Salutations,

Looking for a new place to move into can become a full time job. In my case I've had to add that full time job to my salaried full time job. I wish I could present someone with a bill for all the physical and mental labor and stress I have gone through for the past few weeks.

Not easy trying to keep my mind on my job while at the same time wondering if any of the number of property managers who each charged me non-refundable fees to fill out credit and personal background reports are going to take the time to read them. Waiting for that call...waiting..waiting. Did I get the place? You say you rented it to someone else? You had 20 applicants?

So 19 of us applicants simply kissed good-bye another $40 to $50 along with our applications. You want to look for another place? You have to again fill out these forms. 'That will cost you $$ which of course you do not get back EVER rather we rent the place to you or not.'
'I have my credit and personal report with me. By law I got this E mailed to me for free.'
Property managers get a big laugh out of my offering them the updated information. No, no. We have to get all that info ourselves. That will cost you $40 if you want to apply to live here.
'But my report, it's free. What's the $40 for?'

Well, we do have to read your application. And we have to spend at least 3 minutes on line getting the background report info on you.

'Are you going to shred all this info if you don't rent to me?' I ask. 'I mean, I don't want to give away and leave behind everything about myself, all my personal I.D. info, bank acct. numbers, s.s.card # if I don't get the apt.
Come to think of it, I believe you should pay me for all the personal information I've given you. I don't even know you. You might use my personal information for your own gains. If you won't give me my money back then I demand that you return the forms I filled out and the printed info you said you received from the credit offices.'

Of course this argument never works. In fact, speaking up for oneself (with the right to do so) can just about guarantee that no one will rent to you. So you can pat yourself on your back for sticking up for yourself and kick yourself at the same time for having done so. Then you (in a more humbled manner)must continue looking for a much needed place in which to live.

The question becomes: How much cash can I afford to kiss good-bye at a time when I'm asked for new deposits for keys and cleaning fees,a first and last months rent, the cost of hauling my stuff from one place into another and the turn off/ turn on fees for things not included in my rent?

I can't afford to kiss or piss away any money. I've never made a habit of that. After all, I'm the not the president of the U.S.A. Although if he were in need of new dwellings I'd like to be the first property manager to read his credit report. I mean, would you trust a guy to rent your place after reading that he keeps borrowing money,that his debt.is in TRILLIONS, and he never pays his bills?
Personally, I'm a much better candidate as a rent applicant. I pay my bills, I'm not in debt, I don't borrow. What more could a fair minded property manager ask for from me than all that?

NOTE: I found and rented a new place today. I love it and can't wait to move into it. I was told that not one politician has ever moved into this complex.
Good luck to those who are still looking for a new place to move.
Peace to all.