because i keep making them...
the least i can do is share my experience and perhaps prevent someone from being as stupid as i have been.
and now, without further ado, i bring you
How To Avoid Losing $4000
Rule #1:
NEVER, i repeat NEVER move into a house of 6 strangers that you meet on craig's list. just don't do it.
Rule #2:
You might have ignored Rule #1, but NEVER agree to pay $1000 plus utilities for a room in a house with 6 strangers! you can have your own apartment for that amount of money!
Rule #3:
OK, so you're going for it - but NEVER agree to a $2000 deposit for a room in a house that is clearly falling apart. You will NEVER get it back.
Rule #4:
When the movers look at each other wonder out loud how "someone like you" could end up "at a place like this", be very afraid.
Sidenotes:
If, upon walking up to the house, the first thing you see is red "danger" tape tied around the balcony where the railing used to be, get back into your car and drive away.
If, upon approaching the front door, the first thing you see are empty beer bottles and shot glasses scattered around the ground, get back into your car and drive away. odds are they didn't just have a party last night - those glasses and bottles have probably been there for quite some time.
If, upon entering the house, the first thing you see are many large stains on the carpet, get back into your car and drive away. those are old stains. probably puke stains. probably puke from random people who don't actually live in the house. and those random people will probably be hanging out often.
Check the kitchen - yes, there's a garbage disposal, but does it actually work? or is the sink more of a barf receptacle for random people at parties?
Check the shower in your bathroom. if there's a hole in the wall behind the faucet, chances are it serves as home to all sorts of friendly insects.
Oh - also check to see if water comes out of the showerhead. unless you prefer to squat under the running faucet every morning.
If you do move in, after all that, and you feel like it might not have been the best decision, give notice IMMEDIATELY! don't wait til next month or you will end up paying DOUBLE RENT when you realize that you need to move to a new place and can't stay another night.
ya.