Well I am effectively homeless as of Sep, 1.

[Hatchling]

I just collected my mail. My landlord just raised my rent by a $100 dollars a month due to the sinking economy. And she knows I can't pay it.

There are no rents for 1 bedroom apartments or even studios for less than that in San Diego and I still have 7 years to go on the Section 8 housing list.


Edit for Error in date.

I confabulated the SS checks threat date with the rent increase, It's September 1st not Aug 1st.

Sorry I am so rattled lately that it's very easy to get confused right now.

[snappyturtle]

1. Is there any kind of work you can do for your landlady in lieu of rent? nt

[Hatchling]

9. No, I am disabled.

It took me 3 hours walking to collect $4 in recyclables on Tues and I spent the next day in bed.

[hfojvt]

57. being disabled though

there is nothing to prevent you from moving to a lower rent rendezvous, by which I mean, out of Californication. My house payments were under $300 a month here, and I didn't get the cheapest house in town either.

[Hatchling]

97. Moving expenses aren't cheap.

Also my only friends in the world live her and doctors I have had fo 25 years that know me and that I trust.

How were you able to do it?

[sasha031]

2. I am so sorry this is happening to you

Is there anyway you could reason with her?

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. Good G-d. I am so sorry. : (

:grr:

[rucky]

4. That bites. My humble advice, as a landlord myself..

Keep paying your old rent until you're evicted.

That could buy you several months. It's a pain in the ass (and costly) for a landlord to evict in California.

[Lorien]

7. I agree. It took months for my stepmother to evict a tenant who was paying nothing

at all. The woman could afford the condo, but she decided to take advantage of the California laws and stayed put for six months without ever paying rent.

[Hatchling]

10. Thank you for the advice.

I may have to although it could be problematic since her apartment is just next door to mine. She could do a lot of hasseling in person.

[rucky]

29. It's less problematic than being homeless.

Eff her. You're not her ATM that she can just hit up because she needs more money. There's no reason for rents to go up when property values and property taxes are going down. Pay her what you have been. Tell her "sorry, times are tough. If you have to evict me, I'll understand." As long as you're a steady payer, chances are she won't if she has any sense.

[demigoddess]

41. It costs a landlord money to find a new tenant, usually,

and sometimes repainting and updating costs. She was probably just trying to get more money out of you. Stand pat and pay your usual, and see what happens.

[joshcryer]

43. I'm not going to lie, I really dislike landlords, but I admire and respect you on this.

Really good advice you're giving, props to you.

[WhiteTara]

53. That is so true. It would cost 2 months rent at minimum

and more if she has to evict. That $1200 is cheap compared to the loss she can expect. Be nice to her and don't slink around. Be proud and smile. You are helping her out. Good luck and try not to stress, that only makes your life worse.

[Saturday]

90. Property taxes aren't going down.

Even with the loss in home value my property taxes have gone up. Landlords are people too.

[Hatchling]

98. I agree.

I've said elsewhere that if there isn't a social security check on the 3rd, she will suffer as well. I don't want to give her any grief at all.

[MedicalAdmin]

54. Hasseling? The legal term is threatening.

Be sure to use that term when you call the cops and tv stations.

Watch some old world cup soccer video so you can learn how to take a fall for the refs, er, cops.

[Lucky Luciano]

78. Wow that tenant is an ultrascumbag. Should go to jail for theft. nt

[Sal Minella]

14. Yes. I know a landlady who told the tenants their rent was going

up but they just kept paying the former amount, and the landlady finally just shrugged and let them stay on at the old rate. Just pretend the notice got lost among the political flyers.

[kestrel91316]

56. Yeah, but evicted tenants go on a blacklist here in CA. If you get

evicted, you'll never rent again. It's hard enough to rent a place if you have dings on your credit record.

[quakerboy]

92. Sounds like CA may not be the place to be

Beyond which, homeless is homeless. If they can't afford the cheap place anyway, then what good is trying to stay off a supposed "blacklist" anyway?

[PeaceNikki]

5. Aren't they required to give you 30 days notice on increase?

[ellaydubya]

8. That's exactly what I was thinking

There are laws to protect renters, at least here in Texas- please check in out where you live. Good luck!

