I am currently in the process of looking for a new place to live. It’s a bit challenging I might add. I have seen some pretty horrendous places asking for upwards of $3000/month. I do have a wonderful and patient realtor helping me who I’ve used for the past 7 years. My wonderful realtor I highly recommend her to anyone in Miami or looking to move here.
I live in Miami, Florida, a very desirable place for New Yorkers, Californians, and others who have left their homes, jobs and Democratic run states, in search of freedom from tyrannical governors. We have mild winters, many oceans and bodies of water for boating, water sports and swimming, several excellent restaurants, botanical gardens, sunny days almost year round, sporting events (not for me) spectacular real estate and much more to offer. I get why so many want to live or spend time here.
In January 2022, I was told by the management company for my apartment, that my rent would be increasing by 10%.
For the past 3+ years, I have been living through the building’s loud and disruptive, 40-year recertification construction process, which I was never told would be taking place by the listing agent, and did not learn about until after I had signed a year lease and lived here a few months.
I have never been late with payments, not even through the Plandemic. My rent is automatically deducted from my bank account every month. I take care of the place like the sacred space that it is to me. I do this anywhere and everywhere I live.
My landlord is a South American investor who I have never met and never will. He doesn’t care who I am or that he is causing me to move, after being an excellent tenant for 4 years. He only cares that he can likely get 40% more rent than what I have been paying the past 4 years, thanks to the manufactured inflation and manufactured crises the current administration has manufactured!
Now I understand the rent control situation in NYC. I believe it needs to be put into place everywhere.
I was not expecting to stay here more than a year. This was supposed to be a temporary move while my homeowner’s insurance claims were in litigation (it’s not over yet). I ended up selling my mold damaged home last year at 30% below market value.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful bay and ocean view, the stunning sunsets, my neighbors, the ocean breeze, tennis, barbecues, kayaking on the bay and meeting so many of the fellow dog residents and their owners. I have made friends here and it feels like home, my neighbors like family.
My eldest daughter’s landlord introduced me to her friend’s son, who owns several rental properties in Miami. He did not have anything available, but we met and spoke at length. He only raised his rents by $50. He is an ethical man and cares about the people he rents to. We need more landlords (and people) like him.
I hope and pray something changes before mass evictions and foreclosures take place.
Have you experienced an increase in rent, job loss or other situation that is affecting your housing and living situation?
The Magic Number?
I read that most buildings in Florida have had water intrusion due to the many hurricanes and storms over the years and I would say also due to central air conditioning.
Older homes were built with CBS blocks, but newer homes use drywall inside, which is an ideal medium for mold growth. Not a builder, so I don’t know why the change, but it’s not a good choice imho. Probably easier and cheaper to just add drywall versus plastering walls, not quite sure.
We rarely need artificial heat but A/C is a must in South Florida, unless you want to swelter for 6 months of the year. Central A/C has it own unique set of problems, including leaks and mold growing in the ducts, which then circulates throughout the entire home! 
Where can we live comfortably without artificial heat or A/C? That is where I want to be. As natural as possible!
I was feeling sick from the mold and it was visible on my clothing and shoes, purses, even after 2 remediations by my homeowner’s insurance (they cut some corners). I chose to walk away from all my belongings versus getting sick and risking getting my 2 daughters that were living with me and our dogs getting sick.
I ended up selling the home after paying high property taxes for 5 years, while not inhabiting the home. Sold the home at a financial loss, as is. The new owners knew they would have to take the home down to the studs.
I had a client whose parents stayed in a home with mold because her parents did not take it seriously. Her mother died of lung cancer 6 months later with no prior health concerns.
My eldest has a reactive rescue dog who is wonderful with us and my dog, but not with strangers and other dogs. It’s tough but we love him so. I understand! We have 4 rescues in the family.
Thank you, James! I am praying and know I will be guided. 🙏🏼✨