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bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 05:30 AM

My roommate and I live in this luxury condo, costing almost $4k per month. Comes with it's own central heat/air, washer/dryer etc. Last night I noticed it was cold so I turned up the heat. No improvement. I did it again and again and again. No dice. Call landlord. Finally this evening a plumber/heating guy comes over, looks at it and diagnoses an electrical problem. Says only an electrician can fix.

So we're going on 2 nights in this FREEZING condo. Brrrrr......

And the dryer doens't work, the landlady didn't get anyone here for weeks to look at it so we called Maytag and got the bill. Gave it to her and now she's giving us a hard time saying she "was going to have it repaired". Whatever.

IceEnclosure · Nov 21, 2006, 06:02 AM

$4000 per month is pretty dang steep.

(not even discussing broken heaters and dryers!)

dcmacdaddy · Nov 21, 2006, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by bstone

My roommate and I live in this luxury condo, costing almost $4k per month. Comes with it's own central heat/air, washer/dryer etc. Last night I noticed it was cold so I turned up the heat. No improvement. I did it again and again and again. No dice. Call landlord. Finally this evening a plumber/heating guy comes over, looks at it and diagnoses an electrical problem. Says only an electrician can fix.

Wait a minute . . . You're in school but can afford half the rent on a $4000 luxury condo? That must be nice. And a $4000 condo in Cambridge must be *really* nice. When I was in school I had to make-do with a $400 bedroom in a group house.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Wait a minute . . . You're in school but can afford half the rent on a $4000 luxury condo? That must be nice. And a $4000 condo in Cambridge must be *really* nice. When I was in school I had to make-do with a $400 bedroom in a group house.

Yeah, it is nice. Here's how it happens....

This is a three bedroom, 2 bath condo with a HUGE living/dining room. The kitchen is all new with a dishwasher, brand new range/stove, microwave, granite counters, etc. The place is stunning with new hardwood floors, new bathrooms, etc etc. In short- it's luxury.

And it costs me less than the 1 bedroom I rented last year where I had no central AC, old boilers, creaking floors, noisy neighbors.

The beauty of having roommates and the smallest room in the place. I also take out the trash, clean the kitchen, floors and bathroom for a bit of a discount on the rent.

But all of this hasn't solved the problem that WE HAVE NO HEAT! (and the dryer still doesn't work)

Dakar² · Nov 21, 2006, 09:33 AM

Electric blankets are your friend.

alligator · Nov 21, 2006, 09:33 AM

Does it have a fireplace?

Sbtrfuge · Nov 21, 2006, 09:34 AM

National Geographic Survival Basics: How to Start a Fire

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 09:36 AM

No fireplace. That would be nice, tho.

The electrician just showed up about 10 minutes ago. Gonna check on it now.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 09:47 AM

Just went to the basement to check and he's gone, tho his tools are all over the floor and wires laying around. I see he has compared the working unit (for upstairs) to ours. I hope he;s out getting a wire or somethign he needs.

The thermostat shows it is 59 degrees in here. Gah!

Trygve · Nov 21, 2006, 09:48 AM

No heat is a pain. A few years ago I was living in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Russia decided to shut off the gas and then the power went out... we (and 5 million other people in the country) went for 10 days in January with no heat, electricity or water. Flat was down to 3 degrees (C). I have a new found appreciation for such things as electricity.

Dakar² · Nov 21, 2006, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by bstone

The thermostat shows it is 59 degrees in here. Gah!

Good lord, dude. Back when I had to pay for oil heating that's what I kept my living room at. And I kept heat from escaping upstairs, so I slept in like 50º weather.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar²

Good lord, dude. Back when I had to pay for oil heating that's what I kept my living room at. And I kept heat from escaping upstairs, so I slept in like 50º weather.

I am an avid outdoors man. I have spent MANY freezing nights in tents. I've camped in almost blizzards and spend many weeks of the year in tents where the closest electricity is your car 3 days hike away. I can sleep just fine in 59 degrees, but when paying a total of almost 4k a month it quickly gets to you.

And the dryer still doesn't work. Grrrr.

Dakar² · Nov 21, 2006, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by bstone

but when paying a total of almost 4k a month it quickly gets to you.

Yeah, that's right. I'd get irritated too.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar²

Yeah, that's right. I'd get irritated too.

And I am.

Dakar² · Nov 21, 2006, 10:20 AM

I gathered that.

vmarks · Nov 21, 2006, 10:20 AM

Even the most basic of apartments must have heat.

And all landlords are obligated to provide the servicing of the applicances that come with the apartment, like the furnace.

