I am a renter. Its not about that, if you can't deal with it move on.

Recently, March 1st.
I got notice that I was now to pay my rent to a new owner.
The entire Habitat for Humanity housing project has been sold.
I went there to pay my March rent.

The new rental property managers are afilliated with a kitchen/bathroom remodeling firm.
I get there with my check for $575 in hand and I am greeted by the property manager who then hands me over to a Chineese man that has trouble with my name even tho my name is spelled out on the check.

He informs me that I will be required to sign a new lease with the new owner.
Okay.
He informs me that since they are so accomodating, March rent is the same as it was.
Okay.
He informs me that to allow for Fair Market Value, my rent could go up as high as $750 per month!
He informs me that he is willing to work with me.
He informs me that he will get with me to discuss the details later this month and sign a new lease.
He couldn't understand me.
He spelled my name wrong despite having it printed in front of him.
The actual property manager was too busy to address me directly.

So, I went home and started looking for places to live.
Being on fixed income, I looked at 'only' single bedroom apartments.
Aside from the normal 'based on income' (I make too much) I find that most single bedroom apartments in a 300 mile radius are $600-650 per month.
These all have certain ammenities. Ammenities this apartment does NOT have.

I pay $575 for a two bedroom duplex built by Habitat for Humanity.
The cabinets are out of alignment, the floor creaks, the ceiling mud job is bad, the tiles are out of alignment, the home is situated on a busy thorofare with no noise reducing efforts (privacy fence, privacy hedge).
Its a home built by anyone, without expertise.
While at $575 a month it is a good deal, it certainly isnt worth market value. But, its pretty.

I look at my neighbors.
They are all retireees or disabled.
The entire complex is slanted to disabled.
They evicted 6 units in the last two months on the other side.
They are still empty.
That's six units that are not giving income.
They raise our rent to market value, it isn't worth staying.
But, I like where I am living, mainly because, I can pay my bills and still afford food and medicine on a fixed income.

My neighbors are stressed as well.
They get HUD assistence.
I get no assistance.
I fall between the cracks.
I worked for 30 years.
My issue is, should I sign a lease to stay at up to $200 more or should I go homeless till I find something? I am also not healthy enough to do a move.
Even if they DO work with me at a lower increase for a lease, in one year, will I be faced with the same dilemna?

When I asked, they told me that Habitat for Humanity could offer the 'units' at a lower cost because they received government funding.

I paid rent and paid my bills for 5 years without a problem.
I am not destroying their property.
I am a good tennent.
Shouldn't THAT count for something?

Granted, I know this is a diminishing return scenario.
Agreeing to an increase, that they decide to work with me on, is only a temporary condition.
I expect that any agreement WE make on a lease will be me agreeing to THIER terms or go find someplace else to live.
I'll have no say in the matter.

As it sets, I need to get out of here.
Problem is, I don't know where to go?
Its not like I can just work more to afford it.
Its not like I can just do without something.
Do without food?
Do without medicine?
Not pay my bills?
Not drive my truck?
At what point does living warrant sacrifice?
What the HELL is the point?

Hey, Its not like I don't understand.
This company bought this property thinking 18 - 2 bedroom units in this market at $750 per unit per month gives such and such yeild.
That is not on me.
There was no inspection.
I had absolutely no indication the property was for sale let alone it was sold.
I paid my February rent as normal and nothing at all was said or indicated till I got a note taped to my back door.
Granted, I knew they evicted 6 tennents on the other side but I knew no details.
I did hear rumors but nothing official.

So, I buy a property with 18 - 2 bedroom units and expect to make so much money at fair market value.
Its not my fault they were built by McDondalds workers ten years ago.
Its not my fault they are not fair market value properties.

Yes, my lease is expired.
I stayed for 5 years, paid my bills every month, on time.
Didn't damage the apartment in any way (aside for maybe a paint job).
I report problems and they 'fixed' problems timely.

Technically, aside from normal wear and tear, this place can be rented right now.
In comes a new owner and they immediately want to raise the rent $200.
What the hell to those of us that have been here for 5 years, some even longer?
Plus, we are all disabled in some way.
Others have HUD.
You go to HUD and tell them that you suddenly need an additional $200 in benefits and they are pretty likely to tell you to reapply.
So now, not just me, EVERYONE is now looking for another place to live.
Top all that off, none of my neighbors actually require a two bedroom apartment.
I agreed to a two bedroom because it was a good price.
Chances are, they did too.
My immediate neighbor (right next door in my duplex) is a single woman.
She works at NASA.
She might be able to afford another $200 a month but my question is, Is this place actually WORTH an additional $200 a month?

The worksmanship is not standard industry quality.
I tolerate the issues because of the price.

At $600 @ mo, I could have a washer/dryer, garbage disposal, dishwasher, pool, gym, and many more ammeneties. Those are units that offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.
I get a washer and dryer.
But, at the price, its good.
You increase that cost to fair market value and its a rip off.
Good luck trying to convince someone with a few million dollar bank note to justify.

