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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 19:19:32 GMT
We are being relocated for DH job. It's across the country and where we want to be. We are going to rent for at least a couple of years but we are not able to actually go and view places. We found one we love. Great location, right size, decent-ish price. We have to sign a lease in the next day or lose out on a bit of cash. Today I find out that it's not plank flooring on main level like the photos they sent me. It's freaking wall to wall carpeting EVEN IN THE DINING AREA. There is no way on earth I will be able to keep it clean. No way. I have two teenage sons and a slob of a husband. We have hardwood floors now and I'm constantly cleaning it. I just can't imagine....
DH thinks I'm over reacting just a tad. Okay, maybe I am but that's why I'm bringing it to the peas. WWYD? Do you have carpeting in your dining area? How do you keep it clean? Or should I say screw it and try to find another place? Should I just make it work? How? We are moving at the end of June and that time table cannot be changed. Honestly, I just want to have a good cry.
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blue tulip
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Posts: 2,991
Jun 25, 2014 20:53:57 GMT
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Post by blue tulip on May 24, 2016 19:26:59 GMT
what were the pictures they sent you? a different house? I would wonder what else might be different..
instead of throwing out the whole thing, because it sounds like you have looked for a while, can you get a concession on rent? or have them replace the flooring in at least the dining room? barring replacement, you could get a large rug to go under the table to contain the worst of it and not lose your security deposit. also, carpet cleaning companies can work magic if you have them in every 4 or 6 months. I have 2 boys, 2 dogs, husband and such as well and you wouldn't know it by our carpet. good luck!
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Post by deekaye on May 24, 2016 19:27:55 GMT
Take this with a grain of salt because I only have girls but sheesh, what do your sons and husband do at the dining room table? Is food flying throughout the meal? We've had carpeting in the dining room ever since we've had little ones and really, I've only had to clean up a couple of major spills through the years. It is not an every day free for all. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/MNrJDkDuSwqIMVw33MdD.jpg) You'll be fine.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on May 24, 2016 19:28:25 GMT
I know that when I am stressed to the limit, something that seems really silly to another is enough to send me running to the ledge ready to leap!
Tell your hubby fine, but it's his job to ensure that the carpets are vacuumed and kept clean!
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Post by myshelly on May 24, 2016 19:28:45 GMT
I have 3 young kids.
Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting.
No problems.
I don't really understand messy people, though.
We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen.
Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package?
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Post by berty on May 24, 2016 19:32:09 GMT
Sorry things got changed up at the last minute. It's so frustrating. I know guys can be slobs, but they are all old enough to be responsible and help out. Have a talk with them about taking care of any spills right away and show them how to do it. Also, assigning some rotating chores to include vacuuming the dining room would help, too. I find that people are much more careful when the responsibility to clean up falls on the ones who made the mess. Good luck!
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schizo319
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 28, 2014 0:26:58 GMT
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Post by schizo319 on May 24, 2016 19:36:25 GMT
I can't handle carpet - it wreaks havoc on my allergies, so it'd be a definite deal-breaker for me. I do like blue tulip's idea about asking for a concession on the flooring (at least in the dining area). It definitely sounds like they misrepresented the property, I'm not sure I wouldn't be fighting for that "little bit of cash" that you'd be out by not signing the lease agreement.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:20:44 GMT
what were the pictures they sent you? a different house? I would wonder what else might be different.. instead of throwing out the whole thing, because it sounds like you have looked for a while, can you get a concession on rent? or have them replace the flooring in at least the dining room? barring replacement, you could get a large rug to go under the table to contain the worst of it and not lose your security deposit. also, carpet cleaning companies can work magic if you have them in every 4 or 6 months. I have 2 boys, 2 dogs, husband and such as well and you wouldn't know it by our carpet. good luck! I had them answer a series of specific questions via email so I have it in writing in case anything else is different. There's no way they will replace flooring. It was renovated recently so I'm hoping the carpeting is newer. I thought about having a small area run under the dining room table and I think that will help. I will look in to a carpet cleaning service. That's a good idea.
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perumbula
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Posts: 3,439
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Jun 26, 2014 18:51:17 GMT
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Post by perumbula on May 24, 2016 20:22:57 GMT
are you sure you are working with a reputable leasing office? The whole bait and switch thing triggers a red flag for me. Did the original pictures have a disclaimer about the actual unit available being "similar to pictured" or "not actual" or anything like that? It just seems off to me that there was no indication before now that the place you were renting and the photos weren't the same.
