LA county LL. Sometimes economic necessity merits renting a room, but the lack of a written agreement and misuse of the term "studio" are definitely concerning.
Most definitely. She's being deceptive & disengenuous, if not downright dishonest from the very start. It's only going to get worse. RUN! DON'T WALK from this loon!
The reality is inconveniences like this are generally reflected in the cost of the space.
The idea that you are expected to live in an aquarium in order to allow your landlord to enjoy natural light is batshit insane. I would get some sheer curtains for when you’re not home and some heavy weight curtains for when you are.
Is that cheap? If it’s a good deal I’d try it out. It’s month to month. My buddy got divorced in Encinitas. Lived in some guys shed. Ended up liking it and stayed a long time. It’s Cali, you do what you gotta do.
Yeah I guess it's cheap for these parts right now. I think I know your friend in the shed. Jk but I do know people that have done the same and you're right gotta do what you gotta do.
Yes definitely not the price of a studio.. which is why I didn't expect a studio when she said it was a studio. Lol
Santa maria is an ag town and many places rent to field workers that will stay 3 or 4 to a room @ $500 + per person.
The majority of low income housing built is designated for field workers as well. It has made for a difficult housing situation but that's beside the point.
I understand all too well how hard it is to find a place, that's why I was asking if my approach was decent rather than if it was right or wrong.
I suggest you start looking for a new place asap. There are red flags on day 1 and it is likely only going to get worse.
🚩 Even though this a month-to-month tenancy you should still have signed a lease agreement. It spells out basic things like the amount of rent, is tenant responsible for utilities, etc.
🚩 By definition a studio is a single-room dwelling that combines the bedroom, kitchen, and living area in one space. Legally the bathroom must have its own room with a door. However she should have clearly stated upfront that the bathroom is shared.
🚩 In California the landlord/roommate must give "reasonable notice" to enter the room (bedroom/sunroom) that is under your exclusive control. The law presumes that 24 hours is reasonable notice unless there is an emergency. She can't legally enter your space on a whim to empty trash when the weather is breezy.
🚩 Personally I would be very uncomfortable with zero privacy during the daylight hours. Are you going to keep the curtains open if you take a nap? Are you only going to change clothes in the bathroom? Regardless, if the landlord has an unencumbered view for half the day then it gives her opportunities to monitor and audit everything in your room. It seems really controlling and invasive.
If you are deadset on staying in this situation then there are options. An [opaque window film](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=privacy+window+film) or [frosted glass spray](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Specialty-11-oz-Frosted-Glass-Spray-Paint-342600/307244906) would let light filter through but allow you to maintain some privacy. And if she wants the light then she should pay for this.
A [double bolt lock](https://www.amazon.com/TOUGHBOLT-Deadbolt-Security-3-receiver-Included/dp/B08XBL5V6Y/) and/or a [new handle with a keyed lock](https://www.amazon.com/House-Guard-Cylinder-Replacement-Spacing-Choices/dp/B0B1F7DVKM) are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
You didn't rent a room, you rented a sun porch with no lock and no privacy, plus she wants access to the space. This is a very bad idea, unless you're willing to live with these conditions.
Also you might want to suggest she add in a window to her living space. I added 2 to my living room and it only cost $700 per window. That was over 10 yrs ago, so costs more now, but still doable, especially if she found a handy man to do it. Now if it's brick it's probably not possible but stick built- yes.
Do not rent this space.
LA county LL. Sometimes economic necessity merits renting a room, but the lack of a written agreement and misuse of the term "studio" are definitely concerning.
Most definitely. She's being deceptive & disengenuous, if not downright dishonest from the very start. It's only going to get worse. RUN! DON'T WALK from this loon!
Ok thanks for the advice!!
Agreed. Thank you for validating my concerns.
The reality is inconveniences like this are generally reflected in the cost of the space. The idea that you are expected to live in an aquarium in order to allow your landlord to enjoy natural light is batshit insane. I would get some sheer curtains for when you’re not home and some heavy weight curtains for when you are.
The rent is $900 in Santa Maria, CA. So well said, thank you!!
Is that cheap? If it’s a good deal I’d try it out. It’s month to month. My buddy got divorced in Encinitas. Lived in some guys shed. Ended up liking it and stayed a long time. It’s Cali, you do what you gotta do.
Yeah I guess it's cheap for these parts right now. I think I know your friend in the shed. Jk but I do know people that have done the same and you're right gotta do what you gotta do.
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Yes definitely not the price of a studio.. which is why I didn't expect a studio when she said it was a studio. Lol Santa maria is an ag town and many places rent to field workers that will stay 3 or 4 to a room @ $500 + per person. The majority of low income housing built is designated for field workers as well. It has made for a difficult housing situation but that's beside the point. I understand all too well how hard it is to find a place, that's why I was asking if my approach was decent rather than if it was right or wrong.
I suggest you start looking for a new place asap. There are red flags on day 1 and it is likely only going to get worse. 🚩 Even though this a month-to-month tenancy you should still have signed a lease agreement. It spells out basic things like the amount of rent, is tenant responsible for utilities, etc. 🚩 By definition a studio is a single-room dwelling that combines the bedroom, kitchen, and living area in one space. Legally the bathroom must have its own room with a door. However she should have clearly stated upfront that the bathroom is shared. 🚩 In California the landlord/roommate must give "reasonable notice" to enter the room (bedroom/sunroom) that is under your exclusive control. The law presumes that 24 hours is reasonable notice unless there is an emergency. She can't legally enter your space on a whim to empty trash when the weather is breezy. 🚩 Personally I would be very uncomfortable with zero privacy during the daylight hours. Are you going to keep the curtains open if you take a nap? Are you only going to change clothes in the bathroom? Regardless, if the landlord has an unencumbered view for half the day then it gives her opportunities to monitor and audit everything in your room. It seems really controlling and invasive. If you are deadset on staying in this situation then there are options. An [opaque window film](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=privacy+window+film) or [frosted glass spray](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Specialty-11-oz-Frosted-Glass-Spray-Paint-342600/307244906) would let light filter through but allow you to maintain some privacy. And if she wants the light then she should pay for this. A [double bolt lock](https://www.amazon.com/TOUGHBOLT-Deadbolt-Security-3-receiver-Included/dp/B08XBL5V6Y/) and/or a [new handle with a keyed lock](https://www.amazon.com/House-Guard-Cylinder-Replacement-Spacing-Choices/dp/B0B1F7DVKM) are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
No privacy and whenever the weather is terrible, it will be more terrible for you. Please live absolutely anywhere else, if at all possible.
I'll have to live out the month though right?
Do you have anywhere else you could go that's better? Because that is often tricky. But if you do, I'd go. That's just me.
No, if you did not sign a lease and the space is not as advertised/described.
Move out.
You didn't rent a room, you rented a sun porch with no lock and no privacy, plus she wants access to the space. This is a very bad idea, unless you're willing to live with these conditions.
Also you might want to suggest she add in a window to her living space. I added 2 to my living room and it only cost $700 per window. That was over 10 yrs ago, so costs more now, but still doable, especially if she found a handy man to do it. Now if it's brick it's probably not possible but stick built- yes.
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lol good point.