Patterson Park Rent Increase

Submitted by GoodbyeHorses69 t3_1142rox in baltimore

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've been living in an apartment building on the park but closer to Highland town for about a year and a half since November 2021. I was renting a house in Lauraville, but got pushed out when the landlords wanted to sell during the height of the housing boom, so I took over a lease in this building.

All is fine here, but a new company recently took over management and I just got a notice that the rent will now be raised 5%, with $150 for parking. This brought the rent to $1,821 for a studio apartment (about 600 square feet). I'm feeling the recent financial crunch as much as anyone else, and I'm worried this extra $130 will push me over the edge along with other bills. I'm thinking of just skipping parking, but just got a new car and worried about it getting damaged as well as walking back to the building late at night from street parking (I'm a single female).

This price seems crazy to me, but safety is my number one concern, and I have a large dog which might limit some other housing options, as well as needing some kind of green space for him.

My questions to the great minds of this subreddit are:

  1. Is this as an absurd of a price as I think it is?
  2. The new company wants me to sign the new lease by 3/1 even though my lease isn't up until 5/31 stating they can only "guarantee the price of the unit" for this long. if I don't sign by 3/1 but can't find anything better and end up staying, how likely is it that they'll try to hike the price up even further?
  3. How likely is it that I'll find better housing for less?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

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Comments

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FightingQuaker17 t1_j8u6zdg wrote

That's rough. I had a two br 1.5 bath house for $1700 last year around the park... Mad increase

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8ud5sr wrote

For real- I paid 1500 for a three bedroom house two years ago… things have really gotten crazy

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nfw22 t1_j8udcus wrote

IMO that sounds like way too much for that sized apartment (even without the increase). If you can stomach the headache of moving, that might be your best bet. I'm sure you'll more than make up for the moving costs even within a few months of finding somewhere cheaper.

If you are not certain moving is the best option for you, you could try to negotiate with the building management/landlord.

As for your other questions; 2. Double check the language in your original lease, but my bet is that you'd have up until at least a month before your lease expires before you'd have to resign. Most likely you could stay through the end of your current lease before signing anything new (though that could get stressful if you end up deciding to move). I also don't think they'll come up on the price increase they've already given you. Giving you that 3/1 deadline is a common tactic to make you feel like you're actually getting a deal (when you're not) but you need to act fast or it will disappear. In reality, if you were to ignore them until after 3/1, or just outright say no, they'll likely come down on the price increase.

Question 3. As I alluded above, I think you're quite likely to find either a studio for less than you're paying now, or a bigger place for a similar price. If you want to stay in the neighborhood, moving a block or two from the park could potentially reap you some significant savings.

They want you to panic and make an impulsive decision- try not to do that.

Best of luck!

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z0no1 wrote

Scare tactic sounds about right! Thanks so much- will definitely hold off on signing this renewal.

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benignlystained t1_j8uqycj wrote

That’s insane the way management is going about it.

I currently pay $1476/mo renting a 1BR/1BA (550sqft) and $195/mo for garage parking separate from my building. I’ve inquired at different apartments near me and the general price in the 450-700sqft range is typically <$1650. That being said, $1800+ is crazy high for your studio.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8uu47p wrote

Ugh yeah, I’ve checked around and there are lower prices, but not that allow dogs. Really frustrating… thanks so much for your reply!

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jessiewicz t1_j8utjsu wrote

That’s pretty crazy. They can ask whatever they want but I pay almost the same for a 1000 sq ft one bedroom in Fed hill so I would start looking at moving.

