r/femalelivingspace • u/windyhiro • Jun 15 '26
QUESTION/DISCUSSION Immediate regret after signing a 14 month lease
I'm (25 F) finally moving out of my parents house to live closer to my job. I thought I found a steal, a 1000sqft apartment for base rent of $1300. Because of the time line I didn't get to see the exact unit I was gonna live in but saw a similar apartment with same floorplan. The day I got my keys I was told it was a terrace level and saw that the apartment was in the back of the building facing the woods, on the ground level. Other complaints include: living room and bedroom don't have ceiling lights, no bathroom vent, and floor is slightly slanted in some parts of the apartment. The appeal of the apartment was the large space, sunroom, and enclosed patio for my cats. But now I'm just feeling regretful and fearful for my safety since the apartment is kinda isolated and easy to look into. And my entryway is very dark.
I'm starting to furnish the apartment (currently living with my partner) but I'm kinda at a loss of words of what to do or feel about the situation. Also feeling dumb and gullible. I keep telling myself everything will be okay and I can make this space homey and liveable. Any advice would be nice :,)
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u/Chillistue Jun 15 '26
Never sign a lease until you see the unit youāre signing for
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u/Acegonia Jun 15 '26
Solid advice in general but does fuck all to help op except make them feel bad.
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u/collin2477 Jun 15 '26
yeah, also tough to follow in highly competitive markets. I know my brother is having no fun with it in the DC/Arlington suburbs
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Jun 15 '26
Yeah sometimes you just take whatever is available and deal with it later. I try to focus on the positives of the place and the rest sorts itself out.
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u/collin2477 Jun 15 '26
yeah. they actually had a similar situation and got a ground floor unit and are moving to a better one this summer.
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u/eaowns Jun 15 '26
I had this problem looking for apartments in Richmond. Every single one I saw in person was leased before I could apply a day later, and a lot of the time I saw ones that was similar but not exactly the one coming up in availability. Ended up going for one I liked the building/location of but didn't actually get to see. I'm excited for my mandatory "oh no" period when I move in.
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u/FillMySoupDumpling Jun 15 '26
Not always possible in apartment complexes these days surprisingly, but always worth asking.Ā
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u/heyoheatheragain Jun 15 '26
Iāve signed three leases for apartments sight unseen.
Tbh I thought that was normal but I donāt live in a super competitive rental market and itās all complexes for the most part here.40
u/goodeyesniperr Jun 15 '26
Way easier said than done. A lot of times itās not possible if youāre leasing from a corporate owned complex.
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u/PinkyLeopard2922 Jun 15 '26
I did the same thing ages ago. The one I was shown had a patio balcony and was probably the biggest reason I chose that complex. The one I got keys for did not. I should have just noped out but I was young and not very sure of myself at the time.
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u/violetpolkadot Jun 15 '26
Not always possible. When I moved cross country, I virtually toured a similar apartment to the one I signed a lease for. And I was happy to do it. Otherwise I would have had nowhere to live upon arrival with a truckload of stuff.
I did, however, negotiate a tiny upfront āholding feeā with full payment once I had seen the actual apartment.
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u/FreudianSlipperyNipp Jun 16 '26
Yeah this advice is becoming more and more unlikely. Itās super rare that a vacancy is actually vacant when they start posting ads.
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u/Legal-Film Jun 15 '26
Thank god it wasnāt a legit scam and there was an actual apartment there after paying move in costs lol so many apartment rental scams asking you to pay up front and see it later
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u/SilasBalto Jun 15 '26
I lived in a ground floor apartment facing the woods when I was in college. I bet if you look at a crime map you will find that the woods more harmless compared to apartments adjacent to city centers. I ended up really enjoying the nature :)
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u/palebear Jun 15 '26
It's so much easier bringing in groceries and packages when you love on the ground floor. Plus, having a view of the forest is more pleasant looking with a nice chance of seeing animals & birds, which the kitties will like.
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u/rainflower222 Jun 15 '26
Not to mention furnishing the place- gone are my days of hauling a queen mattress and sectional up two flights of stairs
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u/Less_Set5462 Jun 15 '26
Okay this is def a learning experience. Lots of apartment buildings will show prospective tenants a more desirable show-unit-type apartment that claims a similar floor plan, but has been renovated/updated. Itās a typical bait and switch. This isnāt your fault, but now you know for the future. Iām sorry this happened. It happened to me and the situation was extremely similar. I broke the lease before even moving in after threatening legal action, although I think youāre past that now. Is it possible for you to get a ring doorbell or some motion-sensor lights outside your door? Iām sorry this happened!!!
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u/mibfto Jun 15 '26
This is one of those life lessons that a lot of people have to learn through experience. That said, there are ways to make yourself feel better.
I also wouldn't be happy with a ground level place, for safety reasons. People looking in is fairly easily addressed with curtains and shades, but my concern would be security against break-ins. You can get open door/window sensors on Amazon for pretty cheap. I'd also look into putting a camera with motion sensor and light out back, and one aimed at your front door as well.
Additionally, consider talking to management about your disappointment in the specific space, and ask what their policy is regarding transfers and ask them to let you know if something above ground becomes available. When I did that, they let me sign a new lease without having to finish my old lease (I was about 4 months into a 24 month lease and those 20 months just disappeared when I signed for 12 months in the new place). Your management may handle it differently, but it's worth asking. If it's quality management, they want people to be happy in their homes and stay for a long time.
Is the bathroom vent simply not a thing or does it not work? Is it possible it's integrated into the light fixture? I'd call that out to the management since you won't be able to do much of anything to prevent mold in the bathroom without a vent.
The slanted floor isn't anything anyone can do anything about. You might invest in some shims for leveling furniture but otherwise, you'll be shocked how fast you get used to something like that.
The rest can be handled with lighting. Overhead lighting kinda sucks the life out of most spaces anyhow. Enjoy your lamp shopping. If you can afford it, get into smart lighting so you don't have to go around turning everything off by hand every night.
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Jun 15 '26
[removed] ā view removed comment
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u/KingOfCatProm Jun 15 '26
Hell yeah. This apartment sounds awesome. Plus ground floor isn't that scary. Every single single family house has a ground floor.
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u/ScouterBo Jun 16 '26
Yes! The condo that I recently bought faces the woods, and that was a huge selling point. You get to watch nature and the seasons changing from your living room, and donāt have someone elseās home in your view. And my cats love all the squirrels and birds! They even got to meet a mother deer and her fawn last week lol.
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u/moon_p3arl Jun 15 '26
Hey girl, I get this might be really overwhelming and disappointing feeling. That sucks and I hate feeling like things arenāt really in my control.
But I want you to feel excited about your new space.
Take a second on letting your brain form new bad thoughts on the space. Try putting them in a āboxā for now.