[Hatchling]

11. Yes. I mispoke.

I'm sorry I was really rattled and wrote the wrong date down.

[mysuzuki2]

6. doesn't your landlord have to give you at least 30 days notice?

[lunatica]

13. The OP said the landord will raise the rent on September 1. That's 30 days

[Hatchling]

15. Yes, see my edit.

Sorry for the error, I was rattled.

But 30 days notice isn't going to change anything, I still can't pay the increase.

[whathehell]

82. Years ago, I was threatened with eviction by my landlord, but I sought legal advice

and he couldn't do it under the law.

Don't make yourself homeless!...Seek some kind of legal advice...I did

and it kept me in my apartment for three more months even though I

was, at that point, three months behind on my rent....I just

didn't have the money, and my legal aide lawyer told me he

simply could NOT through me out for several months.

[Deep13]

12. That sucks. I wish I could do something.

But then, I wish I could do something for everyone in your situation. I wish I could grab the average voter by the lapels and scream "What the hell are you thinking!"

[DURHAM D]

16. Are you on a lease ? nt

[Hatchling]

99. no. nt

[tishaLA]

17. SD doesn't have rent control?

In LA we do, and landlords can only raise rents by a given percentage per year (varies by area; I think in West Hollywood it's very very low; in the rest of LA, it's something like 3%).

Anyhow, and I'm not saying this to be snarky, but if you're trying to get Section 8, the astonishing thing is that being homeless can be quite a blessing. There is a program designed to house homeless people and, in many places, the only way to get Section 8 is to be homeless. It's how I got Section 8 myself. Yes, it's a terrible way to get it, but it means that, as long as you are willing to acquiesce to all the demands of the Housing Authority, you can live a reasonably normal life with a smaller percentage of your income going to rent than most people pay.

[haele]

95. No, San Diego does not have rent control. Some of the outlying communities do -

Landlords and management companies still have to abide by California Code, though, and the "no more than 10% raise in rent" rule should be in play here, even if it is a yearly lease.
If Hatchling's paying $500 or $700 for an apartment (which, if disability is her major income, is about the most she would be able to afford), her landlady is not supposed to go up more than $50 or $70 a month in more than a 6 month increment on a monthly lease - she can, however, raise the rent $50 on October 1, and on April 1, raise it another $50.
If Hatchling keeps paying her rent at the old rate, the landlady will have to try to evict if she wants to push the $100 raise in rent, and most tenant's right's lawyer will be happy to represent her while the landlady attempts to explain to the judge why she's pushes the law by raising the rent so much so suddenly...

Haele

[Hatchling]

100. I will look into that.

I need to stay off the blacklist otherwise if I ever qualify for section 8 I won't be eligible.

[Forkboy]

18. Fight it, and know your rights as a tenant.

Even if you lose it will buy you some valuable time.

Here's some pertinent info...

Overview of the eviction process

If the tenant doesn't voluntarily move out after the landlord has properly given the required notice to the tenant, the landlord can evict the tenant. In order to evict the tenant, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in superior court.

In an eviction lawsuit, the landlord is called the "plaintiff" and the tenant is called the "defendant."

Recent laws designed to abate drug dealing 295 and unlawful use, manufacture, or possession of weapons and ammunition,296 permit a city attorney or prosecutor in selected jurisdictions 297 to file an unlawful detainer action against a tenant based on an arrest report (or other action or report by law enforcement or regulatory agencies) if the landlord fails to evict the tenant after 30 days notice from the city. The tenant must be notified of the nature of the action and possible defenses.

An unlawful detainer lawsuit is a "summary" court procedure. This means that the court action moves forward very quickly, and that the time given the tenant to respond during the lawsuit is very short. For example, in most cases, the tenant has only five days to file a written response to the lawsuit after being served with a copy of the landlord's summons and complaint.298 Normally, a judge will hear and decide the case within 20 days after the tenant or the landlord files a request to set the case for trial.299

The court-administered eviction process assures the tenant of the right to a court hearing if the tenant believes that the landlord has no right to evict the tenant. The landlord must use this court process to evict the tenant; the landlord cannot use self-help measures to force the tenant to move. For example, the landlord cannot physically remove or lock out the tenant, cut off utilities such as water or electricity, remove outside windows or doors, or seize (take) the tenant's belongings in order to carry out the eviction. The landlord must use the court procedures.

