Renter Gripes

Hello Everyone:

Today is going pretty well, no major issues to report.  Always good.  Mom is actually not annoying me as much as she usually does.  A rarity.  I did manage to apply to another job, an editor position with a local media company.  I think I applied to because I submitted a cover letter but the link wouldn't let me upload my resume and writing samples.  At least I managed to provide a link to my historic preservation blog.  Hopefully, the hiring person will send me an email asking for the remaining documents.  In the meantime, let's hope for the best.  Right now the big issue at my house is the recent rent increase.  My apartment is rent controlled, which means that rent can only be raised a small percent every year we occupy it.  If we leave, the unit can be de-controlled and the rent increased to market value.  The issue at my house is that after the rent is paid, there's little left.  I'm guessing this sounds like a lot of people.  The only two solutions are to either continue paying or move.  Moving is really not an option because it's such a pain an it's expensive.  So, by default, we continue paying the rent.  What really sucks is that I'm really feeling that we're not getting much in return for the amount we pay.  There is a gym and pool on the premises but it's run by a private corporation.  If I want to use either one, I have to pay full membership rates.  Parking is extra, a necessary extra.  The maintenance is sloppy.  I'm starting to really think that I'd rather live elsewhere.  In order to do that I need to find employment and rents in Los Angeles are high.  It's an absurd situation.  What can I do?  Mom wants to talk to someone in administration but doesn't know and I certainly don't either.  The PLB Residents Association, which is supposed to advocate for rent control, only has excuses to offer why it won't take more action.  What good are they?  There are many tenants who live on tight incomes that are barely scraping by and the only solution anyone can offer is move.  Move?  Move where?  Move in with relatives?  Move to another apartment?  What?  No, sometimes that's not an option.  In the meantime, we just have to deal with it and hope for the best.