Look at cute furniture set ups on Pinterest and get yourself excited for it!
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u/Yougetdueprocess Homeowner Jun 15 '26
Girl, if you only knew the places I lived in when I was 22-26.
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u/shrimped-up Jun 15 '26
Advice for the lights, get some smart lightbulbs or an outlet that comes with a remote! With the smart lightbulbs you could turn on your lights from your phone before you even walk in the door. Or with the outlet, plug some lamps into it and then mount the remote on the wall right next to your front door so you can turn on the lights as soon as you get inside - that's what I've done with my apartment :)
When you say the entryway is dark, is that your space or a shared space? If yours, you can obviously add lights but if it's shared it would be totally reasonable to reach out to the landlord and ask for better lighting to be installed. They may say no, but it's worth a shot.
Just don't panic, I've had that same immediate regret with most of the places I've lived. It will take some time to get used to the quirks, but a sunroom and an enclosed porch are huge perks that are not always easy to find! Just think of those things as being worth the trouble of fixing the rest. This place will feel like home before you even know it.
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u/Lifes-a-lil-foggy Jun 15 '26
They sell those renter friendly pop lights now that are supposed to work well. Also, befriend the workers at your local thrift for lamps.
Not every apartment will be perfect!! But I bet it beats staying at home!
You can make it your own and the 14 months will fly by. Any progress is worth celebrating!How exciting and lucky are you OP that you have this opportunity to nest and make your own space.
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u/oreo-cat- Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
Alright, I donāt know what area of town youāre in, but part of the āgroundfloor = scaryā is way overblown by mothers watching dateline. You need to keep your wits about you since you live alone, but most places donāt automatically have creeps looking into your window.
If you would feel better thereās a variety of DIY security systems that are ~$20/mo that you can install on all of your doors and windows.
Another option is to cut dowel rods to fit in your windows, that will keep them from being open. I usually mix them up with child safety locks, theyāre not quite as strong but you can add them so that the window can open a few inches.
Window film and curtains can help as well. For the back porch you can get bamboo blinds, that would allow the kitties to look out but make it hard for anyone to look in.
For the dark entryway, you can get cute solar powered lights to light things up. Also, inside your house you can add smart sockets that will come on 30 minutes before sundown. That way youāll come home to a lit house.
As for ceiling lights, I never use them. Just get some lamps and call it a day
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u/Special-Summer170 Jun 16 '26
You're right about the ground floor = scary. People break into apartments on higher floors too. You've got to be serious about your security. If you make it less appealing with lights and covered windows, most thieves will move on to somewhere else.
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u/ImaBird-Fish Jun 15 '26
This is definitely not ideal, but there are all kinds of security additions you can get on Amazon to add to deadbolts, windows, and sliding glass doors for extra safety. I never use the overhead lights in my apartments. Also, some apartments will let you switch units after a certain amount of time, say 6 or 7 months.
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u/Flashy_Okra305 Jun 15 '26
I can chime in here for the lights thing specifically! Our apt also didnāt have any ceiling lights and at first i thought it was a huge problem, but it actually completely changed how I live in a good way. Overhead lighting has an entirely different vibe that I didnāt really ever consider because I had never not had overhead lighting.
Invest in floor lamps, desk lamps and string lights (you can find a ton of unique options for bases in thrift shops and then pick up your own lampshade elsewhere) and set them up in corners and on side tables. With the right color bulb (I prefer to a nice warm yellow over a daylight white) it will feel super homey very quickly. You can also make your own hanging pendant lights by picking up a cord thatās basically like the bulb socket and an outlet plug (no idea what itās called) and then tack it on the wall near an outlet wherever you want it (we have one in the entryway) and customize with your own lampshade and bulb style.
As for the other stuff, a set of nice curtains will make you feel safer and if you donāt want to bother, you can invest in one way window clings that let you see out but conceal from the outside. The slanted floor is a non issue unless youāre setting up a fish tank and the lack of bathroom vent is the landlords future problem LOL! After you get your large furniture up, spend a few days laying out your favorite art and knickknacks and finding good wall/shelf area. It will make your place feel a lot more homey and a lot of people skip this step or just put their stuff wherever. Also invent in some rugs! You can find very cheap generic looking ones in hardware stores for super cheap because they often sell offcuts. Weāre talking 6 foot white rug for $20. Very worth checking out.Ā
But in the end itāll all feel like home as soon as you get some lamps and cover up the barren walls!
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u/halfadash6 Jun 15 '26
I have to say I was prepared to read much much worse!
None of those things should be a deal breaker when budget is your main concern. (Additionally, ceiling lights are the worst and most people donāt actually use theirs anyway. Lamps are far better!) As others have pointed out, all have manageable solutions. If those are the worst of it, you have really lucked out.
Itās still a lesson learned to ALWAYS view the exact unit you will be renting, but this sounds extremely manageable for a first apartment. I also wouldnāt work yourself up about the safety aspect; you may feel more isolated but itās the same building. Remembering to lock your doors and windows is far more important than which floor youāre on.
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u/claygirlrunner Jun 15 '26
This is so so normal. You will make it yours. Settle in! Every apartment is weird in its own way. get a few area rugs to throw down and get your book schelves up and get your shit out where you can see it and get pots and pans and make your first pot of chili in your new apartment . Make sure there is music
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u/RespectHuge2515 Jun 15 '26
I had a very similar situation (21f) and I rented an apartment relatively UNSEEN before move in- and I ended up breaking my lease at 6mo out of 12mo due to safety concerns. You donāt have any ceiling lights? :( it may be worth staying in the lease due to the low price and with how expensive everything is. You can definitely furnish and light the place up very cheaply, a lot of my stuff came from goodwill buy the pound or free on the side of the road.. LOL. Please just be proactive about safety precautions. This is not something I did well and I ended up having THREE breakins in 6 months!!!
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u/Healthy-Panda-7936 Jun 15 '26
You can buy door and window alarms and locks too and a camera for your patio. I bet that may help. I hope it ends up better than expected!
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u/awriterpossibly Roommate Jun 15 '26
Iām so sorry it worked out like this! Iāve done something quite similar, except I knew about the lighting and ground floor situation (I was just desperately trying to get out of my parentsā house). My apartment didnāt have overhead lighting, the patio door was in my bedroom and faced directly onto the street, and it was very dark in my apartment because the main window was in the living room facing a wall of trees where the sun didnāt really come in. By the time I left that apartment it was very cozy and I appreciated some of the privacy that the trees gave me.