If the landlord uses unlawful methods to evict a tenant, the landlord may be subject to liability for the tenant's damages, as well as penalties of up to $100 per day for the time that the landlord used the unlawful methods.300

In an unlawful detainer lawsuit, the court holds a hearing at which the parties can present their evidence and explain their case. If the court finds that the tenant has a good defense, the court will not evict the tenant. If the court decides in favor of the tenant, the tenant will not have to move, and the landlord may be ordered to pay court costs (for example, the tenant's filing fees). The landlord also may have to pay the tenant's attorney's fees, if the rental agreement contains an attorney's fee clause and if the tenant was represented by an attorney.301

If the court decides in favor of the landlord, the court will issue a writ of possession.302 The writ of possession orders the sheriff to remove the tenant from the rental unit, but gives the tenant five days from the date that the writ is served to leave voluntarily. If the tenant does not leave by the end of the fifth day, the writ of possession authorizes the sheriff to physically remove and lock the tenant out, and seize (take) the tenant's belongings that have been left in the rental unit. The landlord is not entitled to possession of the rental unit until after the sheriff has removed the tenant.

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/evictions.shtml

[Ilsa]

19. Could you find a worthwhile roommate to share a two-bedroom with?

I know that's not easy, but maybe you could get a good referral from a friend. It may not be what you want, but it might save you alot of money.

I'm very sorry you are going through this.

[Hatchling]

22. I tried that last time she raised the rent.

It was so traumatic because the roommate verbally abused me that I struggled to pay it even tho it only left me $275 to pay bills and buy groceries & cat food. So if I could possibly think of a way to pay this I'd only have $175.

[msanthrope]

24. When did she last raise the rent? It's important for post 23--see below.

[TBF]

55. You need a different roommate.

During college, and in my early 20s I lived with several roommates, and once in a group house where we each had our own rooms but shared the kitchen/bathroom areas.

Or perhaps a family member you could stay with? My brother stayed with us for awhile when he was out of work.

I completely oppose most of what the government is doing right now (both parties), just trying to think of ways you can get by until you can be approved for decent subsidized housing.

[hedgehog]

65. I looked and couldn't find any co-op housing in San Diego-

http://www.coophousing.org/SearchResults.aspx

http://www.nasco.coop/guide/


It might be worth your while to ask around and see if there is a resource I missed.

For anyone on this thread, if you like animals and people, a co-op may be the way to go. Privacy when you want it, people when you don't, and you only have to cook twice a month!

[haele]

20. Keep looking for a place to live and keep paying your landlady rent -

A while ago, a co-worker had the same problem, went to a renter's rights lawyer, and was told that if he couldn't negotiate with the landlord - say, with a yearly lease rather than a month to month - to try and move into a place before the landlord (in his case, the management company) actually evicted him through court action.
Once an eviction case is recorded, no one will rent to you, and it could affect your chances getting approved in a Section 8 complex.
I'm very sorry - we've got to move by October (family additions require another bedroom), and it's getting really difficult with all the people that were foreclosed on willing to pay higher rents than regular renters are used to. Especially with pets.
And our other option some relatives out of state had suggested - a trailer? With the way the trailer parks around here are set up (and their outrageous rents - $800 - $1500 a month for basic lot rental!), there's no way anyone on a limited budget could do what they can do everywhere else - buy or rent a small, cheap trailer and live in a cheap trailer park.

Is it possible you can look to be a long-term house-sitter? Or sign up on a room-mate list? It's a plus to have a regular income, even if it is SSDI.
I know all the low income assistance groups are backlogged trying to get people in housing, but have you checked with United Way to see if they have a list of resources?

I can only wish you luck. And hopefully, you can find something around Sept. 1, so you can give her the 30 days notice and move out then.

Haele

[Hatchling]

25. And what do I do with my cats? :tears:

Yes I am a little old lady with cats. They are all 15 years old. They won't get adopted at the Humane Society.

