White Boy/White Dog Move To Skid Row

Certified Beach Dude Moves To Downtown Los Angeles

Since I moved downtown in April 2007, I have lived at the same place but never really felt “settled”, mainly due to having short leases (6 months, 6 months, then 4 months in my unit- that’s a story of it’s own). I have no closets in my place, save for a small Ikea wardrobe that a previous tenant left, and I have been living out of suitcases and cardboard “wardrobes” that I moved clothes in. There was no storage available in the building during this time, so I just had all the boxes and suitcases in my “bedroom” area of loft.

The owner of loft told me that he wanted to live here after lease ends July 31st, so I have been looking since mid-June for a new place- I really want to stay downtown but I’m still working on finding a software contract and I don’t know where that may take me. I wanted to find a place with a pool and perhaps closer to more retail- like South Park or Eastern Columbia lofts. Then my landlord says he’s comfortable where he is, and would I like to sign a year lease? Honestly, every time I think I found a better loft for less money, then I come home and open the door and BOOM! in my face is the beautiful skyline view from 6 windows (although there also is the DAMN! in my face of the LAPD HQ in 2 windows that has risen from a hole in the ground 15 months ago- the owner really needs to put window treatments on at least the 2 windows facing that building as it’s very close). After much consternation, I decide that it makes sense to stay put and not risk the unknowns with bad neighbors, funky neighborhoods, and move-related hassels.

I get the lease paperwork to sign yesterday and there is the clause:

“You are responsible for paying for any appliance, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, or other common fixes in the property.”

Huh? Isn’t this one of the few perks of renting- that I do NOT worry about things breaking down (of course, if I am negligent, I am responsible). I asked the landlord to “soften the terminology” on this clause, and his retort was that it was in previous agreements that I signed, with the added comment that:

“I can’t imagine why would request to have me cover the appliances unless something has already happened?”

Well, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. And following his logic, I would have asked him to repair something if it was broken, not realizing I had signed away my rights.

So we are at a stand-still again; there is a unit on my floor that is larger, has much better layout and built-in custom closests and wardrobes, not to mention a beautiful bar, custom lighting, and nice dining room set. The view is not as spectacular, but it has windows on south-west facing wall and inner courtyard wall. And there is a huge window in bathroom above shower/tub, which is a nice touch.

I really want to get done with this, but I have never heard of a landlord saying a tenant is responsible for ALL repairs. So I’m going to sleep on this tonite, maybe two nights, and see if I’m ready to brave a move down the hall. (Don’t worry Kyle- White Dog and I are really good neighbors :-))

Just when I think things are settling down, sh*t gets stirred-up again…