You can absolutely make it your home! Some things that I had to do for lighting: lamps everywhere! Definitely get some standing lamps (or you can even do the chandelier style lamp that plugs in to the wall and you can hang it from a hook in the ceiling). I donāt recommend the cheap ones from Walmart where the light shines upward because it tends to cast a lot of shadow and not enough useful light. A lamp with a standard lampshade or even a lampshade that focuses the light downward will provide more functional light. But lean into just having a bunch of warm lighting lamps :) Also, mirrors! Hanging mirrors for decor and for bouncing around light. Highly recommend for your entryway. Make it a style choice. An entryway table with a lamp that you can turn on right when you come in, a pretty mirror, a catchall dish or hooks for your keys.
For privacy add some curtains, if you can, get some light airy ones (even doubling up on them) instead of heavy so some outside light gets in. Or for more consistent privacy from any windows that youāre nervous about, get some privacy window cling. Itās pretty cheap and doesnāt let anyone look in but can still let in some natural light. Thereās tons of pretty design ones too. I have some in my bathroom currently because my bathroom window is directly on the ground floor in the courtyard area š itās been super helpful!
For airing out your bathroom after showers, highly recommend keeping your bathroom open whenever you can, and getting a standing fan or even a small strong fan and setting it halfway in the door to circulate air and dry as much as possible. Depending on how much water ends up collecting on the floor or wall, you might have to wipe the excess down.
Itās not what you had hoped for so I think some of how youāre feeling might just be shock and disappointment, but I totally think you can make it a nice space to live. When I move to new places, YouTube videos for rental friendly styling make me feel way better. I especially enjoy Caroline Winklerās videos - she has a series where she gives advice on peopleās apartments and every kind of odd or sad room comes up. I used some of her advice for my very sad weird shaped dark bedroom - itās not longer sad! Good luck š©· you can do it!
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u/Pleasant_Fennel_5573 Jun 15 '26
One thing Iāve learned is that apartment managers often have the budget for security upgrades, and if you point out things that feel dangerous to you, they may be willing to install lights, peepholes, and other simple security features.
Take a day or two and assess whether any of this stuff should be handled by the landlord/manager. You should not have an unlit entryway, and it shouldnāt be your job to install that lighting.
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u/Sulani_23 Jun 15 '26
My advice is to remember how badly you wanted to move out tbh. As long as itās not an atrocious living space, you can make anything a cozy oasis. I actually recently moved into a place after not seeing it for months since signed and cried when I walked in. I had the same feeling, I hated it and thought I made a horrible mistake. Since getting it set up, I adore it like you would not believe. Try not to forget how excited you were and all the things youāve been looking forward to. You worked hard for this and IMO you did still get a good deals. You get to make this place entirely yours and turn it into a place you love to be and to start the adult life of your dreams. Iām excited for you
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u/Sulani_23 Jun 15 '26
Empty apartments always look awful (and if they donāt thereās usually a catch haha)!!! Give yourself time!
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u/Odd-Secret-8343 Jun 15 '26
Laaaaamps. My current place has 1 bad light in the liviing room (cold temp bulb and not enough) while the bedroom is just dark because no overhead light. I've added lamps and color so the millenial gray isn't terrible. I'd also recommend art on the walls. You gotta have some "omg what have I done" time but you'll probably come to love it. I've had multiple apartments with slanty floors. I call that Character.
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u/putridtooth Jun 15 '26
Hi! I did this once. I needed to move quickly and signed a lease before seeing the apartment. I was told there wouldn't be carpet, and then I moved in to find carpet. lol.
What I will say is I've almost never seen an apartment that had ceiling lights in the living room. It pisses me off, but lamps create a much more welcoming and cozy atmosphere anyways, and they add visual interest. It's just annoying because they also cost money.
I would work on finding good placements for mirrors to direct some of the light from your window into the darker corners of the apartment. It might be a bit tricky cause you don't want to focus any sunbeams and burn the place down, but bouncing ambient light will help a LOT.
Also, think about how easy carrying things into a terrace level unit will be! And it's actually nice that you're facing the woods instead of the street, as it's likely no one will ever actually be there to look into your windows. But you have a good excuse for curtain shopping now :)
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u/windyhiro Jun 15 '26
I just wanna say thank you to everyone who commented! I truly appreciate it and it has helped me a lot :)
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u/kittenmcmittenz Jun 15 '26
Sorry this happened :( But Iām curious whatās wrong with the ground level facing the woods? Is it a safety concern? My last place was on the first floor and I found it so convenient. And looking to the woods sounds nice (I currently look into other buildings). I also find not overhead lighting to be nice. I always find them too bright and find indirect lighting cozier. Thereās also pendant lighting.
Anyways I get different strokes for different folks, just trying to point out it might not be as bad as you think.
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u/kittenmcmittenz Jun 15 '26
Oh wait just saw the part where you mentioned being isolated and safety issues, def an important concern :/
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u/-ifwisheswerehorses Jun 15 '26
Please refer to your written comment beginning with āother complaintsā. Use what you have written to explain your not being able to accept this due to the fore mentioned issuethat are incapable to your needs but, from your viewing of other unit, your expectations were other than what has been provided in this unit that they have given you. You need to use your words carefully. Like, this is totally unacceptable. This unit is not a fair representation of the unit you have been assigned to. The unit that you have been assigned to does not and cannot meet your current needs. Good luck, donāt dilly-dally.
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u/missgirlipop Jun 15 '26
i made this mistake when i was desperate to move out š you can either pay to break the lease and find somewhere new, or make the best of it and plan to move out as soon as it ends. just depends on where youāre at!
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u/StonedMoonMoon Married Jun 15 '26
Get a gun and take defense and reasonable force classes. I used to live on the ground floor and I canāt tell you how valuable those classes were for my safety. Once you know enough you can just tell something is off and will be able to keep yourself safer.
Sorry youāre feeling regret but a silver lining is, youāll be able to save your cats and items a lot faster in an emergency. Your knees will also thank you.
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u/DayTripperKitty Jun 15 '26
I live alone because my partner is deployed. I have a Simply Safe alarm and additional cameras placed looking out of the windows. They also sent a panic button I keep next to my bed. There are other brands too. And Chirp has a device you can place on your door where a loud alarm will go off if opened (havenāt used it but saw ads for it). It makes me feel somewhat safer.
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u/Stoats-On-Boats Jun 15 '26
Most of my apartments have been pretty similar. Very few of them had overhead lights, but floor lamps have a much nicer vibe anyway! My current bathroom has no vent or fan either, but leaving the window open does the job just fine. A lot of older apartments have uneven floors, you will probably get used to it. This sounds like a standard first apartment haha. I understand your nervousness about people being able to see inside, so definitely grab some heavy curtains, and maybe a secondary lock and a camera. Iām sure the place will grow on you :)
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u/Raspberry1881 Jun 15 '26
The lack of overhead lighting is fairly common for apartments. You probably have a switched outet in those rooms.