I know this sounds silly but they are my family. If you lost family members as dear to me as these cats are (they have literally kept me from suicide) how would you feel.

[NCarolinawoman]

28. I agree.

Someway, some how, you CANNOT lose your cats.

What you said does not sound silly at all.:hug:

[EFerrari]

30. Don't worry, Hatchling. You've have some time.

Something will present itself.

[Auntie Bush]

73. You literally make me cry. Good luck and bless you and your kitties.

:cry:

[virgdem]

74. Please don't give up...

I know how you feel about your cats. I would encourage you to research every avenue including trying roommates. I have had the good, the bad and the ugly with roomies, but it might help you to stay where you are. I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution. As a cat lover myself, I truly understand how you feel about your kitty kids. I have no kids of my own (two step-sons), so my kitties are my kids and I love them as though they were my human kids.

[haele]

79. I know how you feel there - four rescue cats that look at me as momma and an elderly dog...

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

[xxqqqzme]

83. Are you really a 'little old lady'?

If you are, a great resource is your local council on aging - COA. I live in an over 55 apt complex just up the coast from you. The asshat that owns this complex is a rethug slumlord. He charges the fixed income retirees for every building maintenance job he can. Fixes nothing.

My lease was up @ the end of June and I recently went to my local COA and was able to get a list of apts for persons over 55. Some have waiting lists, some are Section 8, some are tax credit. Get your name on every apt list. I'd look up either a SDCOA, maybe Oceanside has one as well. The COA's are an amazing resource. My local one is a wealth of information and suggestions.

Good luck.

(Also, I know you said you are on a Sec 8 wait list but the local disability center here in Orange County toldme priority is given to over 55 and disabled. Might want to check that out more closely.)

[Hatchling]

103. I will look into that.

Thanks.

[Liberal_in_LA]

87. k&r

[nadine_mn]

91. I have never been one who understands how someone can be expected to give up pets and move

We have 2 large dogs and a cat (at one point before our eldest 2 died, we had 4 large dogs and a cat so even more fur) - when we moved to MN from IA, it was never, ever an option for us to find a place that wouldn't allow us to have pets. Unfortunately, so many places will allow little dogs but not big ones. We were very lucky to find our rental home that allowed us to have our babies.

Note I said I don't understand how someone can be EXPECTED to give up pets, I know that there are times when people literally have no other choice so I am not slamming people who have had to make that awful decision. Its the people who are so glib about and say "well just get rid of your pets" that I want to smack.

I am so sorry this is happening to you - I wish I could give you some advice, but every state is different. I do know that in MN our Attorney General's office can be a great resource with free advice and they will also write sternly worded letters on your behalf. They can't enforce anything, but you would be surprised how effective a letter from the AG's office can be. Maybe your state can also be helpful?

:hugs:

[nini]

21. There are places that may be able to help

http://www.rentassistance.us/ci/ca-san_diego

Contact some of those groups and see. I know a few folks who are getting an extra couple hundred dollars a month to help them meet their rents.

Good luck.

[EFerrari]

32. Great work, nini.

[nini]

40. thanks

;-)

[msanthrope]

23. She may have violated the notice period---

Look, I will not give you legal advice over the Internets, but simple googling found this---

"California landlords must give an additional 30 days notice for large rent increases (more than 10% or rent raises adding up to be more than 10% within the 12 months preceding that raise) Therefore, in a month to month tenancy, 60 days will be needed for a qualifying rent hike. The notice must be served as always but now it can also be served by simple mail (adding 5 days to the notice period). See California Civil Code section 827"

http://www.tenantslegalcenter.com/html/leases.html

The link is an organization that works for tenants in San Diego, and has advice and links. Good luck.

[Hatchling]

104. I will check it out.

Thanks.

[Warpy]

26. This just sucks so bad I don't know where to begin

I know there are illegal apartments all over the place there, badly converted attached garages that no one in his right mind would want to live in but would be a roof over your head. I just don't know how to go about finding one for you from here in NM. The advantage is that they're usually cheap enough for undocumented workers to afford.

The only other thing I can suggest is looking for a roommate situation, always my desperation move when I got priced out of living by myself back in Boston.

