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What kinds of questions do I ask about low-income housing?

I am expecting a baby and will only be able to work part time after he is born (please, no comments about how I should stay at home or how my husband should get a second job or child care is bad, blah blah blah). I'm currently looking at low income-housing in our area and have found some places that seem like they would work perfectly. The only problem is that I don't know what kinds of questions to ask them. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks. Ok, here's more details: It's in the same city we live in, and we know the neighborhood well. 2 bed, 1 bath, lots of space. Crime rate is not an issue there. Also, it has a refrigerator, dishwasher and stove, with w/d hookups (there is a laundry facility, or we can either rent them cheap/buy them, or we also have family who would be glad to have us visit once a week), It's in town and transportation is not an issue (working car, but complex is next to public transportation and shopping as well). Neither is age (they rent to 18+, we're going to be 21 by the time they allow us in there anyway). Electric is the only utility we would be expected to pay (excluding extras such as phone/internet/cable). Lease options are 6-month.

Public Comments

  1. Ask about crime rate, utilities, school system, (depends on how long you plan to stay) Depending on the area ask if it is a child friendly area. Such as old grumby neighbors, or stuffy old women who hate all kids. And I dont know what you situation is with transportation ask about public transportation or if anything is in walking distance. And ask what happens with the rent if you income increases some places really will sock it to ya.
  2. You need to call your local police department to find out how ofter they're called out to that area (good for anyone moving anywhere). You also need to know if they allow college students or lease to people under 21.
  3. Ask if they take out 30% of your monthly income per month for rent? What utilities you have to pay. How is the apartment heated. Does the apartment have a stove and refrig? How many Bedrooms? What are the rules? How often do they inspect the apartment. Do they spray the apartment once a month. If you are allowed to have visitors. If so how long can they visit if they live out of town. Feel free to ask anything that comes to your mind. They will gladly help answer your questions.
  4. Especially ask them about having guests -- you know, like mom/mother-in-law ;) Guest parking? Do they have anything like a set of covenants - rules of conduct governing the tenants? I think it would be more economical if you move in there to rent a washer/dryer especially if you have a baby. That's from prior experience. Love, Mom =D
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