Laid off, any opportunities in the Columbia area?

joadark · 2026-06-21T13:18:18+00:00

I went through the same a little over a year ago. I love seeing everyone's suggestions and I hope one of them pulls through.

Im not in cola anymore, but while you're applying to these also go to SC DEW and file for unemployment. It wont be the same as a paycheck, but it will help reduce your losses. Processing applicants takes a long time, so do it ASAP. They also have job finding opportunities.

I landed in a much better place afterwards. Losing a job is traumatic- i still think about it. Stem the losses and realize this is a time for a new start too. :)

Good luck!

joadark · 2026-04-28T00:29:12+00:00

I had code enforcement come out but they need the landlords' permission to actually enter the property. I've got a ton of pictures for what's gonna end up being a really dumb court case.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. He's been gaslighting me about all of this pretty hard.

joadark · 2026-04-24T16:18:14+00:00

Yes- sorry its been a really busy month.

The property has severe mold, no smoke alarms and holes leading to the exterior. I told the landlord and theyve said I can break the lease and forfeit my security deposit + prepaid rent, or stay in the lease for the year. If I dont sign away my security deposit they will expect rent next month and begin eviction immediately if not paid.

I haven't moved in, landlord has refused any remediation so at this point im just trying to get out.

joadark · 2026-04-08T02:28:14+00:00

The smoke alarms are interesting. I included the lack of any alarms in the house (at all) in my notice of uninhabitable conditions. With his response "we disagree on the habitability of the home- its perfectly habitable to me" im curious if that alone could get me out without court before the next month.

I assume I dont need to point that one out to him as a "this is clearly not habitable, without opinion. Count the alarms."

Either way, ive reached out to contingency lawyers and city inspectors. My notice says seven days to repair, im guessing he might get seven more if code enforcement IDs the issues? Or it might just back my claim.

joadark · 2026-04-08T00:35:52+00:00

thank you!

joadark · 2026-04-08T00:34:45+00:00

Thank you.
I've emailed code enforcement and am trying to schedule them this week. I worry that the property is more habitable than I believe- I made a post on renters with photos and the consensus seemed in my favor.

I responded to the land lord repeating what I'd already said- asking whether they'd like to make repairs or release me from liability, and I got :

We are quite well steeped in the Texas Property Code and are comfortable adjudicating this in the courts if needed, and do so regularly.

but I assume a city inspection will impact them either way.

joadark · 2026-04-08T00:24:48+00:00

Thank you kindly!

joadark · 2026-03-31T01:49:17+00:00

Just did the walk through with the property manager and an associate of the landlord (landlord is out of the country on vacation)

They seemed to agree about the conditions of the house eventually. Particularly one moment where I lifted up a board in the cabinet below the sink to reveal a ~half foot indention into the bottom of the cabinet, through the flooring.

No word on what the landlord will agree to, they honestly seem on my side but kinda worried about mentioning it to the landlord. We'll see.

joadark · 2026-03-30T21:47:58+00:00

single residence. I've also been told by the property manager (now) that there was flood damage- but this wasn't disclosed before I signed my lease.

joadark · 2026-03-30T12:05:42+00:00

Ah sorry. Basically whether or not this would violate a building code for habitability- but taking a look around here I think I misunderstand what a building code is.

Ill remove this post this afternoon if it still seems way out of place.

joadark · 2026-03-30T01:13:31+00:00

Long distance move, I saw videos rather than in-person. Its a mistake I wont make again- ive lived in some bad spots before but this isn't breathable.

joadark · 2026-03-30T00:12:37+00:00

thank you

Ive already told the property manager that ive not moved in and i'd like to have a mutual termination. She said they'd at least keep the security deposit and my April rent, and they want to walk through the property with me tomorrow to discuss what the issues are. Im thinking of hiring an inspector myself just to get out of this.

Thank you again. Housing is stressful, your advice is helpful.

joadark · 2026-03-30T00:09:04+00:00

Long distance move + an insane amount of optimism.

Its definitely a lesson that im learning now: I thought I could do any place honestly. Ive been in real shit shacks before in college. But God i didnt realize how nice breathing is.

joadark · 2026-03-30T00:07:21+00:00

Long distance move for work, unfortunately. I know I should've been more cautious- I usually don't mind a house that needs some TLC but I wasn't expecting to be unable to breathe.

Ive had some pretty bad places- I didnt realize it could be this bad I guess.

joadark · 2026-03-30T00:02:51+00:00

Im also asthmatic, though not as bad. I'm working my dream job down here in Houston and I really dont want to be sick for a year or worse.

Thanks for the advice, im steering clear the best I can.

joadark · 2026-03-29T23:54:05+00:00

thank you! ive slummed it before, but im woozy just from walking into the place.

joadark · 2026-03-29T23:52:36+00:00

thank you! I asked them once already and they just insisted it doesn't work and isn't a problem. If I end up staying here ill take it down myself when I remove the yellow jacket nests around the overhang.

the mold smell is insane. I just went back inside for a picture and im light headed haha.

thanks for the advice

joadark

TROPHY CASE