Yesterday I made the decision to extend my lease for six more months. My current lease ends with February and I previously had entertained ideas about leaving Durham at that point, but with my dad’s death and everything in flux, I figured I wasn’t ready for all that moving would entail.
Today I got this email:
Effective January 1, 2008 [memorly’s apartment complex] will no longer be paying the Water/Sewer/Garbage utilities for individual lofts. Each resident will receive a bill from Alliance Data for their own water usage. Our decision to implement this change at this time is based upon the severe water shortage and a desire to conserve water. Each individual will now be able to monitor their own water usage.
Please contact the [complex] office if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Oh, well thank you for that favor. I’m glad you explained it so I could understand what a service this is, and also thanks for explaining the implications of this change so that I understood what to expect. Maybe you went overboard with the detail though, and you could have distilled that email down to this for me:
Fuck you.
-Mgmt
Whatever.
You know, I’ve enjoyed living here for a long time, but in the past six months, this complex has done several things that I’ve taken really personally. I’m not getting worked up over a solitary event…this was just the last straw of several.
I was too irritated by this to work effectively so I went home, passing through the office on the way to sign an Intent to Vacate notice. The woman I talked to told me that this was an inevitability and all residents had been made aware of this plan before moving in. I vaguely remember this, but told her that that would have been a great thing to include in the email, and that I’m making this decision because I need more transparency in any business arrangement than I feel I’ve been provided both today and during the previous few months. What had already happened was a lot more powerful to me than anything that could be done. It isn’t about the money or hassle; it’s about living in a place where expectations are clear and met. I don’t post a note on the office door at the beginning of the month saying, “This December, I will pay you on the 14th. This decision was based on my extreme lack of fiscal responsibility, courtesy of this month’s shoe sale at Nordstrom. Please contact me if you have any questions.” I expect the same consistency.
So that’s that, and I need to leave here by February 29th, 2008. Where will I move? At this point I’ve no clue. I like my job well enough. I may keep it and find another place to stay in Durham for the time being. I may look for a job somewhere else and get out of here. I usually go with the flow until something really excites me, positively or negatively. That’s when you know it’s time to make your move. When I’ve made similar decisions in the past, I’ve been accused of not thinking them through, but this, like the others, has been in the works for quite some time. I don’t like to talk about plans until I know it’s time. And it is time.
That’s our girl! Stand up for what you believe in and don’t be afraid. Things generally work out. You’re absolutely right that less than six weeks notice is thoughtless and irresponsible. If you can afford to vote with your pocket book and feet, it is always the right thing to do, in my opinion, and part of a long family tradition. I love the quote that goes something like this: “All that is needed for evil to reign is for good people to do nothing(or remain silent..”can’t remember .....Thanks for stepping up to the plate. What would they do if every tenant had the courage to do what you did?
— ME Nov 30, 11:32 PM [link]It just so happens I know someone who knows the housing market in your area…His name is Chris McCord…I believe you;ve met..hee hee…but anyhow..he manages a complex that has properties around your area and I am sure he would love to share what he knows…and probably a beer with that…..personally…I have hopes for a move to Ann Arbor…I know a lovely young lady (who is great about keeping up the public space in her apartment…even if her rooom does not typically pass the good housekeeping seal of approval..) but all that aside…a very fun, intellectual type you would enjoy….Remember Halo consulting….Love you Mary and I am sorry you have this hassle at this time…but give em hell!
— Anne Mckee Dec 1, 12:17 AM [link]Ok now you are freaking cracking me up~ Nordstrom note….
— t Dec 1, 01:44 AM [link]priceless. Memorly=inspiration=you!