After weeks of waddling to and from our local paint supplier picking up sample after sample of tester paint pots, only on Wednesday did we happily decide on the perfect warm and neutral shade of grey for the nursery. I was planning on picking up a full tin today and get two coats down this weekend, but then yesterday I got a call from our landlord.
We’re stuck in an awkward situation. Our landlord has since said they may not sell. They’re still going to have the place valued and are instead going to increase the rent to reflect Dublin’s, quite frankly disgusting, rent levels. I’ve been in contact with local residential rights boards and there are some awkward facts; mostly to our favour. One being that our landlord increased our rent this time last year and thanks to new legislation, a landlord can’t increase rent more than once in two years. I’m hella glad the new legislation is retrospective which means he can’t increase the rent until late 2017, but I’m nervous to tell our landlord as this will more than likely push him in the direction to sell.
Another thought my beautiful mind plagued me with today – have I shot myself in the foot with all the work I’ve done to the apartment over the years? Our landlord has commented numerous times on how much better the apartment is since we moved in. Have the improvements I’ve made increased the value of our apartment? I’ve repainted, repaired, scraped, updated and de-fuglied our entire apartment over the past 6+ years we’ve been renting and living here. Have I increased the value of the apartment, which will further encourage our landlord to sell? Brains.
Last night we loosely entertained the idea of buying somewhere. After 5 hours of looking, we were left feeling worse. We like where we live and call me a lush, but I’m not too keen on commuting 2 hours to and from work every day because that’s how far outside of Dublin we can afford. Oh, and did I mention I’m due in 5 weeks? I, rather selfishly, would rather be focusing on getting ready for our new arrival instead of worrying about whether we’ll have to move to an apartment we can’t afford in the coming months. A first world problem, I know, compared to some of the people living across Ireland who are homeless because of the housing crisis. I’ve come up with a please-for-the-love-of-science-meet-us-halfway plan that our landlord will hopefully be on board for. Fingers crossed.
Yeah, I probably shouldn’t verbal diarrhea this all over my blog until we know more. But this is real life and real life doesn’t have a filter and I’m all for sharing the shit and the wonderful equally. Because life is both shit and wonderful.
For now, I just want to live in
Stars Hollow and be a librarian. And have a giant G&T. Is that too much to ask? [Answer:
YES].
UPDATE: I forgot to mention above that as we hadn’t heard from our landlord in almost a year [we only contact each other when it’s necessary to do so], he didn’t know we are expecting. He took this into consideration and actually offered to postpone selling the apartment for another while. We know we won’t be living here forever, but for now we can exhale. Hell yes for landlords with souls.
Oh no! Just generally oh no. What terrible timing all around. Hoping your landlord goes for your halfway plan!! And try not to kick yourself for improving the apartment – it has made such a big difference to your quality of life and in making it your home! Hugs from the States!
Thank you Emily, and I'm trying my best to not think of my projects as a positive like you say – if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be where I am now! In fact, I have a lot more planned 😉
Oh love. I feel your pain. My landlord after ten years took the place back for herself/kicked me out. As a goodwill gesture I painted entire place and primed wood work and left. Had to down size to studio as 1600 for a one bed on my own is stupid. Yah I can't buy as I've been paying rent for past ten years.
Anyway landlord did not return deposit saying the place is purple. It was a pale dove grey but a far cry away from magnolia.
Am on the move again. Studio rent increased 1000 a month. I've bit the bullet and now returning to sharing with a friend.
Dublin rents disgust me. Am so sorry you're going through this at this time. Xxx
Oh Kate. That's an actual disgrace!!! Of all people, I think you'd know the difference between grey and purple! FFS. Oh that's such a shame. I'm so sorry you're on the move again but unfortunately, so is Dublin these days. Rent is now higher than during the good days. It's actually disgusting out there. We're tempted to move outside of Dublin, but unfortunately that's where both our jobs are.
Looking at the positive side, at least you're living with a friend xx
That is the worst. I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with this now, of all times. I feel for you, little momma. Damn. I am thinking of you, and sending good vibes your way.
Thank you so much Pat xx We actually managed to reach an agreement with our landlord so we have a bit more time (HELL YES). He didn't know we were expecting (as we only contact each other when we really need to), so they're delaying having the place valued until the new year. Plus, since we've been living here for so long, he'll need to give us 6 months notice if and when he intends to sell. Good news in that we can enjoy the next few months xx
Excellent news!!!! Awww, I am so happy to hear that. Phew.
This is such a horrible thing to happen at all, let alone so close to your due date! I hope that it works out somehow. I don't think you should regret the work you've done on the apartment, as it's made a much nicer place for you to live in – as well as giving you lovely things to blog about!
Keeping my fingers crossed for you!! xx
Oh, and forgot to say… I REALLY REALLY want to live in Stars Hollow too!!! Oh please let that happen! xx
Now that I think of it, I don't know if it would be so good if I lived in Stars Hollow. I don't know if our marriage could handle it. Luke and I living in the same town? xx
Ah crap, that's such shitty timing. Fingers crossed it all gets sorted out, but I could always use a like-minded neighbor here in Limerick you know! 😉 And please don't worry that you've made the place more sell-able, you made a lovely home for yourself, and I'm sure if a landlord wants to sell they'll sell, regardless of what the place looks like. Hugs!!!! xxxx
Aw thank you Linda, and hell yes! Outside of Dublin has never looked more tempting. Neither of us are keen on Dublin, we really just look at it as where we work. You never know, we could be neighbours! 😉
Ugh 🙁
Nothing I can say will actually help but massive best wishes and fingers crossed for it turning out OK.
Thank you Sarah x Luckily, we reached a bit of an agreement so we've bought ourselves a bit of time.