Recently, we’ve been extremely excited about our upcoming move to the Archstone South Market ; a stone’s throw from the museum of modern art and Yuerba Buena Gardens. Apparently, it may not be in the cards.
On the very day the tenants were to move out of #4301, they called the office administration to rescind their 30 day notice- effectively voting to stay on site. Although the building is not rent controlled, and it’s questionable if that’s legal, Archstone has agreed to keep their current tenants and avoid any potential issues that may ensue to enforce the 30 day notice. The result, of course, is that two weeks prior to us moving we’ve no place to go.
We’re sorry to inform you
The phone call was received by my girlfriend at her office, her to me, and me back to Archstone. The account rep, Wilson, was currently overwhelmed with requests and did not have any current information but the above, and offered me two other apartments in the building: one the same size, $100 more expensive, with upgraded utilities… but on the busy street corner and, due to the first floor location, without a balcony. The second 50 feet smaller all around, but with similar options to our original pick, and also $100 more expensive. I asked to stop by and take a peek at both to make a decision immediately.
I took the quick mile walk from my office, and met the busy Wilson (who called me Freddy). After showing me the options, I sat down with the Community Manager, Sophie, per my request. She apologized for the inconvenience, and noted that she could not offer any discounted cost on the new options or any offsets we may incur. She stated these fees are corporate mandated, and due to housing laws, it was not in her power. I thanked her for her time, and let her know I’d sleep on the decision tonight.
Resounding thoughts
As the Art & IT Director for a business that prides itself in Commercial and Residential Holdings, I found it a bit questionable that should could offer nothing in lieu of this amazing inconvenience. Not to mention that, although we paid a fee, our document was simply a ‘holding’ contract, not a Lease (in all manners, unreliable, invaluable, and flat made up specifically for their business needs); and the office lawyer confirms this, though agrees both sides carry so much potential issues due to the tenant wishing to stay, it is an irrelevant arguement.
Although I can understand things tend to happen, I find it ironic that this happened so close to our move in date. I’m reminded of a statement our initial sign-up representative, Melissa, made during the first walk through:
Wow, you got a good price! Must be because the apartment isn’t renovated yet – we typically try to renovate them prior to renting again so we can add improved features. Are you sure we can’t offer you one of our renovated options?
Those would be the same options I am offered now. The increased options are simply upgraded fixtures for an additional $200+ a month, not something I find valuable (my stove doesn’t need to be black, and my fridge doesn’t need to be chrome). I hope that twist is simply coincidence. Cheers to the mad rush of finding an apartment in under two weeks!