At this point though, as long as you are sure you are dealing with a real company, you may have to just suck it up and tell the males in the family to stop making a mess when they eat. or at least be in charge of making sure the carpets get cleaned regularly. I get it though. My dad's spot at the table always has stains on the carpet. My mom just shakes her head and makes sure she always has a working carpet cleaner. he doesn't look like he's that messy eating but there's still a mess on the floor under his chair.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:23:28 GMT
Take this with a grain of salt because I only have girls but sheesh, what do your sons and husband do at the dining room table? Is food flying throughout the meal? We've had carpeting in the dining room ever since we've had little ones and really, I've only had to clean up a couple of major spills through the years. It is not an every day free for all. You'll be fine. I grew up in a house of girls so I think all men are slobs. My 15 year old is particularly clumsy right now, too. He grew six inchs in a few months. He spills something at least twice a week.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:26:06 GMT
I know that when I am stressed to the limit, something that seems really silly to another is enough to send me running to the ledge ready to leap! Tell your hubby fine, but it's his job to ensure that the carpets are vacuumed and kept clean! I'm having a family meeting tonight to let them figure this out. There are three of them and one of me. I'm not the one making messes! I agree about the stress, too, but I wouldn't have considered the place knowing it had carpet.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:28:42 GMT
I have 3 young kids. Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting. No problems. I don't really understand messy people, though. We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package? There are tenants in the property and they cannot show it to us while people are living there. I'm not sure if it's a law or policy. We even have a proxy to view the place but no one is allowed when people are living there. It seems strange to me, too.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on May 24, 2016 20:29:31 GMT
I would also check real estate listings and make sure this house is not one that is for sale that someone else is claiming is for rent. Making you rush a decision would be a red flag to me but I've heard rental scam stories lately so it's fresh in my mind.
As for the carpet in the dining area, wow, not sure how I would feel. It also makes pushing chairs in and out kind of a pain. My DH and DS can be messy but it's more crumbs and whatnot on the floor. Good luck deciding.
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Post by myshelly on May 24, 2016 20:31:05 GMT
I have 3 young kids. Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting. No problems. I don't really understand messy people, though. We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package? There are tenants in the property and they cannot show it to us while people are living there. I'm not sure if it's a law or policy. We even have a proxy to view the place but no one is allowed when people are living there. It seems strange to me, too. Now THAT seems like a giant, flaming, flying RED FLAG. I'd walk away.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:33:58 GMT
are you sure you are working with a reputable leasing office? The whole bait and switch thing triggers a red flag for me. Did the original pictures have a disclaimer about the actual unit available being "similar to pictured" or "not actual" or anything like that? It just seems off to me that there was no indication before now that the place you were renting and the photos weren't the same. At this point though, as long as you are sure you are dealing with a real company, you may have to just suck it up and tell the males in the family to stop making a mess when they eat. or at least be in charge of making sure the carpets get cleaned regularly. I get it though. My dad's spot at the table always has stains on the carpet. My mom just shakes her head and makes sure she always has a working carpet cleaner. he doesn't look like he's that messy eating but there's still a mess on the floor under his chair. It's a reputable place and they have a lot of employees that live there, but it sent up some red flags for me, too. The leasing agent did not note that the property was different than the photo she sent. She was falling over herself to help went out and took photos to send me. I don't think she realized she wasn't accurately representing the place. I have a feeling she might get in trouble for it. I think I need to take a page out of your mom's playbook and get a spot cleaner. My guys are like your dad. Times three. Sigh.
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
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Post by LeaP on May 24, 2016 20:37:23 GMT
We had a rental in Vancouver and my two girls 12 & 15 were really hard on the carpet. Carpet in the dining room would not work for us. It would be a deal breaker. ETA: I feel your pain. It is really, really difficult to move cross country (or to a foreign country in our case). Are there any corporate apartments you could rent while you explore neighborhoods? Also, I agree with myshelly, not having photos or the ability to obtain them seems like a big red flag.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:39:23 GMT
I would also check real estate listings and make sure this house is not one that is for sale that someone else is claiming is for rent. Making you rush a decision would be a red flag to me but I've heard rental scam stories lately so it's fresh in my mind. As for the carpet in the dining area, wow, not sure how I would feel. It also makes pushing chairs in and out kind of a pain. My DH and DS can be messy but it's more crumbs and whatnot on the floor. Good luck deciding. It's a legit property. It's a townhome in a community and rented through their office. I'm going to call and nag them again about seeing it.
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Post by elaine on May 24, 2016 20:40:44 GMT
I have 3 young kids. Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting. No problems. I don't really understand messy people, though. We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package? There are tenants in the property and they cannot show it to us while people are living there. I'm not sure if it's a law or policy. We even have a proxy to view the place but no one is allowed when people are living there. It seems strange to me, too. That is beyond odd. Every place I've rented that I was moving out of had a "could show the place with 24 hour notice" policy. There have been quite a few news clips on people collecting money to rent places that belong to someone else - complete and total scam. I hope that you haven't given them any money other than a nominal fee. I'd be alarmed at this point, if I were you. No one can expect you to actually rent a place that you haven't seen.
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
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Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
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Post by used2scrap on May 24, 2016 20:41:15 GMT
We have carpet in the dining room and I hate it! Have a spot cleaner, and until I can get it redone (no time soon), I have put a very large patterned indoor/outdoor rug under the table. 3 messy kids and I am a chronic red wine spiller. Oh and I would be very Leary of a place I couldn't see and inconsistent photos! Trust your gut!