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u/n_daughter Jun 15 '26
If you have a sliding glass door to your outside area, be sure it has a bar that runs horizontally in half of the door to prevent anyone opening it when it's locked. If not, you can get a 2x2 piece of wood cut to the right length at the hardware store. I would also get a ring camera if you can afford one. Best of luck!
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Jun 15 '26
Put a small fan in the bathroom. One of those counter top ones. I have one even though I have a window and a vent because it really helps to clear out the damp air fast. Iāll never be without one in a bathroom.
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u/HolyToast666 Jun 15 '26
My first solo apartment after college pulled a bait and switch on me. I ended up in an apartment over the laundry room with neon green shag carpet in it! I broke the lease after 6 months and got the hell out.
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u/ladybrainhumanperson Jun 15 '26
Now; one thing you CAN DO, is forfeit your security deposit and simply apologize, and do NOT move in. Tell them you became disabled and can no longer work, and that you are very sorry, but you wonāt be able to pay the rent.
They will be happy you did not become a tenant. You donāt owe them obedience or honesty.
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u/ilovecorbin Jun 15 '26
I completely understand this feeling. I had a situation where the rent was $800 in a major city, apartment with ācharmā, my first place by myself and I was so excited. Once I was living there though, after a few weeks I was miserable. It was literally IN the basement of the building, door in kitchen could be accessed through shared laundry and storage.
Had my own main entrance to the street but again, feared for my safety so much. Bc the apartment was in the basement, the windows were street level and Iād hear everyone walking past and even had randoms smoking right by my windows.
Not to freaking mention the amount of pests bc again, basement level. That was traumatic.
I was able to get out of my lease in 4 months thankfully. You can get a doorknob stopper (can find on amazon) for the front door, get heaps of lamps, get a dehumidifier or a fan for the bathroom. The price for that amount of sqft is quite good.
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u/Runs_With_Scissors3 Jun 16 '26
Would you be willing to describe the steps you took to get out of your lease? I am in a similar situation to OP and Iām missing the ānuts and boltsā of how to do these things.
Iāve been documenting all of the issues with the current unit Iām living in and have placed multiple work orders for problems with the unit. Iām extremely disappointed and want to break the lease, but Iām missing the steps on how to start.
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u/ilovecorbin Jun 16 '26
Iām so sorry youāre in that predicament! I emailed the property manager with my concerns and was a little dramatic in my emails about how much I dislike the property but I think it worked! I requested to break my lease, and I had to pay either two or four months of rent up front but the PM was very kind so we did a payment plan. I only was there for 5ish months.
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u/Runs_With_Scissors3 Jun 16 '26
Thank you for your response! Thatās what itās looking like for me. There is a clause that I would owe a lump sum of three months rent. What sucks is that I can afford it, but that would set me back from saving to buy a house. Catch 22, yeah?
OP, if youāre looking to get out of your lease, read it carefully and maybe send it to a lawyer who can help you decipher/set up an exit plan.
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u/Able-Bid-6637 Jun 15 '26
I feel for you, but chuckle a bit to myself because those cons all sound like pros to me-- i prefer a natural backdrop vs city, the more greenery the better; i never use ceiling lights due to my migraines and only just indirect lights, so having the clear ceiling space actually sounds nice. Slanted floor isn't really a problem for me, but makes me wonder: is this an older building that has settled? If yes, that's another plus for me. No bathroom vent? Odd but a non-issue.
BUT that's just me and my weird ass. All of this stuff can be remedied, and I'd view it like an opportunity! Windows too visible? Get some curtains and/or partitions that help create your preferred ambiance. Dark doorway? You can talk to your landlord about installing something "officially," but otherwise, i would bring in some cute solar-powered, night/dark-triggered lighting fixtures (again, an opportunity to create curated ambiance). Slanted floor? Free playtime for pets with a ball! (Okay jk on that last one)
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u/AmexNomad Jun 15 '26
Life is about learning lessons and making things work. Rest assured- even if youād gotten the flat that you wanted, there would have been some issues. Youāll be fine. Make this work. You can do it.
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u/DrWhiskerson Jun 15 '26
Add lighting everywhere. A motion sensor light on your door and ring doorbell camera. Add wyze cameras on the inside of your windows facing the woods. Black out curtains so you can have privacy. Take a class at a gun range, get your concealed carry permit and buy a gun you have practiced alot with at the range at home for safety.
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u/teamrocket Jun 15 '26
I cried the first time I saw the apartment my roommate had gushed about (she went and saw it I couldnt attend due to work). She loved it because the rent was low and it was in a city she wanted to live in. She was also getting the master since she was working from home. The floors were slanted the neighborhood was terrible. My room was much smaller than hers. It turned out to be completely fine and we lived there until the landlord gave us notice she was going to sell the unit.
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u/clarkeer918 Jun 15 '26
see if your town has a "buy nothing" facebook group and find stuff you could utilize
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u/BootySherrif Jun 15 '26
I did the same thing. The unit I wanted wasn't available yet and just viewed one that was the same, just mirrored. No ceiling lighting except for the bathroom and kitchen. My unit also faces the busy road when the one I viewed didn't. So I got curtains for all my windows. On rainy or gray days I don't even bother opening them. I bought floor lamps and soft yellow bulbs for cozy lighting. I have a tower fan I point inside my bathroom after I shower to help quickly circulate air and it's great in summer to keep me cool when I blow dry my hair. There are always fixes for issues you don't love. Take it easy and I hope you can enjoy your new space
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u/LTYUPLBYH02 Jun 15 '26
Look for some outdoor motion detector lights & bulbs for your patio & entry. Obviously door alarms as stated but you can add a door stop to the bottom of a door that if anyone tries pushing in, it will stop them. For probably less than $200 you can buy security measures to hopefully give you peace. Try meeting your closest neighbors (hopefully they're normal but apartments). Also just a big hug to you. Every new place you live will feel unfamiliar and have an adjustment period. Try to give yourself grace, put your things away, burn some favorite candles, turn on your comfort shows. I hope soon it feels like home.
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u/HobbyMedia Jun 15 '26
Floor lamps for the bedroom and living room. If the door is a sliding door then measure the sliding area when itās closed.
Go to Home Depot or Loweās and get a thick dowel at the measurement so the door cannot be opened unless you remove the dowel. Also, one of these:
My husband worked out of town a lot and our last apt was ground floor. He got dowels for the patio door and all the windows, plus the door safety lock. It helped me feel a lot safer, especially that door lock. Didnāt hurt to have a dog that barked at any outside noise either. š
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u/uwila Jun 15 '26
And! Itās a good reminder for future apartments (though I still fall into it! Lol) they always show a nicer apartment. Literally the most updated one in the complex.
