As a serial renter (I’ve been renting apartments, duplexes and houses since I started college in 2003), I feel like nearly every place I’ve lived in has something that makes me go hmmm.
- Who would ever paint a wall that color (and why won’t they let me paint over it if I promise to paint it back)?
- Why does the washing machine have to hook up to the kitchen sink to work? (Seriously!)
- Isn’t it time to replace the dishwasher that never seems to clean anything?
Well, my friends, the home we just moved into is no different. It’s definitely the nicest place I’ve ever rented (yay!), but there are three big things that make me go hmmm.
1. The color of the walls in the guest room.
Pretty sure this one doesn’t need an explanation. 
2. This random ledge with a gas hookup.
The homeowners had a decorative little stove thingy hooked up there that we thought they’d be leaving when they moved out, but they took it and we’re left with a totally random elevated ledge with a gas hookup. Any recommendations as to what we should put there?
3. Absentee washer and dryer.
I’m really heated about this one, but I’ll keep my venting limited on the blog otherwise I might start dropping f-bombs.
When Ryan and I toured the house, there was a washer and dryer in the laundry room. No where in the advertisement for the house did it say “no washer and dryer” or “washer and dryer hookup.” No where. Our lease didn’t say that the tenants were responsible for providing their own washer and dryer and we didn’t know that this would be our responsibility until Ryan picked up with keys to the place (after we submitted our deposit!) on Friday.
I was ready to send a flaming bag of Sadie’s doodie to our realtor when, after calling him to ask what the heck was going on, he said “a washer and dryer is a ‘furnishing’ not an ‘appliance’” and they didn’t have to disclose that they would be taking the washer and dryer to us.
Um, what? Pretty sure that a washer/dryer does not equal a couch, sir.
And on that note, let’s move along to lunch… also known as something I prepared using an “appliance” not a “furnishing.” (Can you sense the bitterness? 
)
Lunch
Today’s lunch was a delicious chocolate peanut butter smoothie… with a touch of almond flavah!
In the mix:
- 1 c. almond milk
- 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition chocolate casein protein powder (casein = extra thick!)
- 1 c. frozen strawberries
- 1 1/2 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp. peanut butter
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 large handful fresh spinach
Enjoyed with a spoon out of my favorite Anthropologie mug.
I have a feeling I’m going to be blending up another smoothie around 4 p.m. to fuel me through our big move this evening. Watch out, furniture! I’m going to own you!
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I don’t know how you fit that smoothie in a mug! Mine are always exploding out of a bowl! And out of the 6 years I’ve been renting, I only had an in-unit washer-dryer once. One year, I had to carry my laundry 6 blocks! Thank goodness there was a laurdromat that close or I really don’t know what I would have done! (no car).
i ate a lot of it out of the blender. 🙂
I moved into a new place around this time last year and quickly realized I would need a new washer/dryer. The one in the apartment literally tore my clothing and bedding to pieces. The landlord wouldn’t replace it. I was not at all happy because I now had to replace the washer/dryer AND the bedding and clothing that had been ruined.
Anyway, I waited for a month or so until some huge holiday sale at Home Depot. I don’t know if it’s a yearly thing, but I believe it started in October or early November last year and it was awesome. I got a GREAT deal on a new, brand name washer and dryer. They also delivered for fee, installed it for me, and removed my old washer and dryer (not that you would have to worry about that part)! If you don’t mind waiting, I would recommend going that route. It was a pain getting my laundry done in the meantime, but it was worth it for such an awesome deal.
Good luck!
Totally feel your pain! We are renters too because it is just easier with a military lifestyle. We are expecting now and I have always dreamed of a painted nursery and argued with my landlord about repainting back to white when we leave…she still said no. It makes no sense!
A similar thing happened to me. I rented an apartment with a friend and when i moved in there was no refrigerator. I called the property manager and they said, “the add/lease says ‘MOST’ appliances.” Silly me…when i read that I thought they meant that it might not have a dish washer/washer/dryer. But c’mon…no fridge?!?! I was livid.
I didn’t read all the comments, but if no one mentioned – usually there are HUGE labor day sales. you can always check out some deals this weekend.
That is SO slimy! I’m looking for a place to rent right now and laundry is one of my main priorities… I really can’t believe your realtor didn’t explain that in the beginning, I’m sure he’s had this come up before and had similar complaints!
Oh Julie, I know you have said this before, but sadie just makes the posts extra wonderful! and dont worry I would be droppin F bombs too… it happens! haha.
Im sorry and i hope it works out ok, the house does look pretty awesome overall!
It is def not funishing! That is one dark smoothie btw! Isn’t it bitter with so much cocoa!
The is so upsetting! I can’t believe that they would take the washer/dryer without even telling you. That makes a huge difference in choosing to rent a place because either renting or buying a set adds to the overall expense. Not cool at all!
I love color, but that blue is beyond. That blue room looks like one my ex painted once. He loved it, but I hated it and was anxious when I had to be in the room. Too much!
Ahh, tricky tricky. That really sucks, my apologies.
