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It seems to be this way with plans. I had this great plan for the next few months. My lease is up on November 16th and I would do month to month until January. That way I had my home base through the holidays. I didn’t have to worry about Sheila being stressed about guests or new places or kids.
In September I went to my leasing office to discuss this with them. The girl working told me that was fine and I didn’t need to do anything. I confirmed with her that I don’t need to sign anything new, that I was all set, and that nothing will change with my rent.
She confirmed this.
A few days ago I receive a call from my office asking if I was renewing or moving out. Confused, I told her I had already spoken with someone, that I’m doing month to month, and it should’ve been taken care of. Her response was, Oh I don’t see anything here. Did she tell you the rate goes up to $1700?”
Uh fuck no she didn’t!
After a few minutes of clarifying she tells me “well we have a couple of new girls in the office who may have told you wrong.” So my options are pay $1700 (a $700 increase from my normal rate). Sign a 3 month lease and pay $1400. Or I can leave on November 16th. 2 weeks away.
I can certainly not pay $1700 or even $1400. My rent was already too expensive. They have been zero help so it looks like even though their employee screwed up, I am the one that pays for it. Classic apartment management.
Houseless Not Homeless
I am fortunate that I have a job I can work anywhere and I was already planning on living in my car. It isn’t set up yet to make it the most liveable with a dog but it can certainly work. My younger sister also lives fairly close by and is able to help me out. So I am definitely not homeless or destitute.
Honestly, it’s mostly an inconvenience and I’m angry at their incompetence. What if I wasn’t so fortunate? If this happened to someone else that was already struggling it could be the thing that puts them under. It’s not ok for them to treat residents like this. They messed up but nobody seems to care. So if you are in the greater Phoenix area I strongly recommend avoiding any complex managed by Greystar. They also lied to me when I moved in and gave me a dirty apartment so I should’ve known…
Anyway, I’m not totally screwed so I’m trying to not stress about it. 2 weeks isn’t a lot of time to sort and pack everything I own. I was counting on the next couple of months to get organized, downsize, and have a solid plan in place. But that’s how plans often go. I’ll make it work.
It is really great that I was already planning on chosen houselessness. I’m already mentally prepared to live in my car. It’s just happening a bit earlier than I expected.
So we’ll be out of here by the 16th. We’ll stay with my sister for a short while so I can get everything situated.
The only perk is that instead of paying rent, I can put that money towards my car life and getting the Subie ready.