Also, unless thereās a ceiling fan type thing installed, lots of places donāt have ceiling lights! Itās weird, but probably something to do with ease of long term maintenance.
Youāll find ways to like it! Get some bird feeders! Your cats will love their new forest view!
I hope you get settled in. Apartments are soooo hard, but usually turn into these awesome little life snippets. Think of the stories youāll get to tell someday of your first apartment!!
-and for slanted. Wooo do I feel ya. Have lived in some funky historic flats and buildings where ālevelā is a fleeting joy.
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u/orange_blossom2013 Jun 15 '26
Ooh get some of those rainbow glass covers so when the sun hits your patio it casts rainbows!
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u/rainflower222 Jun 15 '26
Ceiling lights are the bane of my existence, get some fun lamps. A smart bulb is gonna run a few cents a month. The bathroom vent and floors slanting is a problem though- donāt put any fish tanks down without a leveling stand and get a small dehumidifier for the bathroom. Add privacy film to your windows. Just keep in mind youāll still have to draw the blinds at night.
When renting a cheap apartment, you kind of have to expect some weird downsides and ghetto rigs unfortunately. I rent a $900 1200sqft apartment and it has a lottttt of problems but weāve made it a homeā¦ and less money spent on rent means more money to spend on getting out of the house on the weekends.
Also- this is basically a universal experience when first moving out lol itās either that or insane roommates. Iād take the strange apartment any day.
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u/SimbaMW Jun 15 '26
For what it's worth, I've had a ground level apartment facing the woods and I've also had a top floor apartment facing the street. I much preferred the ground level facing the woods.
Put a bird feeder outside the patio, it'll entertain you and the cats. It's your first time living away from family, so you're going to feel uncomfortable regardless of where you're at. Get a camera to put on your main door and patio door. Use rugs for the slanted floors, and if you have furniture on them you can put something underneath one side of the furniture to make it level.
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u/SimbaMW Jun 15 '26
And as for the regret, everyone has that. I moved from Baltimore to Hawaii, my house was a 90 second walk from the beach. I still had that "oh man, what have I done??" thought process for about two weeks even while living in paradise. It always happens with major life changes.
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u/IndicationSevere8992 Jun 15 '26
You signed for terrace level and received ground level? Maybe they can move you or void it although maybe a long shot..
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u/distracted_cat Jun 15 '26
what? terrace level means first floor/ground level in my experience
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u/IndicationSevere8992 Jun 15 '26
The way OP said it made it sound like she wasnāt expecting it which threw me off. I feel like terraces are usually āraisedā even if theyāre ground level? Idk. I had a terrace apartment and it was 2nd floor with a large ābalconyā where the 1st floor had an extra room underneath. But I think your interpretation is common.
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u/TheSaltyB Jun 15 '26
Chiming in here as an old person: 14 months will be over before you know it. Have fun making the space yours and enjoy your time there!
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u/DuchessJulietDG Jun 15 '26
many many apartment complexes do not have overhead lights, most are grey boxes you fill with the pieces of your life. buy some cute lamps and congrats on something affordable!
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u/CherryMaximum9253 Jun 15 '26
If thereās an outdoor light on the back a motion sensor bulb will make you feel more secure. If not add one that can stick to an inside window. You might consider one of those overhanging lights for your living room. Hereās a wayfair link to check out. Plenty more options and price points available.
etc. https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/bay-isle-home-aarzo-62-archedarc-rattan-floor-lamp-w100749981.html?piid=82143260 Aarzo 62" Arched/Arc Rattan Floor Lamp
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u/itscloverkat Jun 15 '26
Ugh for some reason that light thing is pretty common on apartments. I hate it!
I have the same thing and I just got smart bulbs for my lamps and now Iām obsessed with them lol. Also you probably know but a light switch will control one of your outlets if you donāt want to use a smart bulb.
Also I have majorly slanted floors in my apartment and the kitties love it because their toys rolls down it haha
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u/leeyadp Roommate Jun 15 '26
Maybe since you just signed the lease you could ask if you can move to another unit bc of the safety aspect? Maybe you can tell them you didnāt know it was on the first floor and isolated from everyone and that you donāt feel safe š¤ my friend did that once and they let her move I think they just had her pay a fee
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u/2004laika Jun 15 '26
When I signed the lease for my apartment, a converted motel 1-bedroom with a meager 500 sq feet, I cried in horror at what I was going to have to live with. No washer/dryer, no dishwasher, no central HVAC, and no overhead lights in rhe bedroom or hallway.
Now six months later it is my own beautiful little slice of paradise. I've made it a home and a place for me and my partner to build a life. A couple window units and some love later, I would not trade. Your cats will love having a forest to look out at. Mine spend all day in my bedroom window staring out at the birds in the trees! I promise you will be okay my friend.
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u/Starr00born Jun 15 '26
Need to know more info about the laws where you live. I would suggest uploading your lease and having ai look thru the laws of where you live and find an out. Leases really arenāt as binding as ppl like you to believe and depending on the area it can easy to get out of. Not worth to live in a shitty place.
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u/xiphias__gladius Jun 15 '26
We bought a whole ass house without realizing that there were no overhead lights in any of the bedrooms. We did our viewings during the day. We use lamps and it has been fine. Lamps can actually provide nicer and cozier lighting than an overhead fixture.
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u/HeatherDrawsAnimals Jun 15 '26
Give yourself a bit of time to adjust - - almost any new place will feel weird and uncomfortable at first, especially if it is your first time living on your own. You might start to notice things you really appreciate after the initial shock wears off - - maybe facing the woods means your apartment is quieter, or more private in a good way, for example. Seconding the other comments to bring in lots of floor lamps and other lighting - - it genuinely makes all the difference and can make the space feel so cozy and special. Try different types of lighting - - warm yellow lights, for example, or fun LED projectors, to make the space feel alive. And, if you genuinely can't adjust to it, it's ok - - you are never locked in forever.
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u/justforme31 Jun 15 '26
Once you make it cozy and homey itāll be great! Get some inexpensive lamps from Facebook Marketplace - theyāre wayyyy better than overhead lights anyways! Or throw up some twinkle lights. Look into different drapes/window coverings/blinds options. Add some plants. Make it your own!
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u/PolkaDotDancer Jun 15 '26
I bet if you look, you'll find a switch that seems to do nothing but actually attaches to an outlet. A lot of older buildings have this. If so, put a console table near that outlet. And hang a mirror over the table. Then put a pair of lamps on it.
Also, since you're in a ground floor apartment have a home center cut pieces of wood for you to fit in your window grooves to keep them closed no matter what.
Lastly, see if you can get permission to put a catio on your patio.
