Monday, August 27, 2007

Confessions of a Landlord

Yup, I am a landlord...sort of. My friends Rico and Don moved in yesterday. Due to some severe health and financial hits they decided that they needed to reduce their monthly expenses and we agreed that they could move into my house. I had a spare bedroom so it was no problem at all.

There are things that I am worried about. I have been on my own without a roommate for over 2 years so this will be a change. I enjoy living alone and I know that it will take some adjusting to get used to more people in my home, but Rico loves to cook and Don is really good at fixing things so in addition to the rent that they will be paying, they both have ways to contribute that makes my life easier.

Unfortunately (fortunately for me) they had some roommates when they had their own home that totally screwed them over. Didn't pay the rent that they were supposed to and broke many promises about helping out with things and just not being grateful or considerate. I know that I don't have to worry about them not paying their rent.

Devon loves "Uncle Rico" & "Uncle Don" and I think that it will be a positive for him to have male role models in the home. He respects Rico and Don and listens to them.

They have a dog, Phoebe, who will be living with us as well. That is the biggest worry for me. Don't get me wrong. Phoebe is a fantastic, very well behaved dog but I have two cats that haven't ever been around dogs since they were kittens. We have decided to crate Phoebe during the day and letting the cats free so that they can get used to the smell and the presence of a dog without feeling threatened. Then when we get home, Phoebe will be let out of her kennel for the rest of the evening until the cats and Phoebe get along. As long as she stays off of my couch once they get used to each other, Phoebe won't be crated during the day.

Devon is healing nicely. His follow-up appointment is tomorrow so we will see how things are going. I will probably be heading back to work after Labor Day. Although it has been nice to have this extra time with Devon, I am ready to go back to work and get back into the rhythm of normal life.

9 comments:

Tara said...

Good to hear about Devon's progress!

I can see how it would be strange to have others living in your house after living on your own for so long. It sounds like they are both responsible and will contribute very well to the living arrangements. I also hope that the animals don't have to adjust too much to each other.

laughing said...

These are the gay guys, right?

It could be good to have a couple of other responsible adults around. And if they're gay you don't have to worry about them hitting on you and such.

The Lady Who Doesn't Lunch: said...

Sounds like a good plan for Phoebe to be crated at first. That way the cats can establish dominance and they can all get used to each others scent. Likelihood of territory scent marking will be reduced!

Freckle Face Girl said...

I'm glad Devon is doing well.

You have a lot going on. It will probably take a while to get use to, but hopefully everything turns out wonderfully.

Mrs. Hairy Woman said...

sorry to hear about "D".. I'm glad he is recuperating nicely.. I'm sure you will make a fine landlord.. it's not easy when it's friends...

Churlita said...

As long as they're responsible and respectful, it could be really nice to have other, fun adults living with you.

I'm glad Devon's doing better.

David in DC said...

Come late to the party, everyone'
s already said the pertinent things.

Ditto all of the above.

Especially Devon healing so well

Lydia said...

I imagine there'll be some adjustment needed on everyone's part, but it sounds like a good move all round. Hopefully lots of fun too, as they sound like a great couple of guys.

And good to know that Devon is doing so well.

laura b. said...

Glad to hear D is doing so well.

You have spoke often and fondly of Rico and Don, I'm sure that after a period of adjustment (just like with the animals) you will all be pleased with the situation. I can definitely see the benefit of having other responsible adults on hand.