I must say, I was confused when I saw you were renting in this post. Somehow, it had worked its way into my mind that you had bought this house…oops!
The lack of washer and dryer would totally burn me too! Those are definitely appliances. And why on earth would a renter buy a washer and dryer for an apartment? It’s crazy. I’m so sorry about this!
Two things:
1) We got a fantastic Washer/Dryer on Craigslist for $100. For both.
2) View the blue room as an opportunity – that blue color is in what I would call a “spa” spectrum – spa it up! White furniture, peaceful, simple art (or like primary colored 1920s beach pin-ups), white linen curtains… it could be fantastic!
Ooooh, on #2, they had a renovated beach-front trailer on one of those home shows that used a similar pallette. Amazing.
Wow, that smoothie is so thick it looks like pudding!!! Delish!
Bummer. This post make me so grateful for my wonderful land lady. A washer/dryer is clearly an appliance and they should have let you know that it wasn’t going to be included. Keep an eye on Craigslist, they have some good deals and it beats going to the laundry mat, especially if you are going to be there a while. When you are ready to move you can re-sell on Craigslist or offer your landlord a deal on the washer/dryer so they can now rent a property that included this feature. The weird ledge with gas hook up is for a fireplace type thing. But you are in Florida, so I imagine there aren’t very many days where you want to add heat to your life.
When I moved into my first place the owners told me it would be furnished…yep definitely wasn’t and I found out only when I moved in! Definitely feel your pain on the renting.
ew that is so frustrating. I would be mad too. In my opinion a washer and dryer = appliances not furnishings at all!!!!!! Hopefully you can find one cheap soon because laundromats are awful!!!!!!!!!!!
When you make your smoothie’s does the recipe make enough for one or more then one?
It serves one… or two ppl who aren’t very hungry!
not gonna lie, i kind of like the blue room. if you’re not allowed to paint it, i would go with all white/cream colored accent furniture and wall art. make it pop! i think the potential is endless 🙂
also: pretty sure your realtor got his/her license from a crackerjack box, because never has washer/dryer been considered “furnishing.” i’ve been renting/buying for a few years, and appliances have always included: refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher, washer, dryer, disposal.
there are no furnishings that require POWER. i’m totally with you on the whole sending him a steaming present. i’m sure sadie could squeeze out a special one.
you could put a gas fireplace/mantle on that little step! they sell some really cute ones at lowes.
THAT IS BULLS**T. Ok, maybe I’m in a bad mood. I would let your realtor have it for not being forthcoming. Really have it! I would also file a complaint against the realtor. Sounds like someone was just trying to make a buck and didn’t give a rats butt about the renters.
ughhh that stinks. we bought a cheap-o w/d from h.h. gregg that was in the $600-700 range (for both). try to ask for a deal if you buy both at the same store at the same time…and if you can pay in cash, you might be able to work things out. by cash i mean a check or hard core dollar bills. good luck!
Ugh, that is so annoying about the washer/dryer dilemma! Not an “appliance but a furnishing”? Give me a break. I’m currently renting a house too, but luckily the only surprises were the electric instead of gas cooker and that they replaced the sink.
On another note, that smoothie looks completely awesome. I can see it in my future, yum! 🙂
Hmmm…for the elevated ledge, maybe put one of those baker’s racks shelf things? I’d have to see photos of more of the room to really know though. I actually like those blue walls in the guest room…seems very warm and inviting, but then again if it doesn’t match your guest room bedding, then yeah, that would be a pain. 😉
Major suck on the washer/dryer drama! So sorry 🙁 I don’t get the furnishing vs appliance debate…seems like semantics to me and a very crappy argument. “Furnishing” makes me think decor – so hey, maybe once you get a washer, you could prop that baby up on your ledge and go for the industrial look? I hope you guys are able to find a swift and easy resolution soooooooon. 🙂
I feel your pain! I’ve lived in many rental properties over the years. Some landlords good, others not so much. My husband & I just moved out of our last rental property at the end of July and bought a house. The apartment had so much mold that the landlord just painted over. When we moved out we noticed more mold behind all our furniture. We are still waiting for our deposit back. They have 45 days to return to us and it’s been 33 days….still waiting!
O.O Eeps. That washer/dryer situation is tragic.
But… I kinda like the color in the guest bedroom. 😀
Oh my that room is BRIGHT!
Tell them you plan to have an attorney look over the lease and see what s/he has to say about it. Maybe the threat alone will lead to some action. Otherwise you can rent washer/dryers. Still sucks though…
I am sure somebody already suggested this, but put a HUGE plant there or something? Or you could always hide it with Sadie’s toy basket and make it her little area 🙂
Ohhhh my there is a lot going on here:
1) Holy BLUE!! that is blue. It’s almost pretty! …almost. I sorta want to scrapbook with it.
2) I would be livid about the washer/dryer toooo!! And then while that extra gas hook up isn’t a big deal, added to the missing washer/dryer would make me even MORE livid!