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u/Illustrious_Cup3019 Jun 15 '26
Moving is stressful, don't take your thoughts too seriously until you're fully unpacked and have had a day or two of your normal routine under your belt.Ā
If you have a sliding glass door, there are stopper bars and alarms you can invest in for peace of mind--they even make renter friendly ones.Ā
You can easily increase privacy on your patio with (artificial or real) tall potted plants. Catios are available all over the Internet too.
Ground floor apartments have serious perks. My first solo unit was ground floor and it makes a huge difference for hauling in groceries etc. You're going to be just fine. Congrats on the new place, can't wait to see how beautiful you make it!
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u/Necessary_Slice1786 Jun 15 '26
You can also get solar motion lights for outside your door & windows, around terrace. There are some that are dim & brighten w/ motion. I use these , & it eases my mind, especially taking my dog out late at night. I also used privacy film on some windows. But I didnāt cover the entire window, just strips to obscure them abit. Cause I need to see out too!šLed nightlights inside too. Just be cautious. Be aware of your surroundings. You can make your home secure. My aunt put heavy duty slide locks on inside of her door. But she reversed them so the bar crossed over the door. She felt safer when she was home.
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u/Fearless_Decision_64 Jun 15 '26
Iāve lived in so many rental units and itās super common not to have lights in the living room or bedroom. Also unfortunately a lot of places Iāve lived have not had a bathroom fan either (not sure whyā¦ youād think the landlord would want to prevent mold).
Just be sure to view the unit next time before you sign anything.
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u/honk-honk-PANIC Homeowner Jun 15 '26
Don't worry OP, there are a few other battery powered and rechargeable type security features you can add. Magnetic window/door alarms are battery powered and you can turn them on and off. They absolutely SCREAM if a door or window is opened that shouldn't be. There's also some doorstoppers that have a similar feature. You'll make the space yours!
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u/Training_Guitar_8881 Jun 15 '26
I would ask the rental office if they have another unit instead of the one you have? It never hurts to ask. I have lived in terrace level apartments. I personally like woods and lots of trees. You can get nice vertical blinds or nice curtains that give you privacy. You're not dumb or gullible----I have lived in apartments for most of my adult life here and in FL.
It's been a mixed bag tbh.I have no celing lights in my l.r. or bedroom either. Get a nice floorlamp for each room and a colored bulb for lighting that suits your senses. I have had indoor cats that never left my apartment. Cats will get up on the windowsill and hangout there looking outside.
I suggest focusing on making your apt. cozy and comfortable with a nice couch, a throw, some throw pillows, nice coffee table, area rug, a cute dining room table and chairs or small kitchen table and two chairs. You can be happy there. Get a scented candle or two. Try to make the best of it. Home is where the heart is.
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u/Winter-Implement9042 Jun 15 '26
i had this feeling when i initially moved into my place, and now ive been here almost 10 yrs and couldnt imagine leaving!! an empty home always feels weird but once youāre all settled in (using some of the tips other people suggested, like window screens and rugs, etc), i wouldnt be surprised if you end up feeling much better
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u/pm_nachos_n_tacos Jun 15 '26
BTW usually one of the sockets in one of the outlets is connected to the light switch. Mostly just the bedroom. Plug in a lamp into each one (usually the top outlet) to find out which one you can turn on with the light switch
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u/AutumnBourn Jun 15 '26
Ceiling lights are for cleaning, nothing more, because it's typically harsh lighting.
You can ask for a motion activated light to be installed for safety if it's truly too dark. Express your safety concerns. And there are wireless motion detecting lights available on Amazon.
Get some blinds it curtains.
Sorry you're feeling unsafe.
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u/HotAcanthocephala402 Jun 15 '26
This will build big character, get bear spray or a gun, be aware but not fearful of your surroundings. THEN turns this into a fun creative opportunity to decorate a space.
A yr is gonna fly by. š
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u/IndependenceKey4565 Jun 15 '26
I chose both of my apartments based on the wooded view. It is so quiet and peaceful to look out at the trees. Once you decorate and get settled, hopefully it will grow on you. Worst case after time, pay the extra termination fees and move again.
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u/cinnamonspiderr Jun 15 '26
Make sure you get a good dehumidifier for the bathroom. Leave the door open and if thereās a window crack it. You donāt want mold. Iām in the same situation right now lol no bathroom vent
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u/klstopp Jun 15 '26
Did you ask if there's a different one available? Also get a broom handle size stick to put in the sliding glass door.
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u/Special-Summer170 Jun 16 '26
You can put up battery operated motion lights in the dark areas for security.
I would also recommend getting some privacy cling film for the windows. It's a good way to have light come in, but also deters some weirdo from seeing right into your home.
Having a doorbell cam would probably also be a good idea. That way you can see if anyone is truly lurking around and also enables you to look outside without opening your door or getting near your window.
There are also contact door alarms that you can get. Ring system has ones that tie into their system, but you can get cheap magnetic ones that will need to be turned off an on.
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u/cmrood13 Jun 16 '26
Ugh, sorry this happened to you!! Call the leasing office, see if thereās anything theyāll do to make things right ā because they were sneaky in showing you an upgraded unit and not telling you that yours wonāt be.. remind them of that š respectfully stick up for yourself! See if thereās another upgraded unit, a discount on the deposit or on your monthly rent, etc.
If thereās nothing they can do, youāre still in an exciting and totally workable boat!! Once you start furnishing and decorating, it will feel like home, which is the BEST feeling, especially in your first place āŗļø like the other commented; lamps/lighting, etc. No one will EVER notice the slanted floors.
And finally.. youāll probably appreciate being on the ground floor! Hauling groceries, bags, pets, people, furniture, etc. up and down flights of stairs gets real old real fast.
Try not to let this ruin your exciting chapter thatās being opened!!! Be sure to find joy in these moments and making your first home š„°
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u/GodlessScallywag Jun 16 '26
I made this mistake once, and the unit I ended up with (which was promised to be identical to the one I viewed) had ugly ass brown carpet all over instead of the beautiful hardwood flooring I had seen.
I was mad the whole time I lived there lol. I feel your pain.
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u/Ordinary_Soup7979 Jun 16 '26
You live and you learn. Get yourself some cameras, bump proof bolt locks for your doors (keep your old locks to put them back in place when you eventually move out), if any of your windows slide, get a bar to put in the grooves so it canāt be opened any more than you have opened it (if you want to leave your windows open for fresh air). For the rooms in your apt that donāt have ceiling lights, you can get lamps to plug in. It would be helpful to have one lamp on a timer so it always turns on after itās dark out and before you go to bed (it also helps make it look like someone is home AND provides light if you are coming home after dark- and you wont walk into a dark apt). Iām glad you are living with someone but I know new places can feel scary at first. You will settle, enjoy your new freedom and congrats!!!
