Hey DUers, a question about housing.

[cssmall]

All right. My wife, two kids and I live in a 2 bedroom townhouse with no utlities paid. It is a nice place, next to nature, albeit quite cramped. The living room is small at best, the kitchen has no real room for a dining table, but the bedrooms are nice. However, with gas prices going up, which means electric and natural gas prices are going to go through the roof, we are considering a move.

A married couple, with whom we are great friends, is moving from their "apartment" at the end of October. It is a 3 bedroom, one bathroom place in an old house that has been sectioned off to a loft upstairs from it and another apartment beneath. The rent is $75 more a month; however, all necessary utlities are paid. But, there is no central heating or air, just wall units for AC/Heat and a radiator unit. So, it's a little hotter in the summer and a little colder in the winter. The place is also not as cramped and would give us room for an office area, dining room and larger living space without giving up the bedrooms. Also, it is closer to campus and grocery stores, making our trips out very unnecessary, thus saving us on vehicle gas.

I'm guessing I'm asking, if you were in our shoes, would you inquire and move? And, if so, if we move in before the landlord cleans the place, could we receive a cheaper deposit, since the old residents were never cleaned out? If not, would you still take it? I'm just really complacent when it comes to moving.

[steely]

1. I'd trade up for the extra space for only 75 bucks.

sounds like it's all pluses when you add it up, of course, I don't know what the base cost is, and I can't tell what the percentage increase is - but I'd go for it, then use extra blankies in the winter. You get more room, paid utilities, and it's closer? - move in, and be complacent later - I don't think you'll regret it.

[Digit]

2. Landlord here....

Don't you want a discount on the first month's rent for the work you will have to do? A discount on the deposit will net you the discounted money back...which will not pay you for your time and expense.
Furthermore, still insist on a written walk through with the landlord, writing down any problems you see. Make him/her sign and date it. Note that the place was not painted, cleaned, holes were in the wall, appliances not cleaned, etc. You get my drift.
Landlords are notorious for making YOU pay for problems that you did not cause.

A walkthough I did with a tenant saved my butt a few years ago. She had caused alot of damage to my stove, burned a hole in the countertop and damaged the brand new carpeting. She also left the place a mess. She called the County on me, but then I sent the walkthrough document dated the day before she moved in with the pictures showing the damage to the County.
Just like it protected me, it will protect YOU.
Good luck!