DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: We had such an unbelievably high offer on our house two days after it went on the market that it was an offer we couldn’t refuse. What it meant is that my wife and I have had to crash at our kids’ house while we wait for our 55+ apartment to get built.
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It is only about 15 minutes from our daughter’s and fiancé’s place, so my wife worked it out that we rent the basement apartment they just put in from them for the three-five months we have yet to wait to get into the new place.
On paper the set-up is perfect. In practice it lacks a lot. The driveway is too small for all our cars, so there is a competition over who gets to park in the driveway and who gets stuck finding on-street parking.
The apartment was mostly a DIY project for our daughter’s fiancé and his buddies. At least he has an uncle who is a GC and was able to hook them up with licensed pros for the permit-required items. That means the plumbing and electrical work is all up to specs, but the drywall is a mess in spots and the flooring is uneven.
They say they are going to fix all the “small stuff” before they get “real tenants,” which makes my wife and me feel so special!
Neither my wife nor I want to make waves, but there are some things that need fixing to make the place fully livable. She thinks we should just let it go since we’re out of here sooner rather than later. I think telling them what’s wrong is the right thing to do.
What do you think? We are, after all, paying rent, even if it is below market. --- IT SHOULD BE DONE RIGHT
DEAR IT SHOULD BE DONE RIGHT: I agree with you. The place should be fully livable for any and all tenants, and what you’re seeing as flaws will most likely also be viewed in that light by potential renters, thereby affecting the desirability and competitiveness of the apartment.
In an effort to avoid souring relations with your daughter and future son-in-law, when it comes to discussions about what needs to be fixed, I’d keep the focus on the place’s future earning potential. Getting the place properly finished benefits everyone.