the living situation

Mike & I spent a little more time looking for condos, but while we were doing that, I also wrote a letter to our building's resident office. I reminded them of our perfect payment record, and of the current economic situation. I researched Hudson County property values and wrote of how they've declined about 10%. And then I requested that our monthly rent be lowered by almost $500 per month if we are to renew our lease and if they want to keep us as tenants.

They responded a few days later with a voicemail meeting us halfway and giving us a deadline of that Friday to agree to it. We waited until that deadline, and Mike called them. He told them we'd agree to it if they'd give just a little more. They did, and last week we signed a new lease for our current apartment at a monthly rate almost $300 lower than we've been paying for the past year.

We are not completely out of the market for a condo, as I don't think it would be impossible to get out of our current lease. But we are no longer in a rush and no longer actively looking. If we found something we loved, we'd think about it. For now, though, we're happy in our apartment with cheaper rent.

I took framework for the letter from this Wall Street Journal blog post but a lot of it didn't fit my purpose, and I rewrote almost the entire thing. If anyone is in a similar position and wants to try renegotiating rent, let me know and I'd be happy to send you my letter, as well.

***

Just a reminder, my wind ensemble concert is next Tuesday, April 14th. If anyone wants to come, let me know by tomorrow afternoon. We have our dress rehearsal tomorrow evening and I'll need to know how many tickets to have set aside. I know it's a terrible time, mid-week, but just thought I'd put it out there in case anyone's interested. My parents are driving down that afternoon to come to the concert, and I'm psyched about that!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

As your great grandmother Helen Beames Ducharme Bailey used to say, "There's more than one way to skin a cat!" Congratulations on reducing your rent!!! auntie gg

Elena said...

That's great! You guys took the initiative and got what you wanted - that's so very cool.
Also, I wish I could come and see your concert. If you ever perform in the summer, I'd love to come and hear you.

Fizzgig said...

say wha? you got 300 off your rent? I'm so jealous!

Anonymous said...

wow! I'm amazed at your skills of negotiation! Does it help being married to a lawyer??? ha!! :)

Copyright © 2008 - not an only child - is proudly powered by Blogger
Smashing Magazine - Design Disease - Blog and Web - Dilectio Blogger Template