[Lifelong Protester]

27. K & R for the folks with good advice to see it

I have no advice, but I do agree with the 'pay the old rent' idea as a stopgap.

I'm sorry this is happening to you and send you positive 'vibes'. :hug:

[Little Star]

31. I would call my representatives office on monday and..

see if they have any suggestions for you. Especially since you are disabled. I hope this helps. :hug:

[lunatica]

33. kicked for all the advice Hachling can get

[RainDog]

34. hugs. why is this happening in this nation? wtf is wrong with our so-called leaders? n/t

[EFerrari]

35. Hatchling, if after the initial shock calms down

you need someone to help you brainstorm or make calls, I'll be happy to do that with you.

[Morizovich]

36. My dog died last week.

I feel, man, I feel.

[EFerrari]

37. I'm sorry, Morizovich.

When my girl went, I felt like someone was trying to kill me.

[bigwillq]

42. I'm sorry.

:hug:

On a happy note: Congrats on 100 posts! :toast:

[tblue37]

49. I am still grieving over my almost 19-year-old cat Lila, who died

on July 12.

I still have three cats, but the apartment feel much emptier and sadder withouther.

[Hatchling]

102. Oh, I am so sorry.

Grief over the loss pets is sometimes the hardest thing. You feel so helpless and sometimes just plain guilty you couldn't done any more for them.

[ohheckyeah]

38. Are you able to work at all if it's a work from home job

on the computer? If so, please private message me and I'll give you some leads on GOOD and legitimate work from home opportunity where you can make decent money.

I agree with paying the old rent amount as well but a work at home job would give you some cushion and make your life easier financially.

[lunatica]

71. May I PM you too?

[ohheckyeah]

89. Absolutely.

I just saw this. Sorry it took me so long to reply.

[roguevalley]

39. I am beyond words, hatchling. There are no words.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Mimosa]

44. Hatchling, I'll keep fighting for decent progressive policies in government.

I CARE. *hug*

I wish I were rich and could help you. But all i can do is keep fighting for progressive policies. Nobody in this country should be homeess, or have to be scared of being homeless. We don't hear about this in European countries.

[cabot]

45. Hatchling, here is a link

to the Tenants Legal Centre of San Diego. I hope they can help.

http://www.tenantslegalcenter.com/

[nadinbrzezinski]

47. Great minds think alike!!!!

Just posted the same link bellow you!

[cabot]

48. Indeed, they do!

oh, the joys of synchronicity! :toast:

[Hatchling]

101. Bookmarked!

:toast:

[nadinbrzezinski]

46. Contact these guys in San Diego

http://www.tenantslegalcenter.com/html/community_service.html

[glinda]

50. Please keep us informed. Do not give up kitties. Kick 4 U.

[AlabamaLibrul]

51. You live in San Diego. You need to find a good pro-bono lawyer within a 250 mile radius, now.

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation but this is the time to start fighting it.
You'll have plenty of time to be upset if you actually get kicked out.

[raccoon]

52. I'm sorry to hear that, Hatchling. Looks like some good suggestions here.

:hug:

[Name removed]

58. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Fla Dem]

59. Do you have a Senior Citizens group in the area?

I am assuming you are a senior (little old lady with cats). In my area we have a Council for Senior Citizens with resources to help seniors in situations similar to yours. :hug:

[madlefty]

60. If you are disabled I believe you qualify not only for

section 8 housing but also HUD senior housing allows disabled persons under 62 to live in there buildings..ONly thing Most of them only allow one cat.. Also don't move out until you find something.. I know 100 dollars is a lot for a lot of us but see if you can cut down your spending to the bare minimum cable, Internet, (go dial-up) You should also qualify for food stamps.. If you really try you might be able to find that 100 dollars, at least until you can find something else....

[NJCher]

61. in NJ disabled

In NJ disabled people are given consideration when the case goes to landlord-tenant. In NJ, it could very well happen that a judge just tells the landlord "no deal" if it came to an eviction. This would especially be the case if you had been paying the old amount all along. They view sincere efforts to pay in a more positive fashion than no effort to pay.

Also, this landlord is an idiot. It will cost her way more than 1200 to evict.


