Urgent Apartment Issue (West Hollywood: tenant, to move, money)

[Lumerian Feast]

A price and location that sounds too good to be true, money's needed in the next day, there are a lot of people interested and he's putting up an ad soon so you better act now. I'm sorry, are you renting an apartment or buying a used car from this guy?

There are three options regarding the person he rented to last month and has suddenly disappeared: either they got tired of this guy and bailed, he got crazy and kicked them out, or they never existed.

You're falling for a classic "create pressure/reel them in" scam. My crystal ball says there is regret on your horizon. Don't walk away. RUN away.

[Jer3784]

Im about 50/50 at this point. I never said I was or was not going to take it. Im just iffy because everything matches up, but some of his actions dont.

[Paula Lynn]

He has too many red flags. I agree with the above posters, RUN.

[Lumerian Feast]

Originally Posted by Jer3784

Im about 50/50 at this point. I never said I was or was not going to take it. Im just iffy because everything matches up, but some of his actions dont.

I think you've answered your own question. Your money and your living situation are extremely important and you should be totally sure; "50/50" might as well be "0." And if his actions don't match up, then you can't really say "everything" matches up. The actions are what matter.

In addition to listening to the various posters here, you should listen to that little nagging voice in your head that told you to start this thread.

[SandyCo]

I'm weighing in with everyone else here. DON'T do it! Something seems very fishy here, and I wouldn't be any more comfortable with it than you are. I agree with others that you should pay attention to your intuition or gut feelings, and that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

Roommate situations can be tricky, no doubt about it. As long as you establish ground rules about cleaning, smoking, guests, etc. up front, then it can work. However, the situation with the other person (one week?) seems weird. I don't know...

[Jer3784]

Originally Posted by Lumerian Feast

In addition to listening to the various posters here, you should listen to that little nagging voice in your head that told you to start this thread.

Correction : I posted here because I wanted to get opinions from those living in LA, NOT for those posters to make up my mind. As I said Im 50/50 at this point. On the con side, I completely agree with everyone here, and that his actions were a bit shadey. However, like myself, he is in the entertainment industry. For those of you that arent aware, it isnt uncommon for many of us in LA to make a mistake or two. So Im torn. Because as much as this could be bad news, it could also be a minor screw up on his part.

EDIT : He told me that they kid was moving to LA for film school, and was having separation anxiety. I guess at 18 it is possible.

I have been looking for a place that works for me for over 6 months. I am 25, and have a lot of younger things I want to accomplish. I would hate to pass this up (if its legit), and be stuck here for another 6 months. OR to be stuck in a crappy place.

It just sucks that I have to known within a day.

[SandyCo]

Well, Jer, I don't know about you, but I don't react well to pressure. Why can't he wait more than one day? I can appreciate a long search, and that you just want it to be over already, though. Are you signing a lease or is it month to month? If it's month to month, then go for it. You can always move. If it's a year long lease, then you might want to rethink it.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Jer3784

Im about 50/50 at this point. I never said I was or was not going to take it. Im just iffy because everything matches up, but some of his actions dont.

again, I can't stress enough: don't bite!!! the pressure issue alone should be a clue:: what more can anyone say to convince you?

Nita

[Jer3784]

Originally Posted by SandyCo

Well, Jer, I don't know about you, but I don't react well to pressure. Why can't he wait more than one day? I can appreciate a long search, and that you just want it to be over already, though. Are you signing a lease or is it month to month? If it's month to month, then go for it. You can always move. If it's a year long lease, then you might want to rethink it.

God no .. If it was a lease, there would be no way I would do it. Its a month to month rental.

I dont act well under a lot of pressure too, but I see his point. Does the guy really want to rely on someone he doesnt know (me), and if I flake out, not have a roommate for July? Im not saying that he told me that if I dont take it in the next day or two, that I cant have it. Hes just saying that he wanted to offer me a window of opportunity first, before posting the ad to find someone else.

[yukiko11]

Can I say one more thing?
I only assumed that you are coming from somewhere outside LA. I could be wrong by assuming that, but if you were in LA, it seems to me that you could have met him in person so that was my reason for that assumption.
Having lived in LA for so many years I know that people there are not very trusting. I would never even consider renting a room in my apt or home to someone who I had never met and who I had not performed a background and credit check on. That is what people in LA do in this day and age. That is the norm.
I agree with other posters, your gut is telling you this is not on the level, but if your heart is in it and you can afford it go for it. If it turns out to be a good deal, cool. If not you will look back on it as a lesson learned and not make that mistake again. You are not a kid, you are a mature adult and have every right to make your own decisions about your life. In the future you will make many decisions, some good and some bad and you will reap the rewards or pay the price accordingly. Don't be afraid of the future, but learn to trust yourself.
My good thoughts and best wishes to you for your future.