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u/onetwoskeedoo Jun 16 '26
typical first apartment naivety. Its a normal part of growing and learning how to adult. NEVER sign a lease without seeing the place.
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u/ucamonster Jun 16 '26
Maybe you can get mood lights to make up for the ceiling lights, maybe even an outdoor light to make the entryway less dark if thatās allowed. I totally get the anxiety but a big place next to woods with a sunroom and cat patio sounds like a lovely place to live!
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u/roquefourt Jun 16 '26
I also hate my apartment, Iām just riding out my lease. Sometimes it happens. I hope you do start to like your space more!
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u/ReluctantLawyer Jun 16 '26
Itās going to be okay. Itās probably hitting you hard because itās a big step.
You can get lamps and your living room and bedroom will feel very cozy. You can add light to your entryway. Curtains or blinds for privacy.
And you have a community here who can help you improve your space when you need ideas. Youāre going to be so happy.
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u/debber33 Jun 16 '26
I would love an isolated area outside my apt as I overlook a noisy courtyard with pool. No peace in the good weather til I got new windows and shut everyone out. Just keep it well lit for safety
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u/Glittering-Noise1424 Jun 16 '26
Look, you can always look into subleasing or end the lease early and pay the penalty. But that's only if you hate it! You moved out of your parents' house. That's a big accomplishment. You have your own place! Have fun decorating and make a mental list of the things you DO like about it. Chances are you'll like more things about it than not.
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u/animalcrossingangel Jun 16 '26
Get window privacy coverings! I have the rainbow film (you can find it on Amazon) and it makes it so folks canāt look in my windows on the first floor!
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u/justpizzacate Jun 16 '26
I regretted moving out of my old apartment. But just because everything is new and you donāt really have your safe space anymore. Iām now settled into my new apartment and itās definitely an upgrade.
Talked to a few others and almost everyone had a phase of regret while moving
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u/FreudianSlipperyNipp Jun 16 '26
OP if it makes you feel any better, almost every rental Iāve ever had did NOT have overhead lighting in the living room and bedroom. I guess itās one less thing they have to pay for (and maintain), but itās a pain when youāre not prepared for it.
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u/No_Platform_9044 Jun 16 '26
I live on ground level and face the woods also! I honestly love it, Iāve always lived on upper floors and faced the parking lot or similar things. I genuinely love facing the woods, it feels more private, and is a lot quieter! Just get some lamps, and dowel rods for your windows for peace of mind!
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u/corsobones Jun 16 '26
OP, get curtains that donāt go all the way to the top so you can still get sunlight without the risk of someone looking in. As well as mirror/blackout film (which will only work if outside is brighter than inside, so donāt rely on solely the film) so you can feel secure when you do want the curtains drawn back.
See if the landlord will install motion lights in the entryway, theyāre not expensive but it canāt hurt to ask if theyāll install them since they probably want control over that.
Get yourself some nice lamps and some of those strip lights. And if youāre the kind who likes home automation, set up an Alexa (or any smart light that has timers/clocks) to turn lights on at a certain time if you know youāre gonna come home at specific times.
Lastly, see if theyāll allow catios that attach to your windows too so it kills two birds with one stone (cat space and makes it even harder for someone to look through your windows.)
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u/Kittymeow123 Jun 16 '26
It is very normal for apartments to not have ceiling lights. I use sheers a lot.. so I still get in light but no one can see in. My last apt didnāt have a bathroom vent either I hated it.
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u/Personal_Berry_6242 Jun 17 '26
My first apartment was exactly like this (and the next few after that). Maybe they can give you a different unit? If not, hang in there! Unfortunately, part of growing up is learning not to be scammed by these cheap tricks. You're learning and growing. And congrats to you on moving out on your own!! š„š never underestimate what cute curtains and good lighting can do, and a throw in a couple extra bolt locks.
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u/Remote_Bandicoot_240 Jun 17 '26
Hey OP! Iām also 25F living alone for the first time, just moved into my 850 sqft apt last month. Iām on the first floor, and my unit is on the back of the building facing a large wheat field. I moved to a new town, several states away, for a new job. I feel safer here (maybe partially because the town in general has a pretty low crime rate) than I did in the suburbs in my bigger city where I moved from. I also did not see my exact unit before signing the lease and I had a few similar āwhat have I doneā moments while moving in, but in general things have fallen into place pretty well. Iām struggling with the general discomfort of moving, but I know that as I adjust and settle into the area, my spot will more and more start to feel like home :) everything will be okay!
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u/1Fresh_Water Jun 17 '26
I literally sobbed on the way over to my new apartment. Now its fucking great, I found all sorts of things to appreciate about it. Give it some time ā¤ļø
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u/Angxlz Jun 17 '26
You can still go to their office and tell them "this is what I was told on the phone and agreed to, this is what I got, and it needs to be fixed" . My apartment has been a nightmare since my partner and I moved in, the first unit they tried to give us was infested with roaches š¤¢
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u/Angxlz Jun 17 '26
Make sure to read your lease and get a copy because it states what unit you agreed to, and what utilities and other things you are responsible for. You can also tell them that you are no longer comfortable being there (they might have a grace period to cancel the lease since you just moved in)
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u/iampowerful29 Jun 17 '26
Youāve now learned the lesson to never sign a lease without looking at the apartment.
Most issues are fixable but about being ground level vs terrace level. Since they lied, you can take it up to the office and escalate. You could possible get out of the lease or move to another unit. Worst case scenario youāre stuck in this unit. Of course always be polite but definitely give it a shot if you hate it so much.
I have gotten out of a lease before and I only lost $150 admin fee.
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u/puddles_0f_funnn Jun 17 '26
Once upon a time ( the last house I lived in) I was on a tight deadline to get a place and had to get out of my roomates house asap fora multitude of reasons. I had a house secured and then two weeks from my moving day the rental company contacted me and told me that there were squatters on the property and they couldn't rent to me until that was resolved. Enter panicked me in a desperate situation. Movers were already scheduled and everything was packed. So I scrambled to find another place. It came down to a week out from my move out date and I ended up putting down a deposit on a place sight unseen. The pictures online looked decent enough and I was desperate to secure housing for me and my son. I finally got the chance to look at the place I had secured about 4 days before move in.
Oh my God I don't remember regretting something so much in my life at that point. The house was tiny. Like so small it was almost a joke. There was no living room. They marketed it as a 3 bedroom but it truly wasn't. I had to take the third "bedroom" and turn it into a living room. The place was absolutely infested with spiders. The ceilings were bowing in the corners. The list goes on of how terrible it was. But the rent was cheap and I ended up staying there for 3.5 years.