Cher

[Auntie Bush]

77. Chris Christy will put an end to any help in that state.

[trud]

62. suggestions

Before assuming that the landlady knows you can't pay the rent, I would try talking to her.

I imagine San Diego is fairly pricey. Could you move to another area?

I was a landlord once, never again. I had a terrible tenant who turned out to be an alcoholic and I spent a fortune getting him out of the house and on lost rent and thousands of dollars damage to the property. You people trashing landlords remember that for every cretinous landlord, there is rental stock disappearing because of experiences like mine.

[handmade34]

72. thanks for saying this

I sincerely feel sadness for hatchling and all others facing this situation...

yes, for people trashing landlords; know that not all landlords are vile... I am a reluctant landlord (must work a job that doesn't allow me to live in my house) and I have lost a lot as a result of vile tenants.

It is not fair to paint a wide brush. Communication and empathy are the rules we must live by

[Liberty Belle]

63. Apply for low-income housing in Coronado. SERIOUSLY:

My college kid lives there. A 1-BR is $900 including utilities, and a studio is around $600. It's cheaper than El Cajon, astoundingly. There may be a short waiting list but not too long. Great location just off Orange Ave; hard to believe but true.

Check with the City of Coronado for details.

[Shagbark Hickory]

64. So now what's next for you? Are you working?

[hedgehog]

66. Check out these folks!

http://www.chworks.org/affordable_housing/whoweserve.asp

[bengalherder]

67. A few things to check into:

For some temporary help in bridging the rent gap for a few months, St. Vincent DePaul might be worth talking to. They helped me make up some shortfalls when I was out of work on L&I and their policy is to help anybody no matter their personal beliefs, etc. They might be able to buy you some time, and may have further insight on referrals, etc.

Also up here in Seattle there was (for awhile) a group that was obtaining decent trailers and small mobiles to donate to folk in much the same circumstance as you. Lot rent in a park is going to be far lower than the $1200 you pay right now and most of those places have no problem with pets. Perhaps there is a program like that down there you could check out? It might be a decent alternative while waiting for the sec 8.

I wish you luck. Landlords, never the nicest folk, have turned into even bigger bastards in the last few years as they lose money on their personal investments and expect others to make up their shortfalls.

[Ichingcarpenter]

68. I was homeless too for a while

You need support be it, government, family, friends etc.

So I will kick this for you.

I know your posts over the years and think you are the real deal
So maybe DU can help....

[SoapBox]

69. K & R!

...and best wishes.

Terrible what is happening to our American citizens.

Thanks to the RICH and Party of Bully and Thug.

[Enthusiast]

70. Sorry to hear it, Hatchling.

There will be millions like you, already are.

[rms013]

75. I did a little research

By law in San Diego the rent increase can not take effect until 60 days from reciept of the notice. That would be Sept. 29th.
From San Diego Renters Rights 101
Q: The landlord is raising my rent. Can she do this?

A: Not if you are within the term of a fixed-term rental agreement. In other words, if you are six months into a one-year agreement that specifies a $700 rent, the landlord cannot raise the rent until the agreement expires. But if you are a month-to-month tenant, the landlord can raise your rent any amount, as long as the increase is not in retaliation for your exercise of your rights as a tenant. The landlord must provide 30 days’ written notice of the rent increase, or 60 days’ notice if the rent increase is more than 10%. The rules are different for Section 8 and other subsidized tenancies.

[man4allcats]

76. Not that it's any consolation I'm sure,

but I might not be far behind you. Things aren't looking that great right now. Best of luck to us both.

[mdmc]

80. courage my friend

[defendandprotect]

81. Can only respond that this government is a disgrace to humanity ---

and hope that some of the information that others have posted will help you --

especially that you are disabled.


:hug:

[ZombieHorde]

84. I am so sorry. All I have for you is a virtual hug.

:hug:

Maybe you will have some luck if you call the welfare agency in your town. They may have some practical advice for you.

[lildreamer316]

85. I wish I was out there. You need an advocate.

Surely there is someone on this board who is in the area...

[border_town]

86. Sorry to hear this

I had to recently move in with my sister. She was grateful enough to take me and my two dogs in. I lost my job in 2009 and have had the crappiest luck finding a new one. I couldn't afford to pay my $800 a month rent. On the bright side, I have an interview on Monday.

