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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
no, i never have.
*edited because i saw the other post*
Message edited 9/22/2008 8:38:27 PM.
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Posted 9/22/08 8:28 PM  |
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IrishLasss334
I'll be there soon!
Member since 1/08 6549 total posts
Name:
Patty
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
I rented the upstairs of a house in Levittown for 3 years, it was an illegal apartment, so was the bottom apartment.
I was a good tenant, quiet and never bothered anyone so it wasn't an issue.
But every other house in Levittown practically has an illegal apartment.
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| Posted 9/22/08 9:16 PM |
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beautyq115
New Year!
Member since 5/05 13729 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
No
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| Posted 9/22/08 9:35 PM |
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wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
nope, they were way to scary for me!
I saw several apts I susepcted were illegal.... and even to my untrained student's eye, I saw horrific safety violations... open wiring, basement apts without 2ndary egress or CO detectors, stairs that felt like they were going to collapse.....
Even though I was on stipend (very tight budget), I respected my life too much to sign on the dotted line.
Instead, I moved into a very small legal apartment, and went into debt. don't regret it for a second.
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| Posted 9/22/08 10:49 PM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Just to defend myself, as a homeowner with an "illegal' apt, I would never ever skip on codes or put my tenant in any risk. I did not finish a basement and throw on a door. My home was built with a bottom floor apt (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room) with access to the main house through our shared laundry area and there is also a back door and full windows- it's ground floor, not basement. I find it insulting that people would insinuate otherwise. I am not a slum lord, I live in this house too and my house is well maintained, largely because of the financial help we get from our tenant.
And just to make it personal, I love how many people have mentioned roomates. Technically, since it is a friend, he is our roomate. Why should I not get to have one simply because I own? Only renters are allowed roomates?
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| Posted 9/22/08 11:15 PM |
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bluegreen08
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/07 574 total posts
Name:
a
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
I currently live OOT while I'm finishing up law school and have always lived in a "real" apartment, in a complex-type building, with a roommate or with DH.
I'm trying to understand what an "illegal" apartment is -- is that when you live in someone's basement? I know a friend who does that now (on LI) but it freaks me out and I would never want to live in a stranger's basement, especially if it was illegal and I could be kicked out at any time.
I guess there just arent enough apartments on LI for younger people to live in? I know there are senior citizen complexes, but all of my friends from HS live with their parents, live in the city, or live in the basement of a random person's house.
I dont really know how that would affect me, as a neighbor, or if it would hurt me in any way so it's hard to say whether I would report one on my street.
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| Posted 9/23/08 1:14 AM |
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
I never had to, but I would in a heartbeat and not feel bad about it if that is what I needed to do.
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| Posted 9/23/08 8:15 AM |
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VickiC
Rocking the party
Member since 5/05 4937 total posts
Name:
Vicki
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
We did for 3 years. Many houses on the same street also had illegal apts. We paid for graduate school in the same time frame that we were there.
After that we moved in with my IL's to save more $$ for a house, which we bought last year.
There was no way we could afford a "legal" apartment and be in an area we liked and felt safe in. Most of those apartments were around $1700/month. Way over our budget.
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| Posted 9/23/08 8:42 AM |
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charon54
My two boys!
Member since 5/05 7279 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by IrishLass
But every other house in Levittown practically has an illegal apartment.
This is a very broad statement. I live in Levittown and none of my neighbors have illegal apartments. My next door neighbor is a legal two family. The houses across the street are mother-daughters (the owner's grown-up children and their families live there).
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| Posted 9/23/08 8:49 AM |
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charon54
My two boys!
Member since 5/05 7279 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by bluegreen08
I guess there just arent enough apartments on LI for younger people to live in? I know there are senior citizen complexes, but all of my friends from HS live with their parents, live in the city, or live in the basement of a random person's house.
It's not that there aren't enough, it's that they are expensive. A one bedroom in an apartment complex can cost up to $2200 (in the Archstone apartments this was the cost). My "illlegal" apartment cost $1200 for a 2 bedroom. Much more afforable while trying to save for a house.
