Unexpected Moving Expenses

My son and I are caught up in the housing crises and have to move by next week. We've been living in a little apartment in an older building for over two years here in San Antonio. We moved in right before Covid hit. There is no heat in the building. Tenants use space heaters, which are inadequate in colder temps. The freeze in February 2021 damaged my bathroom but it was not completely repaired, leaving gaps in the flooring. There have been major pest problems from day one, including roaches and rats.

I moved here because it was affordable and allowed me a chance to work on my business near downtown and a major food hub. It was always meant to be a temporary stop, but Covid put everything on hold for us just as it did many others. This year is looking good for my business and I'm teaching part time for some consistent income. But I don't have much of a savings right now. I probably could have manage most of the cost and made due in the meantime, but a couple weeks ago I traveled back to Ohio after my mom had been hospitalized so I could help my parents out. I had to hire a plumber for them and then there was the cost of driving there and back. The timing of all of this is just really not good. I had really hoped to move under my own terms but this apartment is not worth the cost of the new rent.

Two months ago the building sold to new owners. The original owner let all of the leases go month to month with no additional costs, so the new owner came in with new leases for us to sign. My rent is going up by 25%. They are justifying the increase based on average rents in the area. We are in an area near major development and growth. A few blocks away luxury apartments have been built driving up the average rent. The rent should be based on age and condition of the building, not average cost. I doubt the luxury apartments have rats and roaches.

Quite frankly, we need a larger place anyway. We are in a one bedroom maybe 500 square foot space. I've been sleeping on a daybed and my son has the bedroom. We have pets, including two older dogs who need a yard. I love to garden as well. It's also a little cramped with my photography equipment. We need more space.

We have found a house but it hasn't been secured yet. They are finishing the renovation and it should be available at the end of the week. We'll have a fenced yard, new appliances, and I'll have my own bedroom. A friend will be moving in so we can both have an affordable home, but that won't happen until May, so I will have to cover the expenses for the first month alone. I'll need a deposit and first months rent, money to rent a moving truck, and I'm sure there are other unforeseen expenses. I also will need living room furniture and a real bed.

I have been told that rent will be $1300/month. Deposits are usually the same amount, so that'll be $2600 just to get in the house. But once my friend moves in, I'll be able to actually finally get on solid ground while having a safe, affordable place to live. I just need a little help getting there.