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Unfair-Rip9168 t1_j8ustla wrote

Are you in the old like middle school apartments by the park? My advice is rent a house. They’re way cheaper and you get a lot more for your money

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8uu6fh wrote

Thanks but I’ve actually tried- there was a house up for rent for 2200 a month 😓

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Unfair-Rip9168 t1_j8zj5nz wrote

There’s more than one! My friend is renting an entire house on Duncan for 1300. Right by the park. It’s actually pretty big. Just keep looking

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lizg623 t1_j8vgiwl wrote

Hey! I used to live in that building, moved out in August. Can you try pushing back on parking and see what they say? I paid $50/month for parking. I may have been grandfathered in to a lower rate b/c I moved in 5 years ago, but $150 seems crazy given that the garage is not secure (several residents have has cars broken into in the garage) and is super dirty. They lost a ton of long-time tenants (like me!) under the last management company so they may be willing to negotiate with you. You might also consider reaching out to current residents to see what they pay/if they’ve negotiated; there’s a Facebook group (the new 2022 one) that’s pretty active.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z0ynm wrote

Hello! Thanks so much- this was really helpful!! They’re justifying the parking increase to ‘make it consistent’ but I know no one was paying more than $100. They are just raising it because they can, and you’re totally right, it’s not even a nice garage. I called and they lowered the parking to $125, but not much of a help and wouldn’t budge on anything else. Great idea about the Facebook group- I don’t have one but will reactivate just to check. The people I e causally asked in the building have mentioned they’re not going to renew, so maybe come May they’ll lower it. Thanks again!!!

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Zed_Hudson t1_j8u6n77 wrote

That's about what I'm paying for a 1 bed in canton at "The Porter" mind you I have just about the worst apartment in the building what with O'donnell street and a bus stop outside my window. I assume that's about right though, rent is brutal. Mind I pay 100$ for parking so a bit better there and they gave me the first year of parking free. You might be able to find something a bit cheaper but you probably have to be willing to move each year. My apartment will be available in march if you don't mind the bus stop they might not be asking much more than 1700$ to get someone in it for the first year. (trash is 30$ a month no you can't opt out of it)

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8ud3h6 wrote

Ugh tell me about it… thanks so much for letting me know though- if I end up staying, it’ll be nice to know other people in the area are paying about the same. Thanks so much but I won’t be out until May, but I’ll keep that building in mind.

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Zed_Hudson t1_j8w7ta0 wrote

I managed to buy a house in the area, partly because I figured my new lease was going to be more than a mortgage after all the inflation. It was something I had been working towards for years though. It’s got a spare bedroom with a bathroom attached, makes me wonder if I should rent it out. I feel ethically dubious about being a landlord even if it’s like roommates.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z1g7w wrote

Congratulations on the house! I’m hoping to be able to buy next year, but it’s so hard to save with these crazy prices. Don’t feel badly about it- there are great landlords out there, and you could be one of them! Thanks again for your help

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B-More_Orange t1_j8v9n3p wrote

That’s nuts. Find a small rowhome

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8vgbd5 wrote

Thanks but the row homes are at least 2k- I’ll keep looking though!

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B-More_Orange t1_j8vhaw7 wrote

Seriously this took one minute. Look harder. Join the canton rentals Facebook

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/apa/d/baltimore-bed-15-bath-large-canton/7589883121.html

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/apa/d/baltimore-2br-unit-in-canton-brewers/7576942823.html

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/apa/d/baltimore-bedroom-bath-canton-townhome/7585130307.html

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/d/baltimore-bed-bath-townhome-near/7580521665.html

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8vroci wrote

That’s assuming I have a Facebook, but thanks for your help.

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Shiny_Deleter t1_j8ve5ug wrote

Ugh, friggin soulless management companies. Which one? You can def find a better value, but not sure what you’re open to.

As someone who was recently priced out of my longtime home, I can sympathize.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z1jfq wrote

I’m so sorry to hear that- hope you were able to find something else you liked. The more I read about Maryland real estate laws, the more annoyed I get…

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No-Lunch4249 t1_j8wpq26 wrote

They have to honor the price and duration of your lease with the prior owner of the building, the lease transfers with ownership. And in fact if you’re midlease right now and they raised you 5% that was probably an illegal increase. Don’t let them pressure you into signing your rights away, check out the MD Attourney Generals handbook and tenant-landlord relations

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z92as wrote

Thank you so much!! I definitely will. I was hoping when I was making this post that someone would mention how this might not be legal. Will totally look into it, and thank you again!

