Thanks so much, healing.

I asked about the less than pristine state of things. The assistant manager said they might not be finished dollin' up the unit. She seemed not to really know. I do want it thoroughly cleaned before I will sign anything. I've found that big complexes can be less fussy about cleaning than some small properties. I've had good luck with little places where the landlord/landlady would live nearby and become my friend. These big investment properties can be very impersonal. And they are quicker to raise rent on a yearly basis. I certainly will point out every flaw. If I decline it, based on that - then maybe, even if I have to wait longer - they might make sure the next one they offer me is nice. (One is coming up that is going to be completely renovated.) After all, I might be there for the rest of my life.

My current place is month-to-month and was real nice and clean. Also, it is large. They haven't raised my rent since I moved in 6 years ago, and it's a very low rent by today's standards. But - it is terribly noisy here (located on a busy artery) and it is very hot in the summer. Also it has passed hands from one group of investors to the next. I never meet the owners. The property manager isn't the nicest of people.

I really would have liked to end up in a place that was owner-managed by an owner who lived nearby and would appreciate me. I tend to become good friends with those kind of landlords/landladies. Also, they tend to not raise my rent. They'll often make extra improvements over the years to keep me happy. . . and because they know how careful I will be with there property.

I suppose that could still be my long-term goal. When my voucher comes up, maybe there is somewhere that I could advertise for a rental owner - like, maybe, Craig's list . . . or in the newspaper. I'm calmed down a bit, now. Tomorrow, I'll go and see what they have to say.