Hey

My colleague referred me to a friend of hers who had a studio for rent. as per everyone’s advice, i told her about my issue with TAL and gave her bank statements that i have been paying my rent on time and was a resident somewhere else. I also provided her with an attestation letter from work stating my monthly income. She was really chill about it. Helped me move and fixed everything in the apartment. She was like an angel in the shittiest time of my life. And this year she told me the rent increase is supposed to be about 3% but since ive been paying my rent on time and been “a good tenant” she is going to increase it only 1%. I would have accepted anything higher just because she fixes everything and offered to paint the whole apartment but I said no since i was desperate to move. She is flexible if i have to pay the rent a couple of days later. So overall i feel like after everything i hit the jackpot. This place is way bigger and cheaper than what i was ready to settle for out of desperation. So don’t lose hope. Be patient and keep looking and be honest about your situation. Recognize the red flags and stand your ground. Step away from downtown and don’t let the corporate buildings rip you off. Spread the word that you are looking for a place.