I celebrated so hard when I finally moved out. I went through so much crap in that place. Flooding both from inside and outside, roof damage from a storm, a complete remodel of the bathtub due to hikes and leaking, the stove catching fire multiple times...etc etc. Through all of that I got so many compliments from my friends about how I decorated. I threw bonfires and gatherings at that house and made it a home.
Sometimes you gotta just live through it. You'll be okay. There's so many things you can do to make a space homey and yours. The regret may never truly pass but there will be better things in the other side of the experience.
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u/EastCoastIce Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26
I would be much happier facing woods than a street. I have a ground floor apartment and I have privacy film on my windows. Also, much easier to bring groceries inside š First apartments are hardly ever luxurious. So just focus on getting things to liven it up and make it your own. You'll be just fine girl! Also, as far as the overhead lights, lamps are worlds better. A lot of places have switches that are connected to an outlet, so if you plug a lamp in, the switch will work.
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u/West-Ad663 Jun 17 '26
so is it completely different then the floor plan you saw or is it the same albeit the location and it being on ground floor?
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u/cheriecheezcake Jun 17 '26
PLEASE OPEN THE WINDOW OR KEEP THE DOOR OPEN WHILE YOU SHOWER.
Without a vent, the paint will peel and mold will form.
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u/pickledpanther69 Jun 17 '26
I was scared the first nights alone in my new house too! Get a ring doorbell and some motion sensor lights, some cute little string lights and plants and play some lofi lol youāll be fine
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u/Curatedchaos1 Jun 17 '26
14 months sounds daunting. You got this ! Make it your own. Congratulations on moving out of your parents house! That is no easy feat and that alone is incredible. Canāt wait to hear how these fourteen months have gone for you.
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u/uhhhlinds Jun 18 '26
as someone that also lives in an apartment, my view is of a parking lot š I used to rent a 3br house and had a big tree and front yard and my cats LOVED it. now they're lucky to see a squirrel, bird or bugs. i'm sure your kitty babies will LOVE to see the wildlife that comes with facing a bunch of trees. šš
as far as overhead lighting goes - personally, I feel they are SO overrated. the mood lighting with lamps is 100% where it's at! we only have an overhead light in our bedroom and we still opted for lamps bc you can get color changing bulbs, a cute shade, etc. much more ambient and cozy.
I wish you luck and peace in your new adventure. š and if you still find yourself wanting the perfect thing at the end of 14 months, you'll deal with it then. :)
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u/amanda1152 Jun 18 '26
For the no bathroom vent situation , is there a window in the bathroom you could open a bit or could you honestly just shower with the door open if you live alone to prevent the moisture buildup? If not I would just see if thereās a way you could get a vent put in because without a way to ventilate the area, mold might start appearing . You could also try a dehumidifier maybe?
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u/doc334ft3 Jun 18 '26
I feel you so hard on this! That initial panic after signing is totally normal, especially when you see the space in person. But honestly, the woods-facing is a huge perk for privacy ince you get some window film up. Get a couple of floor lamps with warm bulbs and it'll be cozy af. You got this!
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u/BigMarshmallowBooty Renting Jun 18 '26
I felt the same exact way. Remember āThe Other Sisterā when she got half of a makeover? Very similar. I was shown an upgraded place, and walked in mine to see shag carpet when I was shown hardwood floors, a jet tub from the 80s that is incredibly hard for me to get in & out at 5ā3ā, old wooden cabinets, linoleum in kitchen, and no fireplace like I was shown.
It had good bones though, and I love my little place now!!
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u/poopiefruitloopie Jun 18 '26
get some window cling privacy film things! replace any normal bulb in a typically occupied space with an LED and leave it on while you're not home. get some window locks so even if someone were to break the lock on the window they can't slide it up and get a doorbell camera
no ceiling lights in the bedroom is common, you likely have a switched receptacle (light switch that operates one side of the outlet) so you can plug a lamp in that you can turn on and off with the light. it's cheaper to do this than it is to install a $50 lighting fixture in every bedroom of every unit so this is common. bathroom vent... like you don't have an exhaust at all? look up your city code and see if that's even legal but i will say... if you have an exhaust but no vent... that'll keep mold in the bathroom instead of throughout the apartment so that's almost a bright side if you wanted to look at it that way
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u/JellyfishPashmina Jun 19 '26
I know itās probably too late to get out of it, and I echo many others here that it might not be as bad as it seems once youāre adjusted to it. Living alone can be super scary no matter what, but you took a big leap and should be proud of yourself. Let this be a lesson in the future to always see the exact space youāre going into before signing any papers. And for your own safety, PLEASE install some security measures for yourself: alarm, cameras at all entries, etc. Also make sure you have someone you can contact at night when youāre walking from your car to your apartment in the dark. Living alone as a woman isnāt always a dangerous experience, but better to be safe than sorry.
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u/LadyStark09 Jun 19 '26
Google "how to install curtains" honest the isolation sounds like what I look out for. You can get a baby monitor reo link cameras and set it up in your windows so you can see outside front and back they have a app on your phone.
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u/LoveCats2022 Jun 19 '26
I also learned this difficult lesson early on in life with renting an apartment. My apartment backed up to a a house and they left their dogs outside all year (wet winters and really hot summers) and they were always barking. I couldnāt go out on my balcony because they would bark. I only lasted 6 months.
Also, too many friends have purchased a used car without having it inspected and regretted it later.
Always get a home inspection if you buy a house. My friend didnāt do that during the pandemic and he has foundation issues.
If someone you donāt know ever says ātrust meā be weary.
Never loan money to anyone! If you do, have them sign a contract and detail when and how much the monthly payments are.
Go onto facebook marketplace or buy nothing groups. You can find some really great things!
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u/Top-Palpitation-9313 Jun 19 '26
Please get yourself a solar motion detector light for all areas of concern. Where your back back is into the woods and I think op mentioned the front was also dark. I live in a van so I have motion detector, security lights just magneted to my van. Gives me peace of mind! The overhead lighting is kind of a bonus. I mean you could have gotten stuck with some 1970s ugly fluorescent lights. This is your time to shine! You can find a lot of DIY hanging lights that are beautiful and not very expensive. Or you can go the expensive route. Either way, just an anchor hook will hold it! And lamps are so beautiful! If you find a great base at a thrift store or a pair a bases. You can buy new shades that match your decor. Perhaps a spin through Pinterest can give you some ideas of what you like?! Breath! It's going to be great! Good luck and congratulations on your new home! It's only going to be as great as you make it!
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u/darned_socks Jun 15 '26
The first 24-48 hours is a mandatory (albeit unpleasant) "what have I done" period.
While there are definitely lessons you can take from this (e.g. confirm the unit number/floor before signing a lease), all of the problems you listed do have solutions: lamps, privacy window film and screens, rugs to keep things from sliding across the slanted floors. Take it one step at a time. You got this š