Apartment Issues, As Always

I am back from Playa Del Carmen and things have quickly become the usual. Busy at work, stressed out in the city, smothered by socializing, freaking out about the lack of free time. I would give an arm to be reading on the beach right now.

We got a letter in the mail last night indicating that we have 30 days to decide whether or not we want to renew our lease on April 6th, 2007.

Wtf?

First of all, I think the landlord is doing something sketchy. The rent increase is a high percentage, and I am pretty sure our apartment is still stabilized given what we pay for it.

Second of all, it's not even December! How am I supposed to know what I want to do four months from now?

Third of all, how can I commit to this without knowing if I'm getting a raise this year? The increase is a significant amount of money, and combined with finally becoming legitimate and paying for internet, its enough to make me nervous.

Fourth of all, I feel like this is an intimidation tactic by the landlord. I don't like it. It really rubs me the wrong way. I've been reading a bit about it and it seems that with regards to rent stabilized apartments, the landlords are legally obliged to send this letter (albeit 60 - 90 days in advance, not 180) but we don't necessarily have to respond to it. Websites recommend leaving a paper trail because more often than not landlords are trying to screw you.

Fifth of all, the relationship pressure. For the love of god I have no idea how things will be in freaking April! How can I commit to something in April? As if it wasn't bad enough having every single person in Cancun ask us if we were married, and the resultant nervous shuffling, and the "Uhh... heheheh... " and the uncertain giggling. And then coming back and being asked if I'm engaged. And then being demanded to commit to living together for another 16 months.

I'm cross. I wish I was rich so (a) rent increases wouldn't be an issue and (b) I had a lawyer with whom I could discuss the potentially shady dealings of my landlord.

And I'm cross because I'm back at work, and busy.

And I'm cross because I'm already exhausted. New York destroys me instantly.

Much work to do.

Until tomorrow...