, and a living room with either a dining room or enough space in the kitchen for a table. It has to be a 2 bedroom since I've got a roommate moving in from St. Catharines while we're both in school together for the next 3 years.
It has to be a pet friendly place, as I've got a small dog (Boston Terrier x Shih Tzu) who's crate & house trained and also what I call a cat and a half - One full sized adult cat, her scrawny adult, but kitten-sized partner. FYI, they're all up to date with vaccines and I make sure that they're well taken care of and not a nuisance to my current neighbours.
As for preferred area, I'm pretty easy-going, so long as there's a bus route that can get Jordin and I downtown, so we can then commute up to Mohawk College. I'm a block south from Hess Village and have been in my apartment for over 3 years, so anywhere downtown would be just fine with me as well. Also, neither of us drive, so parking isn't an issue for us.
Rent-wise, Jordin and I can afford anywhere up to $750 plus hydro, or around $800 inclusive. I'm basing my hydro usage on my current bills ($40-50 every 2 months), doubling my usage since it won't just be me anymore. We're both receiving osap, and will also be working part time throughout the school year.
If there's anything you want to know, you can just email me directly at klbenedict@gmail.com
I like that I can bring people together through my blog that I am currently ignoring :P
Kris: I've been following your apt hunt on FB and such, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been having so much trouble! Apt hunting can be so energy sucking!
Hi Melissa!
PS I know both you ladies in real life (not just on the internets) and you're both excellent folks.
Why thank you, Michelle. And yeah, really? What's up with the blog neglect? :) I'm not one to talk though!
Kristy, I'll email you at your regular address about my apt.
Have a great weekend girls!
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