Apartment hunting

United States
August 30, 2007 11:07am CST
I am a single mom with 2 children, and we've been living in the same apartment for the last 8 years. Last week, when I brought the rent upstairs to my landlord, he informed me that he needs my apartment by November 1st "For a family situation." To say that I was extremely upset is an understatement! But what can I do? I don't have a lease and it's a 2-family house, so the landlords can basically do whatever they want! I have been searching for an apartment from the moment he told me, checking Craigslist in my area and the local newspaper every day. I have told all my friends and family to keep their ears open of any vacant apartments, and have even driven up and down streets in case there should be a For Rent sign somewhere. My problem is that since I moved here to this apartment, rents have literally doubled. As a single mom, I'm having a hard enough time keeping my head above water and now I'm looking at having to pay anywhere from $400 to $500 MORE per month! Another obstacle is that I HAVE to stay within my son's school district, because he's been in this school since kindergarten and only has 2 more years until he graduates 8th grade. I couldn't do that to him, pull him out of a school he loves! Not only are the rents astronomical, but the restrictions for those prices are absurd. No washer/dryer allowed, no pets, no heat or hot water, and sometimes, no children! (Ok I love your apartment and want it but let me put my kids up for adoption first??!!!!). Crazy. :( Besides looking for a second job so that I can afford another apartment, what can a single mom do?
1 person likes this
1 response
• United States
30 Aug 07
Im sorry, 8 years and you simply said OK? I know that landlords have the right to ask someone to move by giving them a 30 day notice but, you would think after 8 years you would have some sort of seniority! I mean what did you say to him/her? Where I live they have assistance apartments that base your rent on your income. Is that an option for you? Or Public Housing for a little while til you can find a better place? Those seem to be the only places that I can think of that would be available on such a short notice. Im really sorry to hear that you have been put in this situtaion and I hope it works out for you.