Why do people bother interviewing for apartments?
 

I've been looking for a shared apartment for the past month in NYC with no luck. My interviews always go smooth and I always seem to click with people who's places I really like. Then whenever I find out their decision they always end up giving the room to one their friends. I'm just like WTF? Why bother posting on craig's list? A friend of mine has also been looking with no luck. I've come to realize that craig's list is for scammers and jerkoffs. Anyone have any advice on scoring a place besides keep looking?

'Cause they're not 100 percent sure their friend is going to be moving in, so they line up other people as backups. And when the friend does round up the cash, you're out. Of course, they're taking advantage of you -- using you as insurance, getting your hopes up, then discarding you when their friend takes the room.

Have you seen the beginning of the movie Shallow Grave? Ewan MacGregor and his two roomies are conducting these hilarious (and mean) interviews on prospective applicants in their Edinburgh apartment.

That's what it reminded me of...

I figured. No I haven't seen Shallow Grave. I'm just pissed off that I've spent so much money and wasted my time going up to NYC only to get screwed over. So no one has any advice about securing a place?

try places like rentnet.com or the Village Voice...

Are you looking for just you, or to be someone's roommate?

There used to be a place called roommatefinders (or something like that) that would have some leads for you.

I had a bunch of responses on roommates.com

It's not what you know but who you know....

I'd do a little prescreening on the phone before you go to the place. Ask them point blank if they have other prospects, and if they are ready to rent the place right away. No point wasting your time like that..and I agree with the first reply, they are porbably just using you as their backup plan and it's not fair to you.

My advice is to move over to Fort Lee.

Well after 2 months of searching I've finally found a place in Brooklyn.

Yay! Congrats, JP :thumbsup:

Did it take so long because you're looking for shared accomodations, or is it just that hard to get a reasonably priced apartment in NYC? Here, in the middle of nowhere, if I wanted to rent an apartment I'd take a Saturday afternoon and go check out half a dozen or so, make a decision, drop a deposit and move in on the first. The television shows I've seen based in NYC seem to all make a big deal out of finding an apartment...? WTF?

I found plenty of apartments. Problem was the ones I wanted, the people made me feel like I was going to get it. Then they ended up giving it to their friends last minute.

The idea of sharing an apartment with a stranger fills me with horror. Living with good mate(s) for 3 to 4 years was hard enough...

Mr Mephisto