3) that smoothie looks like PUDDING. i need to go buy casein protein powder. bye.
I kinda (a lot) like the room…but then again, blue is my favourite colour!
oh gosh… that furnishing v. appliance garbage brings back bad memories from my first year law school property class!! i think technically that is the law, but talk about SHIESTY (sp?) to conveniently leave it out of plain sight!!
good luck with the move tonight!! i have been through one too many moves as well. most recently moving from an apartment into a house in the dead of chicago winter. that one tested my limits….
yummm that smoothie looks delicious. i am a sucker for anything mug/ dessert related 🙂
No need to purchase if too costly.
There were suggestions for J&R to rent instead of buying pricey appliances. Then you have to be responsible for everything.
So are y’all having to go out and buy a new washer and dryer now?!?!?!?!?
You could put Sadie’s doggy bed up up on that ledge and give her a throne 😉 Your little princess deserves nothing less…
That was sneaky!!!!! Although, your list of hmmmmmmm points about rentals made me laugh! My fave hmmmm moment was at my last house up in Steamboat. One bedroom had this weird, waist-high loft that was good for absolutely nothing. Not high enough to be real loft, but low enough that you couldn’t hang out underneath. Just a bizarre ledge in the middle of the room!!
Well …. I kinda agree w/Laura. Then again, if the “deep blue room” is small, might be difficult to live with. Any possibility you can paint one wall off-white? At least it could feel less cramped. Julie …. keep the room simple. Use other (lighter blues + greens + whites) in the decor. White drapes. You will enjoy!
Re the washer + dryer. Total bummer. I am livid for you. Geez. Let’s not put too much energy in our anger though.
Last month we purchased front loaders. Whoa …. what an easier life! That definitely comes w/a price tag. No vacations for 2 years.
Good (family) holiday Julie!
P.S. Time for (next step) you & Ryan to be homeowners! Booo to renting. Then you can do your own thang!!
I’ve had my fair share of landlord troubles- I actually took my landlord to court last year over our security deposit. We won, he appealed, and we won again. Then again, we would have gotten additional punitive damages had my landlord been a rental company and not just a guy who owned a piece of property. At least under Virginia law, he could get away with a lot more. Make sure you do a really thorough move-in inspection, report every discrepancy, and get everything in writing! It sounds like these guys are sketchy…
Excellent idea Samantha!
That is so not cool!
I don’t know if someone mentioned this or not, but you might want to take pictures of how things were in the house when you moved in, just in case they try to be sneaky with you guys and get money out of you or something…. you know?
For that awkward space, I don’t know, maybe a plant or something??
the guest room was probably a former child’s room.
It was! Unfortunately we don’t have a kid…
Sadie’s room!
For some reason, I don’t hate the color of that room haha. Maybe it looks crazier in person?! 🙂
You could put your christmas tree on that elevated fire place thing?! Maybe a pumpkin patch for fall? But I am not sure about summer/spring….
Aw, a pumpkin patch!
my husband and I searched for about 4-5 months before renting our condo we are in right now, and we have stayed for 3 years for that very purpose… there are always screwy things about renting!!!
So, do you guys have to go buy a washer and dryer now?! That’s bologna!!!
I’ve never had any problems with renting… *Phew!* But I would definitely take pictures now so you guys don’t end up getting screwed over if the landlords turn out to be shady! I’ve always taken pictures when I first moved in, just in case (and ’cause I’m paranoid of that happening)!
I’d get a low to the ground plant to put on the ledge.. the xmas tree was a good idea for winter. It won’t look so random that way!
I think that ledge is perfect for step aerobics and calf raises.
Ugh, I totally hear you on renting! I can’t stand it. My fiance and I have had so many problems renting. I hate how you have to depend on your landlord to get anything and everything fixed. I’d prefer to find someone to do in a reasonable amount of time. Our landlord is terrible!
You could always put a nice plant there or a cute decorate table and display a picture or candle.
For the blue room – you should check out a DIY blog I read. Their guess room is blue (a different shade) and I think you could get some ideas!
http://www.younghouselove.com/photo-gallery-2/our-current-house/
Scroll down to the bottom until you see their blue room 🙂
I enjoy reading your blog from Spain! 🙂
Julie, does your lease say no farm animals? You could get a goat to trim your lawn! hahhahahahaa. That’ll show him! Very weird I know but our friends say their neighbor got one (yes they ARE moving) and that was the first thing that came to mind.
Potted plants are the only thing that comes to mind for the ledge, other than a Sadie shrine. Just be careful because some indoor plants are poisonous to doggies!
Um, that washer dryer thing is LAME sauce. But at least if you buy some now, they will be yours! If it makes you feel better our new place has a dryer. That’s it. No washer. We have to go buy one of those if we want one.
The color of your guest room and the color of our bedroom might blind people. Haha. Ours is like toothpaste green but we have to wait for the wall to be fixed before we can do anything.
I saw those Anthropologie mugs the other day and bought one as a gift for a friend. As soon as I got home I was kickin myself for not getting one for me!!!