[Tikki]

93. Hey, you are going to rock that interview...

:) and your sister sounds like a fine person....

Tikki

[laylah]

88. This should not be happening!

I am so sorry! Thinking of you and sending prayers of abundance and peace! :hug:

[jhasp]

94. Take a step back

Hi Hatchling,

Please don't take offense at this, but how would your landlord know that you can't afford the increase? I was a landlord many years ago and while I had an idea about my renters' financial state, I didn't know whether or not $100 would put them over the edge.

Some of the posters on here have some good suggestions, but from your post, all I gather is that you've received a notice in the mail. I haven't read anywhere that this landlord has ever harassed or threatened you in the past, why would you expect that now? In fact, I must have been an *awful* landlord because I didn't allow my tenants to have pets.

How do you know that the landlord doesn't need that extra money to keep up with maintenance on the residence or to keep food on the table for themselves (rising medical and food costs and all)? It bothers me that many people on this board want to automatically demonize the landlord for increasing rent (which is going to have to happen at some point), without knowing anything other than that you received a notice in the mail. You might want to go and talk to the landlord before packing your bags.

[Hatchling]

96. You say:

"..from your post, all I gather is that you've received a notice in the mail. I haven't read anywhere that this landlord has ever harassed or threatened you in the past, why would you expect that now?"

I said I didn't want to do make her evict me.

I understand that expenses also rise for the landlords in this world and they have a need to raise the rent to cover that. I've also said that the rent she is asking is really reasonable for this area and I have no intention of forcing her to evict me. DU'ers have offered me many options and I am looking into them all.

The last time she raised my rent when I tried to negotiate with her, I got grief from her for a couple of months before she finally let me have a roommate just days before the new rent kicked in

My roommate lived with me for about nine months and I was able to pay some bills off and with really strict budgeting (no cable, no internet except dial up, getting the bulk of my food from the Food Bank and collecting recyclables for treats like soda. No movies, no eating out, haircuts on senior days at the beauty college every six months, one pair of new shoes a year, making homemade gifts for my friends.) I was able to pay the rent. I know what austerity is. It's demeaning.

I guess I WAS offended enough to explain myself, but I've lived next door to this woman for 16 plus years, I know her character and know how she has behaved in earlier similar situations. I don't want to cause her any grief if I have a choice, especially since she can cause me a lot of in person grief herself and has in the past.

[NJCher]

109. $100 a month is a huge increase

It also sounds very arbitrary.

Example: in the Northeast, where living costs are high, a 4 per cent increase is the maximum allowed by many municipalities.

So take a rent of 1400. Four per cent of that is around $55-60.

Hatchling might want to find out if there are any municipal laws regulating the increase.

Also, I am speaking as a landlord.


Cher

[Hatchling]

105. Thank you all

You've given me so many options to explore, so much help, I can't believe how kind and caring all of you are.

I want to apologize for not getting back to this thread last night but I gave myself an angina attack with all the stress and had to go to the ER to get nitroglycerin. Don't worry, I am fine and in counting my blessings am glad that I have my Medicare. I feel much less stressed tonight thanks to all your support.

I'm also sorry I can't answer every post. I tried to do that, but on dial-up (which is adequate for my needs) it takes forever to post a reply when my ISP is running slow.

I don't feel despair now, I feel hope and a rising belief in the kindness of strangers.

I feel I love you all, right now.

[RegieRocker]

106. Probably a good thing for you. I would suggest moving to a cheaper

location, it could save your life. Things are going to get much rougher.

[Karmadillo]

107. Have you checked with your local Legal Aid Society? They can advise you on

whether or not the landlord has followed proper procedures. They will also possess an excellent knowledge of what kind of emergency aid is available to help you if you need to move. They can also refer you to community agencies whose mission is helping people in your predicament.

Maybe your local Community Action Program can help.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/san_diego_county_assistance_pr.html

It's miserable to be going through this, but there are options out there. It's just a matter of finding them. Don't give up.

[Hatchling]

108. Awesome resource.

Thank you. All the resources in one site.