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Mikel32 t1_j8wt1bj wrote

This sounds about right. I rented a 1100 sq/ft studio with free parking for $950 from 2020-2022. The PM sent me an email one day saying they were going to up my rent if I were to renew to $1900. My email back to them “Go fuck yourself” and ended up buying my house a month later. This is the direction the city is going in if you want to live in Canton/Fed/Fells and the property management companies know they can get away with it because people are dumb enough to pay those prices. There are plenty of other places to live where you can pay half the price.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8xqzen wrote

Love that you could come back at them! It’s insane what so many landlords are trying to do… definitely not in love with this neighborhood, but really want to feel safe, so sometimes that limits options. I used to live closer to the county line and now those prices are at least 800 more for what I previously rented.

Congrats on the house! Hope to get there myself one day. Thanks again

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Mikel32 t1_j8xrze0 wrote

Honestly, I feel safer where I live now then when I lived in Paterson Park/Canton/Fed. The amount of shit you deal with as far as break ins, car jackings, muggings was starting to weigh on me. Also, I stopped counting how many times my car got broken into. I want to recommend my neighborhood but I know being away from bars nightlife really deters people but it’s a quick walk to Pigtown/Fed and even quicker by bike.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z1b99 wrote

VERY true! I should clarify I don’t like walking around at night (or even driving because of the car jackings) but feel safe in the building. I don’t love being downtown, but would rather be here than in a row home in a sketchier part of town where I’d have to walk my dog further to get to the park. May I ask what neighborhood you’re in now? I’d much prefer being closer to the county, but those prices really went through the roof, so I figured if I’m in the city, Patterson park, locust point, and fed hill are the safest.

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sxswnxnw t1_j8x1h1y wrote

Random but does your rent include utilities? I would try to negotiate but simultaneously look elsewhere. Landlords are out here doing whatever tf they want without remorse. That's why I finally bought last year after only ever renting my entire adult life.

The person who owned my house before me was renting the house for easily 4k at least. I had her old handyman come by to look at something, and he said she routinely buys rowhome in Fells, Upper Fells, Butchers Hill, etc., flips them for sell or rent, and the ones that don't sell she rents to Hopkins students for like 2k a head. I have been wondering if that included utilities, because my water and gas costs have been 300/month minimum the last couple of months. It surely didn't include parking because it's street parking around here unless you have a parking pad or garage. I still get some mail for these people smh.

My car is new, and it has been fine parking on the street. I just keep it empty and keep the doors locked.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8xqdph wrote

Hi- nope, but they’re pretty low. Maybe $60 for BGE and $30 for water. Sorry to hear about your prices being so high- mine skyrocketed when I was in a house not too long ago. Hope they stabilize soon.

Thanks for acknowledging the landlord problem- I’m in this apartment in the first place because I got kicked out of my previous rental with a month to find a new place, so I had really limited options. They’re really doing whatever to hike prices- I’ve lived in Baltimore 6 years and never had issues like this…

Thanks again!

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Frofro69 t1_j8xpp74 wrote

I pay $887 for a studio so you're definitely paying too much

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8xpz0y wrote

Thanks- I think it’s tough because of location, but it for sure feels too expensive…

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Frofro69 t1_j8xrd9v wrote

It's way too expensive. My girlfriend lives near Morgan state and her mortgage is only $1000 for a whole house

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sroy16 t1_j8wlzki wrote

Sorry to hear that. We used to live in Roland Ridge Apartments near Medfield High and we thought the rates were reasonable (parking used to be free). Just putting it out there, especially since you have a car for commute.

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TheDelig t1_j8woa64 wrote

That is an insane price to pay. I've heard of property management companies using a pricing program that compares all other rent prices and basically maxes out the rent. They're using this nationwide now, or so I've heard. It makes sense because they are doing the same thing in healthcare.

I don't know what to tell you. Other than move to a less expensive area. Rent is bonkers now.

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dizzy_centrifuge t1_j8wsrnc wrote

I've seen so many new apartment and condo buildings go up in this city while the population shrinks and they continuously raise fents and housing prices. On the one hand that's business and I get it but on the other it's not an accurate reflection of the market and Baltimore is going down hill so I expect lot's of empty units in these buildings over the next few years.

