Don't expect any landlord, regardless of religious or political affiliation, to be overly receptive to any request that doesn't involve an immediate threat to life and limb or possible large monetary loss. Insofar as the cosmetic issues are concerned, best just forget it 'cause it ain't gonna happen.
And, yes, most landlords employ the cheapest labor they can find for the "handyman" type repairs. Again, expect things to be patched together as cheaply as possible unless there is simply no other alternative.
Landlords don't rent properties in order to satisfy anyone's artistic sensibilities. They also rent for whatever the market will bear. I'm betting you live in an area with a heavy student population. The landlords count on the students only being concerned with being close to campus and having a place to party, and that they will pay a premium for location. Traditionally, these areas become the "school ghetto" in terms of upkeep and aesthetics.
Since most student rentals tend to see heavy turnover and even heavier use/abuse, landlords usually don't give a rat's rear about what color the walls are. They care even less that you are willing to do some painting on your own. In fact, most of them cringe at the notion because student paint jobs are notoriously sloppy - poor or no cut in, paint on lots of things that shouldn't be painted like cabinets and carpet, generally crappy work, etc.
If you want a better property you are going to have to move into a place either in a different location or that doesn't cater to students.
Or buy one for yourself.
Brad
p.s. - you are a "tenant". A tenet is an opinion, doctrine, or principle held as being true by a person or especially by an organization (Webster's)
I am quite tempted to edit my original post to make the title spelling error seem purposefull and witty. Thats probably the only way I could even more credability tho...
I simply can't imagine any paint job worse than what is there now. They actually painted over the peephole, painted the closets shut, spashed paint on the floor, and ruined at least one toilet with ajacent plumbing. When doing the general remodeling they actually sliced through all the wire that was run through the house.
Everything is livable, but with the amount being paid it still irks. We are paying 500 more a month than the last family and the place was unrented for almost 7 months.
While there are some students, I don't think its a student ghetto. I've made it a point to meet my neighbors and most are settled families.
I am one of those untrained guys they send out. Worse than that, I'm in charge of 48 units more or less by myself. I feel your pain. I wouldn't want to be one of my residents. I hope to move to another job soon, rather than keep working in this less-than-ethical situation. Now that I've closed on my house, I can change jobs without losing my pre-approval.
Thanks for the empathy fistfull. My father is a handyman and while I certainly lack his level of skill I have been raised to take pride in my work. Even when you don't have mastery of ability, a decent amount of effort generally makes a difference. This house lacks that love. With an abusive supervisor and a min. wage position, I wonder how much effort I would be putting in. I tip the service people and treat them with dignity and respect, but golly Im glad thats not me.
I really look foward to the day when I can be part of the landholding elite again.
Even if its means dealing with that home owners association tyrant M.I.