If the landlord does not move in a prompt time, you need to send them a letter stating that they have to provide for that service in a reasonable time - check what the law says if anything, and use the law's timeline - otherwise just state :if this is not fixed by (date within 1 week of postmark) then we will hire a serviceman and send you the bill, expecting it to be paid within 30 days of receipt.

The point is to make a paper trail and give reasonable deadlines.

Heat in the winter? that's got to be faster of course - unless she wishes you to freeze to death.

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 10:32 AM

$4000/mo for a 3 bedroom condo? You're getting ripped off. You could buy a condo like that in Cambridge and pay less than $3000/mo on your mortgage (I'm about to buy one in Somerville and pay less than $2000/mo).

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by nonhuman

$4000/mo for a 3 bedroom condo? You're getting ripped off. You could buy a condo like that in Cambridge and pay less than $3000/mo on your mortgage (I'm about to buy one in Somerville and pay less than $2000/mo).

You have to see the place and you'll understand why it costs so much.

And it's more like $3700 a month.

I wouldn't ever want to live in Slumerville, no offense.

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by bstone

You have to see the place and you'll understand why it costs so much.

And it's more like $3700 a month.

I wouldn't ever want to live in Slumerville, no offense.

I've been looking at tons of condos in the area for a while now. They're all pretty much the same, even when it was different developers doing the rehab. What's the square footage and where's it located?

As for Somerville, we've been looking exclusively around Davis an Porter Sqs. The place we're getting is literally right on the Somerville/Cambridge line by Porter. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from there to Harvard Sq, but we still only have to pay Somerville costs and taxes.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 10:44 AM

WE HAVE HEAT!!!!!!! YAY!

Finally.....I am much happier now. The electrician who came is the same who redid the building. He got it fixed in 30 minutes. Not bad.

Dakar² · Nov 21, 2006, 10:46 AM

Cue countdown until it's too hot.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 10:49 AM

Heh. That's too funny. We have full control over the actual temperature, assuming the furnace is working.

Dakar² · Nov 21, 2006, 10:51 AM

Yeah, make sure that thing isn't still cranked up from when you were trying to get it to work.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 10:58 AM

Already set it to 70. Will be much nicer than the 58 is was at overnight.

Atheist · Nov 21, 2006, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by bstone

You have to see the place and you'll understand why it costs so much.

And it's more like $3700 a month.

I wouldn't ever want to live in Slumerville, no offense.

What a pompous statement. Here you are regaling us with your travails in a luxury condo and tell someone they are about to move to a slum... and then say "no offense". When someone says "no offense"... they specifically intend on offending.

Originally Posted by nonhuman

I've been looking at tons of condos in the area for a while now. They're all pretty much the same, even when it was different developers doing the rehab. What's the square footage and where's it located?

As for Somerville, we've been looking exclusively around Davis an Porter Sqs. The place we're getting is literally right on the Somerville/Cambridge line by Porter. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from there to Harvard Sq, but we still only have to pay Somerville costs and taxes.

Dude... don't apologize for moving to Somerville. Tell the spoiled brat where to go...

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Atheist

Dude... don't apologize for moving to Somerville. Tell the spoiled brat where to go...

I wasn't apologizing... I was explaining our motivations. Personally I prefer Somerville to Cambridge. Parts of Cambridge are nice (Harvard Sq. for example), but parts of it are pretty crappy (Central Sq., and even Kendall Sq. to some extent). Same is true for Somerville, but I like the atmosphere and people in Somerville better. And Porter Sq. (where we're moving to) kicks ass.

Atheist · Nov 21, 2006, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by nonhuman

I wasn't apologizing... I was explaining our motivations. Personally I prefer Somerville to Cambridge. Parts of Cambridge are nice (Harvard Sq. for example), but parts of it are pretty crappy (Central Sq., and even Kendall Sq. to some extent). Same is true for Somerville, but I like the atmosphere and people in Somerville better. And Porter Sq. (where we're moving to) kicks ass.

Well.. maybe I'm just cranky this morning... but I found his post dripping with condescension.

kmkkid · Nov 21, 2006, 12:43 PM

Geez. Like $1500/mo can get you a penthouse condo in my town.

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Atheist

Well.. maybe I'm just cranky this morning... but I found his post dripping with condescension.

Yeah, it was. I was just ignoring it.