OP I don't know if you're living in that area of the city for a specific reason, but there are better deals to be had. If you decide you really want to live in a real estate development building with amenities, though, you're going to get gouged for cash

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rockybalBOHa t1_j8xteh1 wrote

New apartments are being built in neighborhoods where the population is increasing.

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TerranceBaggz t1_j8xzx2j wrote

Have you priced St Brigid’s apartments at Hudson and S east Ave? They were supposed to be pretty affordable for the area.

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chunkykima t1_j8xzynv wrote

Wow that’s a lot. Move. That’s ridiculous for a studio in some damn Patterson park.

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Fabulous-Check7367 t1_j8y129t wrote

They aren’t the greatest management company, but take a look at PMC. If you’re willing to move, they have a few properties in the Mt. Vernon area that are a short walk from grassy areas for your pup. We have a large dog that is frequently a “restricted breed” at most complexes, and they allowed her no problem. See plenty of pit bulls and other “restricted breeds” as well.

I dont know what their parking situation is like for all of their buildings, but I know their property on St. Paul has a garage you can pay extra for. The property I’m at doesn’t have parking, but I pay $140 a month for a garage that is less than a block away.

They have properties in other areas of Baltimore as well. I’m not 100% sure what their prices are like for a new lease, but we’ve rented with them for a few years, have very few complaints, and with annual rent increase are still paying less than $1600 for a 2 bed/2 bath.

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mowgli_1990 t1_j8yd5f8 wrote

Is this 101 Ellwood Apartments? I know they increased parking cost to 150$ so it sounds like it. That rent increase is a joke. They quoted me $2168 to renew me lease in Jan. Now the same apartment is listed for $2075 and 1 month free rent for new applicants. Apartment is still vacant.

You can definitely find something better.

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z8sfy wrote

YES! Thank you- that’s a huge help! They actually tried to tell me they’re charging more for a studio because there is a scarcity of them in the area… insane logic. Hope you like your new place!

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mowgli_1990 t1_j99h1ta wrote

I moved to tindeco wharf and my experience has been so much better. Much nicer place with better management and price was the same. Maybe technically less because I received one month free. Let me know if you want a referral. I encourage you to shop around.

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egarske1 t1_j8yfpeq wrote

It is! I paid $900 for a studio near Paterson Park

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zblaxberg t1_j8ygdbp wrote

This type of pricing gets me an 1100sq ft apartment in the county with my own garage and a dog park. The fact that you’re only in a studio and have to pay for parking is wild. But it’s definitely indicative of where rental pricing is going in the city.

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Quiet_Meaning5874 t1_j8yj50p wrote

Just buy a house that’s a nice mortgage note

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8z8mep wrote

Thanks- wish I could but what I had saved for a down payment went into a new car after my old one was stolen. Hopefully can buy in about a year

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edcod1 t1_j8ype93 wrote

That is so high. Consider off street parking does increase insurance rates.

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Ghant_ t1_j8ysatv wrote

I live on the north side of the park and I'm watching all the rates jump up and it sucks because I want to move out but I'm grandfathered into my cheap ass rent. The prices you list are wild!! We got a full row home, 4 bedrooms for 1500 right now

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TerranceBaggz t1_j8wsi2i wrote

I have no idea if the price is good as I have owned in the area for many years, but it’s nice that the parking is optional and they don’t force everyone to buy it even if they don’t have a car.

Is a car a necessity for you or could you live with some combination of Ubers, scooters, bike, water taxi, bus or rail?

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[deleted] t1_j8wy0a0 wrote

[deleted]

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GoodbyeHorses69 OP t1_j8xqo6l wrote

Thank you- I really appreciate your perspective and totally see where you’re coming from, but I had about a month to find a new place to live and this was the only place I felt safe and would allow my dog within my price budget. When it was 1600, it wasn’t so bad.

This building didn’t seem to be tier a before, but the new company is trying to portray it as a ‘luxury’ building which seems insane to me.

Thanks again

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TrhwWaya t1_j8y25um wrote

Most welcome, congratulations on finding a great new place.

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