When my landlord told us that he was selling the house, Kek agreed to move with me, provided that we kept to his budget of $600 for his room. I was positive that we would find a unit for the same price as the newspapers were always reporting that rentals were going down as more and more people were getting retrenched or sent home. I started viewing flats in the East area, namely Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris. To my shock, I could not find a decent place that was below $1800! But I assumed that he would understand once I updated him on the rental market situation and adjust his budget accordingly.
I texted Kek but there was no reply. He was never online. Until a week later. I was in Los Angeles. Two o'clock in the morning : I saw his name and immediately buzzed him. He was not going to pay beyond $600. He explained - his needs were simple - a basic room for him when he's in town and he was also servicing his loan on his condo, among other things. So his budget was limited. We then decided to go our separate ways. I wasn't angry at him but I was now in a fix.
I thought that staying with me was a bonus because for one, I was hardly around too. He had a lot of privacy. Ling and Baby Lynus could stay over at any time. I never charged him for his utilities and even provided him with free Internet. I kept the house "reasonably clean" and I did all the housework. $600. What more could you ask for?
So do I look for another housemate or do I start a search for a smaller apartment?
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