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| Posted 9/23/08 8:51 AM |
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MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by LINewbie
Um, roommates anyone? I've been fascinated by reading all this stuff but not once have I heard anyone mention having a roommate or two... That's the only way I've ever been able to afford an apt, and yes, I used to live paycheck to paycheck myself. Really, why haven't you guys who have "had" to live in an illegal apt. not gone to roommate route?
the reason i did not is b/c by the time i was ready to move out, ALL of my friends were either engaged, married or still living with their parents and were not ready to move out... plus me & DH (FH at that time) wanted to live together alone
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| Posted 9/23/08 9:09 AM |
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sunflowerjesss
Mommy to 3!
Member since 10/05 20369 total posts
Name:
Jesss, duh.
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
DH and I lived in ab illegal apartment for a year. It was our first place together and it was a perfect starting point.
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| Posted 9/23/08 9:41 AM |
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JenBenMen
party of five
Member since 9/06 11343 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
i have--and i loved it
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| Posted 9/23/08 10:25 AM |
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Tulips915
................
Member since 8/08 6851 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
How do I know if the apt we are in is legal or not?
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| Posted 9/23/08 10:42 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Yup- 1 that I KNOW was illegal and there was another one I'm not sure about.
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| Posted 9/23/08 11:41 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by Gertyrae
I never understand why - especially when it's so hard to make ends meet these days - people feel the need to report an illegal apartment that is clean and quiet. I can understand if the rental is causing problems, but most really don't.
ITA
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| Posted 9/23/08 11:43 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by lilacwine
No and I've felt uncomfortable visiting people while they were living in them.
Seriously?! 
Did you think the feds were going to bust in and put you away? 
ETA: I'm not trying to be snotty- but why would you feel uncomfortable? You're neither the renter nor the landlord- therefore you're doing nothing wrong.
Unless the person you're visiting is runing an undercover meth lab in there or something- why would you feel uncomfortable?
Message edited 9/23/2008 12:15:12 PM.
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| Posted 9/23/08 11:45 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by Porrruss
Posted by MeeshMosh
Posted by ave1024
Posted by MeeshMosh
its sad that she thinks everyones personal money issues and/or other issues can be worked out so they can live life in a legal apartment - yes its a very nice thought to think that they can be... very positive thinking indeed - but the REALITY is - sometimes they cant be and ppl live in illegal apartments
You said it wasn't possible for you and DH "before the wedding".
Like I said... people have trouble separating NEEDS from WANTS. It's all about entitlement to some.
The same people that say they CAN'T adjust their budget are a lot of times the same people that spend over 10k on a wedding, lease or finance newer cars, have $100+ cable bills, and other non-essential items.
You're telling me two salaries is not enough for a legal apartment? I call ********.
again - you dont know what our situaion was - we could have been engaged for 5 years saving for the weding for all you know - we could have had a wedding in the back yard of my mothers house and spent $500 on everything for all you know
how do you know we had 2 salaries coming in at that time? how do you know that DH's grandmother didnt die that year & leave us a chunk of $$ to get married with? how do you DH didnt KNOCK me up & thats why we were getting married & NEEDED to live in an illegal apartment to save $$ to provide a better place for our child to live?? YOU DONT KNOW
that the point i ws trying to make. you dont know ppls situations
Knocked up? Thats classy.... so when's your baby due?
Why do you feel the need to be snarky?
I think you both made valid points- and in the end are agreeing-
--you wouldn't call unless there was an issue.--
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| Posted 9/23/08 11:51 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by Porrruss
I'm sorry- but being a homeowner, I don't want "new people" living in my neighborhood every month. I like to know my neighbors so we can look out for one another and keep the place safe. That's hard to do when you have a rotating door of tenants in and out of an illegal apartment.
just so we all are aware, it is perfectly feasible for this to happen in a legal apt.
I am really enjoying this exchange of ideas  carry on.
Very good point.
