Which one? (apartment, lease, rules, management)

[Naomi Manischewitz]

Ok I am 25 and actually moving out. I got a job from LA to San Diego and I am scared!!!!

I am in between 2 places right now that I really like. Which would you choose and what would be any advice that you would have for me about why I should pick one over the other if you have any?

Place A-
$1300 a month for 1,050 square feet. 2b, 2.5 baths with 3 pools. The complex is all condo and most people here own. It's a month to month lease. The views are very pretty facing the complex's duck pond and park. While it's large, the inside requires management to first repair the shower door. While I viewed the vacant place, they turned off the electricity and water so I couldn't see how good the water pressure is, and if the air conditioning is good or not. What I really like about this place is the location which was the biggest selling point. Right outside to the left is a reservoir where I was planning to bike ride and spend a lot of my free time. That's less than a 5 minute walk. To the right, I have a lot of shopping which is a 5 minute walk.

Place B-
Adorable 2b2b going for $1275 with no amenities except a laundry room. It's completely updated inside with marble, tile flooring, great storage, and has the best lighting I have ever seen in an apartment so far. The complex is tiny with only 15 units which I really like because it's quiet. There is no pool though. There are 2 more buildings next door with a pool, so if I got friendly with someone there, could always get in or beg someone in the pool to let me in. It has great water pressure, good air conditioning, and a very large master bedroom. The location is very good like the above, but would take me maybe 20 minutes to walk to the reservoir. I can either do a 12 month lease with $600 the first month's rent or a 10 month lease with no $600 taken off. The owner doesn't live there and seemed pretty flexible.
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Now, I plan to live in the area for at least 10 months. I am taking a job here that I got offered due to having difficulty getting a position in the field I really wanted. Have no idea how long I will be in this area for aside from a min. of 10 months.

[moved]

It all depends on what you want for yourself. If you want amenities, rent Place A, if you don't care about amenities, rent Place B.

I don't care about amenities myself, my priorities are different. My priorities are having yard, allowing pets and parking. A/C isn't even on my list, because I don't use it. Even if I had a place with A/C, I wouldn't use it, since I don't need it or like it.

[ShaneSA]

I'd go with B. You know what your getting in all aspects. The reservoir is a 20 minute more ride on the bike, that's a positive.

[KonaKat]

I've never heard of the water in a condo being turned off to specific unit unless there was some really major problem. (water is usually not individually metered in condo communities - it's "common" element paid for by association dues like the landscaping). Personally, door #1 sounds great but I would not even think of handing over money or signing anything until the electricity and water are back on. Is it possible to speak w/ someone who already rents in that community?

Both sound like good possiblities - best wishes on your new job.

[sll3454]

Ask to see Place A again, after the repair has been made, and with water and electricity on. If the owner/manager is not cooperative, there's your answer. You don't want to rent from them, no matter how great the place is.

On the other hand, maybe the owner will be nice about it and you will find that the repair will have been made, that the water pressure is good, the lighting fine, and the AC (and everything else) in working condition. (I loved living next to a reservoir!)

Whichever you choose, be sure to read and understand the entire lease, and make sure you know any rules that the place has (parking, for example).