Thing is, isn't a paying tennent that does no damages better than an empty unit?

So basically, I am looking for a decent one bedroom apartment.
Preferrably around $500 @ month plus utilities.
Preferrably in a state that doesn't require state vehicle inspections (my truck is old now).
While I am able to live nearly anywhere in the US I really need to live in the warmer states (health reasons).
I absolutely will not live in the colonial states (too much crap).
Won't live in Florida or Texas either.
Not interested in Missouri.
Kansas, maybe but I have concerns about tornado alley (granted I live now in a hurricane zone).
I'm thinking Alabama, Kentucky, maybe Tennessee. Would consider backwoods Georgia or S Carolina.
I hear Oklahoma is pretty inexpensive too.
Might give pause to New Mexico or Arizona but not really looking for desert regions. Maybe southern Utah?

Preferrably, would like to just move across town but being a costal region, not cost effective to my income base.
Oh and to top it all off, my health sux so its gunna be really hard on me no matter where.
My truck is long in the tooth so its gunna take a few trips.
I have too much stuff.

Frankly, this all SUX and I'm wondering if its even worth it considering I have no idea if I will even wake up in the morning.
WTH?
Go from copestetic to AFU in one day?
I'm sick of it all.

I know I'm not helping, but what you need to know is this is going on across the country and I've been affected myself as my rent went up over 35%. I'm still here, but for how much longer is anybodies guess. I can't find anything suitable to transfer to and that's part of the reason I'm on here. Hopefully I'll find someone who'll share the rent on another place. Of course I want to get to know this person first and see if we're even compatible.

Even though you may not want it, or really have it in you, maybe it's time for a change of life. It's nice and convenient when life lets us make choices on our terms, but it doesn't always work that way.

You at least have an income and a vehicle.

This is Terrible, companies don't care about people they just see a way to make more money off of people. Who really wants to be homeless ! I have heard some people, however, that percentage to who are is probably very small.
There should not be homelessness in this Country. The US has plenty to house and feed all Citizens. Also to send to poverish Countries.
Life sometimes gets. difficult and we have to learn how to cope. We just find what is Best for our self during those times.

I know this probably doesn't help what I said here, but it's how I feel and I do wish you the Best.

Actually, there's more homelessness in the U.S. than you think and they have changed how it's defined to skew the actual numbers of homelessness. Example, if Tom is forced to live out of his truck, he's not considered homeless anymore. He's in "non-traditional" housing they call it.

I have many complaints about the duplex I live in....so to the other renters. We are under HUD, but take our complaints to the owners. They don't care. I got a $20 raise on my social security, then my rent raised $10 and my meds went up $50. We have two empty duplexes, and there seems to be no desire to fill them. Our sidewalks were "patched" this fall, and last night after all the snow was scooped and the day warmed up to 30 degrees, there was some snow melt. When I stepped outside, I stepped into 3 inches of water, standing from my door entry to about 1 foot out. The sidewalk repair is SLANTED. If I complain, there is nothing "they" will do about it. If I don't let them know, a big rain could let water into my house. It is THEIR carpet, but I would have to then live with mold and wetness. One of the ladies here called management constantly and they evicted her. I believe this IS going on all over. I, like you Tom, do not know quite how to handle this. I also cannot physically handle another move. Coming here moved me out of the home I lived in for 40 years and believe it or not, My hair turned gray over a period of 3 months during the emotional turmoil of moving. Good Luck to you and others who have posted. (including myself in that)

One of the neighbors said the new owners have a listing on Craigslist at $695.
At $695 that is a $120 per month increase with no additional benefits.

Looking at my spending habits over the last year (I keep my receipts) I could probably do $695 per month with a lil sacrificing.
This allows for no emergencies.
Dropping my savings contribution to less than $20 per month.
The issue comes into effect twice a year for my car insurance and twice a year for dr renewing my Rx (when the dr renews my Rx, all my meds get shipped at once).
I could do it if I absolutely must.

I haven't seriously looked for other places yet (just an online search).
Most places now demand a $25-40 non-refundable application fee as well.
I have good credit and a clean record but that isn't a guarantee of acceptance.

Note, of the 18 units, 14 have wheelchair ramps. All have handicapped grab bars and roll in showers. Mine is one of the units with regular stair access (no ramp).

Its still early and I haven't actually talked lease yet.

I had 5 minutes of happiness. I guess I'm good.

Hi Tom... sorry this is happening to you, it's rotten how some business owners are solely out for money and have no care for the people it effects.

It's too bad your old landlord didn't grandfather certain tenants with the property sale.

Have you looked into senior communities for 55 and above? Maybe go to the Community social services, they might be able to help you find affordable living?

Would it be possible to get a mediator/translator to help with communicating with the new landlords. Maybe they will at least give you an extension of a few months paying what you're paying now so you can have ample time to find a new place?