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| Posted 9/23/08 11:53 AM |
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MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by kahlua716
Posted by Porrruss
Posted by MeeshMosh
Posted by ave1024
Posted by MeeshMosh
its sad that she thinks everyones personal money issues and/or other issues can be worked out so they can live life in a legal apartment - yes its a very nice thought to think that they can be... very positive thinking indeed - but the REALITY is - sometimes they cant be and ppl live in illegal apartments
You said it wasn't possible for you and DH "before the wedding".
Like I said... people have trouble separating NEEDS from WANTS. It's all about entitlement to some.
The same people that say they CAN'T adjust their budget are a lot of times the same people that spend over 10k on a wedding, lease or finance newer cars, have $100+ cable bills, and other non-essential items.
You're telling me two salaries is not enough for a legal apartment? I call ********.
again - you dont know what our situaion was - we could have been engaged for 5 years saving for the weding for all you know - we could have had a wedding in the back yard of my mothers house and spent $500 on everything for all you know
how do you know we had 2 salaries coming in at that time? how do you know that DH's grandmother didnt die that year & leave us a chunk of $$ to get married with? how do you DH didnt KNOCK me up & thats why we were getting married & NEEDED to live in an illegal apartment to save $$ to provide a better place for our child to live?? YOU DONT KNOW
that the point i ws trying to make. you dont know ppls situations
Knocked up? Thats classy.... so when's your baby due?
Why do you feel the need to be snarky?
I think you both made valid points- and in the end are agreeing-
--you wouldn't call unless there was an issue.--
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| Posted 9/23/08 12:02 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Nope. And I had to adjust my budget to do so. Granted, the rent wasn't like it is now (I'm talking 10 years ago), but it was still alot of money based on my salary and my commute to work (LI-Newark having to pay LIRR and NJT monthly). I just didn't go out as often, and basically lived on PB&J, Mac&Cheese and bought tons of pasta on sale. I made crap money and made it work. My apartment was also in a very nice neighborhood on the Farmindale/Bethpage border.
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| Posted 9/23/08 12:20 PM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
I have a few times - and thank god I was able to afford them - otherwise I would have been living home with mom and dad - and well, that would have gotten ugly.
I had a tenant in my basement, friends of ours, and he used to take our neighbor (who just passed away) to her dialysis treatments --- in snow storms nonetheless. Oh - and he also would help my DH pick her up when she used to fall in her house and couldn't get up! I don't think she minded one bit that we had an illegal apartment!
If it was rotating tenants - and tenants who were causing problems making the neighbor a little weary - then yes, I would call. If they are just minding their own business - going about their lives not hurting anyone - then no - I would never in a million years think to call.
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| Posted 9/23/08 1:02 PM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by SB7308
How do I know if the apt we are in is legal or not?
Well a sure-fire way to know is if you paid utilities or not. If utilities were included, then it was illegal because there were no separate meters. A homeowner/landlord wouldn't willing pay your bills.
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| Posted 9/23/08 1:25 PM |
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lilacwine
only love...
Member since 5/05 2034 total posts
Name:
<3
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by kahlua716
Posted by lilacwine
No and I've felt uncomfortable visiting people while they were living in them.
Seriously?!
Did you think the feds were going to bust in and put you away?
ETA: I'm not trying to be snotty- but why would you feel uncomfortable? You're neither the renter nor the landlord- therefore you're doing nothing wrong.
Unless the person you're visiting is runing an undercover meth lab in there or something- why would you feel uncomfortable?
Because I've been asked to do things like:
- park a block away
- not ring the doorbell
- walk through the owners' family gatherings to get in/out
- not make noise in certain rooms
All of which makes me feel like I'm part of something that's not on the up-and-up, which, in turn makes me feel uncomfortable.
Not to mention how I'd get out in a fire.
This is how *I* feel. Others, obviously, feel comfortable in the same situation.
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| Posted 9/23/08 1:26 PM |
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lilacwine
only love...
Member since 5/05 2034 total posts
Name:
<3
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Re: Spin-Off: Have YOU ever lived in an illegal apartment?
Posted by bluegreen08
I'm trying to understand what an "illegal" apartment is -- is that when you live in someone's basement?
pretty much, although it doesn't have to be a basement
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| Posted 9/23/08 1:29 PM |
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