Looking for a Rent to Own House: Be Careful What You Choose

Hello! I go by Miss Thang and I am here to tell you a personal experience I recently had. I will also help you in how to decide if a home is right for you. It all started when I first turned 18 and wanted to be out on my own. I have a 1 year old son and needed a place we could call home. I began searching for a house in our local ad bulliten and lookin at various houses. I finally found one in my budget and with room to grow. It was a three bed room house with a full basement, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, and 1 1/2 baths. Well the house seemed nice and the landlords did to. They told me that i wouldnt have to pay a damage deposit if I painted and did some other neccesary work in the house so I agreed.

When I came back with the money they then informed me that I did still have to pay the damage deposit which was okay but I still had to do the work myself and they werent going to supply me with the paint or other supplys that i needed. I was upset but continued on with my business doing the work and buying supplys. The landlords then called me to say they forgot to mention the basement gets wet which is understandable being its a basement so I had no problem with that. They later informed me I would have to pay the full monthly payment again on the first when i just moved in on the 15th and paid for a full month instead of half. Now I did have a problem with this because they keep coming up with things to get my money and still make me put time, effort, and my money into the house as well.

So a week passed and I started to notice a very foul smell but only downstairs and I couldnt figure out where it was coming from so anoher week passed. I had the internet guy coming to hook up my internet and he had to go into the basement to find a phone jack that worked. When we entered the basement there were fecies in the basment floor. Actual turds in my basment. I couldnt believe it. I called the landlord immediatly and all she had to say is "I told you it gets wet down there." I couldnt believe the nerve of her to say that to me. I decided to move immediatley and she was not happy. I later found out that this sewer problem has been going on for awhile. A neighbor told me that the last three families that have lived here had the same problem and have physically had to shovel the fecies out of the basement and that the city has been there for complaints many times. It appeared the landlords know about the problem and they dont tell anyone or fix it but keep trying to sell the house.

Those type of living conditions are very unstabble and dangerous for someones health especially a baby. Feces carry germs and diseases. My 1 year old son and my life was in danger. So this goes to show that you cant always trust someones word. When searchin for a home of your own, be careful and always try to find out some history on the home. Dont just accept it as is because as is usually means trouble.