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 20:42:04 GMT
I can't handle carpet - it wreaks havoc on my allergies, so it'd be a definite deal-breaker for me. I do like blue tulip's idea about asking for a concession on the flooring (at least in the dining area). It definitely sounds like they misrepresented the property, I'm not sure I wouldn't be fighting for that "little bit of cash" that you'd be out by not signing the lease agreement. Me, too. Allergies are an issue. Youngest DS had horrible allergies for years and they only went away when we went carpet free.
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Post by Darcy Collins on May 24, 2016 20:49:52 GMT
I agree with previous posters - a policy of not showing the property before you sign a lease is a HUGE red flag. I've been a landlord in 4 different states - with proper notice, every state allows a landlord access to the property. If they won't show it to you or your proxy, I wouldn't sign anything.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 21, 2024 20:37:19 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2016 20:51:52 GMT
Something you could consider is one of those clear hard plastic floor coverings you'd see for under desks. They make some large enough for tables. You may have to order one through an office supply store to get it but they do exist. I know because my grandma had wall to wall carpet and for a while, she had one of those hard plastic "rugs" under her dining room table. Protected the carpet, easy to wipe clean, and to sweep.
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Post by Basket1lady on May 24, 2016 21:25:24 GMT
I'd put a rug under the table. Life is too short to worry about spilling. I need to live in a world where people can spill! (Name that show)
When we lived overseas, we had carpet in the dining area. We ripped it up and threw it away when we moved out.
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eleezybeth
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Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on May 24, 2016 21:56:28 GMT
We also move a lot and spend a lot of time living in other people's houses. I despise carpet because it is hard on my allergies. That said, my 3 lovely little ones are hard on carpet. For the dining rooms, I always buy a big area rug and the cheaper the better. We destroy them. Even more ridiculous is that I am always able to sell them at the moving sale. I always am like, WTH people that is a disgusting carpet but thanks for the $15 bucks!
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Post by refugeepea on May 24, 2016 22:03:27 GMT
My guys are like your dad. Times three. Sigh. I understand, I know messy people ![:laugh:](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/Ivm7lm0DayrhoRpwvCeH.jpg) . Our house is almost wall to wall carpeting and after having my youngest son, I understand why solid surface floors are much better; especially in the main living areas. I've never understood homes that have carpet in the dining room; like brand new very nice homes.
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Peamac
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Refupea # 418
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Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on May 24, 2016 22:04:12 GMT
We had carpet in a dining room at one place we lived. I didn't like it b/c it made the chairs hard to scoot in and out, but we did all our eating in the kitchen anyway. We just used the dining room for company.
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on May 24, 2016 22:10:41 GMT
I called them and got a bit more information and feel much better about it. Thanks for all the ideas and talking me off the ledge. It's different when you rent because you are subject to their standards, not your own!
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Post by birukitty on May 24, 2016 22:45:34 GMT
I have 3 young kids. Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting. No problems. I don't really understand messy people, though. We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package? There are tenants in the property and they cannot show it to us while people are living there. I'm not sure if it's a law or policy. We even have a proxy to view the place but no one is allowed when people are living there. It seems strange to me, too. Huge red flag! As owners of the property they should be able to take photos of the property even if they have tenants in it now to show you each and every room. You should be able to walk through this house in person if that is what you wished before renting it. I don't know rental property. I'm not a lawyer or a realtor, but I have rented in the past. This sounds very fishy. I don't think I'd continue with this myself. Especially with all of the rental scams you here about these days. The last thing you want to do is arrive from where you live and go across country to find out you have no where to live. My advice is to work with a reputable rental company and start over. I know that is that last thing you want to hear at this late date, but in the long run I think it is the safest bet. Who knows, you might even be able to find a place without carpeting in the dining room. Debbie in MD.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 21, 2024 20:37:19 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2016 22:55:20 GMT
I have 3 young kids. Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting. No problems. I don't really understand messy people, though. We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package? Sometimes messy can't be helped. My daughter has GERD. Started when she was six months old. She would vomit when she was just sitting watching tv or just being quiet. Sometimes we just didn't make it to a bucket in time. Or my asshole FIL walking across the beige carpeting with greasy shoes, because he is an ass. Kids that play in mud puddles. Mess happens
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Post by myshelly on May 24, 2016 23:02:06 GMT
I have 3 young kids. Most of my house has just slightly off white carpeting. No problems. I don't really understand messy people, though. We do have tile in the dining room and wet areas like the bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Why can't you go see anything in person? Was DH not able to negotiate a relocation package? Sometimes messy can't be helped. My daughter has GERD. Started when she was six months old. She would vomit when she was just sitting watching tv or just being quiet. Sometimes we just didn't make it to a bucket in time. Or my asshole FIL walking across the beige carpeting with greasy shoes, because he is an ass. Kids that play in mud puddles. Mess happens With the exception of GERD, the other messes are a choice. They do not have to happen and they do not have to be allowed.
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