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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I guess I'm also uneasy because [b]the owner will probably tear it down when he finally moves in. So if there ARE these issues, I get concerned that they will be addressed in the cheapest way to appease us and move on.[/b] Anyway, deep thoughts...[/quote]

The most important factor in this decision is probably your landlord.  Some are awesome, and really care about making their tenants happy and comfortable.  Some will *say* they care about having happy tenants, but then cheap out on the actual work and cop major attitude if you ask for basic functionality and civil treatment.  In this area, the latter are far too common, sadly.

If you can talk with the landlord and get a decent sense of whether or not they're a jerk, that would be ideal.  [/quote]

This is the situation I'm in now - renting from an owner who plans on demolishing the existing house and re-building because the land is worth so much more than the house (and the existing house is small). The owner/landlord definitely skimps on everything (read: insulation), and it's really, really frustrating.[/quote]

What I try to remember, as a renter, is that I'm only here for a little while.  It would be grand if my landlord(s) kept their properties in pristine condition.  It would be smart of them to do high-quality work once and call it good for the long term, rather than trying to get away with cheap fixtures and work.  But, ultimately, that's going to be their problem.  My concerns are basic safety and functionality issues.  Safety is easy.  There's a housing code, and a code enforcement agency to match.  If you find basic safety issues, you'll have help.  The habitability issue stuff will be taken care of (though you may have to deal with some attitude in the process; landlords aren't exactly known for their generosity or even tact).  The "niceness" issues, well, those you might have to compromise on.  But, remember: You're moving.  Maybe not this week, this year, or even in the next 5 years, but eventually, you're moving out.  All you really need is a safe place to live until you can buy your own home and make it "right" for yourself and your family.

Finding a landlord who isn't a jerk just makes that process easier.  ;-)[/quote]

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