UNTeMac · Nov 21, 2006, 01:32 PM

The nicest complexes around here cost no more than 1500/month. I can't believe it's that much where you are.

andi*pandi · Nov 21, 2006, 01:42 PM

Slummerville is an old common nickname for Somerville. But I don't think it applies anymore, a lot of nice places there, refurbs, etc.

we had our heat go out in Somerville, the landlord was pretty quick about sending someone, although we did have to go down and describe the problem over the phone first.

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by andi*pandi

Slummerville is an old common nickname for Somerville. But I don't think it applies anymore, a lot of nice places there, refurbs, etc.

we had our heat go out in Somerville, the landlord was pretty quick about sending someone, although we did have to go down and describe the problem over the phone first.

Somehow I never realized that you were from around here... Although I suppose I didn't know much about the area at all when I was living in California.

Mastrap · Nov 21, 2006, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Already set it to 70. Will be much nicer than the 58 is was at overnight.

I find anything over 64 uncomfortably hot.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by andi*pandi

Slummerville is an old common nickname for Somerville. But I don't think it applies anymore, a lot of nice places there, refurbs, etc.

we had our heat go out in Somerville, the landlord was pretty quick about sending someone, although we did have to go down and describe the problem over the phone first.

Clearly Somerville is no longer the slums. I was just being sarcastic before. I fear that if I were to actually buy something it would be in Somerville, but I have few intentions on remaining in this area after I graduate in 26 years from now.

Sorry if I offended. I think it was the freezing cold.

IceEnclosure · Nov 21, 2006, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I find anything over 64 uncomfortably hot.

Isn't that just because you're a hairy beast-man?

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Clearly Somerville is no longer the slums. I was just being sarcastic before. I fear that if I were to actually buy something it would be in Somerville, but I have few intentions on remaining in this area after I graduate in 26 years from now.

Sorry if I offended. I think it was the freezing cold.

26 years?!? Are you trying to get a degree at every single university around here?

Or are you -8 years old?

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by nonhuman

26 years?!? Are you trying to get a degree at every single university around here?

Or are you -8 years old?

Sarcastic, again. More like 6 years. I have to complete my current program in biology and then head to medical school, but I doubt med school will be in this area but we shall see.

nonhuman · Nov 21, 2006, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Sarcastic, again. More like 6 years. I have to complete my current program in biology and then head to medical school, but I doubt med school will be in this area but we shall see.

Yeah, I figured. Just thought I'd go with it for fun.

CharlesS · Nov 21, 2006, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Sorry if I offended. I think it was the freezing cold.

Fun fact #1: The freezing point of water is 32° F.

Fun fact #2: 58° F is higher than 32° F.

d4nth3m4n · Nov 21, 2006, 08:13 PM

protip: opened oven set on broil + box fan = heat in a pinch.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by d4nth3m4n

protip: opened oven set on broil + box fan = heat in a pinch.

One of the bathrooms has an electric heater build into the ceiling fan. I spent a lot of time in there.

Scotttheking · Nov 21, 2006, 08:36 PM

It is 62F in my room right now.
It'll be lower than that soon. That is "normal" because heat is expensive. The thermostat kicks it up to 68 at wakeup / shower time, and at shower / sleep time.

KeriVit · Nov 21, 2006, 08:56 PM

I live an RV.

Regardless of heater, there is a constant draft.

Today, it hit 38˚ in GA.

Joy. Oh and did I mention it's raining.

I sure wish someone would pay my $2K/mo. rent (if I had one)

I pay $300/month.

Just put a bid on a house tho.

It's all relative.

bstone · Nov 21, 2006, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by KeriVit

I live an RV.

Regardless of heater, there is a constant draft.

Today, it hit 38˚ in GA.

Joy. Oh and did I mention it's raining.

I sure wish someone would pay my $2K/mo. rent (if I had one)

I pay $300/month.

Just put a bid on a house tho.

It's all relative.

What kind of RV? Are you willing to part with it? I may be interested.

KeriVit · Nov 21, 2006, 10:11 PM

Honestly, once we buy the house, yes. But, It'll need to do some cleanin, been in it for a year.

It's a 1999 Winnebago Adventurer.

How would you go from a condo to an RV...? Oh yeah! People TRAVEL in them. I forgot.

iCol · Nov 23, 2006, 10:36 AM

$3700 a month for a really nice condo in a really nice area? Massive place too?

Well, our tiny, tiny little flat in central London costs £1800 a month in rent, which is about $3500... did I mention it is tiny?

I pay about £600 a month though, so, thats only about $1100 a month!

Though I hope to move to South Central London soon (Stockwell), which is indeed a bit of a slum, but the flat will be bigger, and nicer, and I will only be paying about $600 a month! Woo

Though I might get mugged on my way home from the supermarket.