I hope it all works out for you, I know what it's like to be displaced and how difficult it is to find something else you can afford.

You know Tom, for $500 per mo, you could live like a barbarian
in a luxury hotel here (India). Includes western cuisine, your choice.

Another 5 mins to your happiness.

Actually no landlord has to inform the tenants that they are selling. Most new Owners once they buy rental property will honor Leases. But you stated that you had let your lease run out.. Anytime there is not a written lease what many don't understand is then you are on a month to month on their terms.. Therefore if they do sell you have no lease and it is up to the New Owner to decide on setting prices hikes in rent ect..or even evictions. If in fact you had a lease then they would have most likely honored that till the lease was up then they would have increased it then..

Most will raise the rents right off the bat in order to get rid of tenants or to help off set the sale in order to make their money back.

As far as cost I would go with what was suggested looking into the 55 & up communities/ Disable complexes many of those actually go on a sliding scale as far as what you pay in rent when you are on a fixed income..

But if you like where you live or can't move then I would go back and talk to them again to find out for sure what they have planned, or extra help you can get to stay there..But would be searching in the meantime in order to have options..

Admittedly, I didn't read every post verbatim,
to know if it's been mentioned.

However, you might look into the tenant/renter rights
laws in your state.

Maybe, there's something there that can help.

Yes, I am looking into options in the area, there are many adjusted income apartment complexes here but in the past, I make too much to qualify.
I also make too much to qualify for any type of govt assistance programs.
My only income is based on my social security. When I turn 65 I will no longer be disabled no matter my health because social security will call me retired and I will get an increase to meet my retirement benefits.
That's if I live another 8 years and that is truly up in the air.

Only the assistant is Chinese, the actual property manager I can understand and he seems intelligent from the short conversation I had with him till his appt arrived (bout 8 minutes).
They said they will 'get with me' to discuss a new lease and if they can work with me.
I really don't know anything 'official' besides that.
I do know what others here have said about their experiences.

I'm really not healthy enough to do a move.
I would rather just stay here for simplicity.
If they raise the rent to $695 it is still basically average for this area for a two bedroom apartment. Even if it lacks the amenities most 2 bedroom apts offer (dishwasher, disposal, traffic noise suppression, pool, clubhouse, rec-room/weight room, etc).

If I cut way back on things, I can probably afford it for a year to see if it will be an issue. If I can get a 6 mos lease, better yet.
If push comes to shove, I can throw everything in storage and rent a camper till I can find something.
One thing Chinese guy managed to say for sure, April rent will be more.

This week will be a busy week for looking into my options, I just hope my health holds up. I pay for grocery shopping for hours, sometimes days with my health.

Yeah, my lease here expired in April of 2015. I've expected a rent increase ever since but it never came. Guess I was lucky?
Just wasn't expecting so much all at once...

So, here's an update:

I found out that I make $40 per month too much in my SSI to qualify for the income restricted housing that is available in my area.
These are apartments in my price range offering pool, gym, internet, diswasher, washer and dryer in the unit and gated secure communities.
While they are inside my 30% of income standard, I do not qualify.

Of the 14 different apartments I have looked at, that are in my price range, that are available now or within a month, none are worthy of human occupancy.
Pretty poor standards.

I paid my rent today. The last time at the old rates.
My rent next month goes up $120.
I also have to sign a 1 year lease with the new owner.
I understand Habitat for Humanity selling off their property.
President Carter is dead.
I understand the new owners wanting fair market value on the property that they bought.
Problem is, this place was built by habitat for Humanity volunteers.
The worksmanship is not industry standard.
I can understand and live with many things at the rent I agreed to 5 years ago. I can also see an increase in rent over the 5 years I have been here but a sudden jump of $120 is hard to adjust to on a fixed income.

Every other resident here has no moved out. I am the only resident still here.
My health is poor.
Packing will be a real chore not to mention a move itself.
Problem is, I have nothing, no where to move to.
I need to give a 30 day notice of leaving.
I am now at that 30 day mark.
I have no prospects, not even a possible candidate for a destination.

So now, I am faced with signing a 1 year lease witgh a company that I do not trust at $120 more per month with who know what else they are gunna put in the lease.
While I can and will, if if must, pay the additional rent. I have no choice as I see it in my present circumstances.
I pay my bills, on time, in person.
I'll pay my rent.
I'll suffer in other ways.
Do I lose my internet, the only entertainment in my life?
Do I buy even less food?
Do I skip on the meds?
Maybe if I don't drive my truck, oh wait, I really don't go anywhere as it is. It took a year and 2 months to put 3,000 miles on my truck and its not needing an oil change (which I can no longer do myself) and next month (May) my $250 insurance bill is due. Plus, lets not think about the $155 VA meds bill that is due.

I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and nobody, NOBODY gives a damn but me.
But hey, maybe I won't wake up tomorrow?