You can get products to kill the mold but if it is that bad it is probably behind the walls too. I would check out the place before you sign a lease and although they probably would have painted it if there was mold.
As for the cat, it will do fine in a one bedroom apartment but won't do much for your bug problem.
In terms of the location I would go for the one by the street unless it is a really noisy street. It really only takes one loud neighbor to ruin your peace and quiet and the less neighbors you have around you the less chance of that happening.
This is one of those cases where you get what you pay for. You need to decide now if you can live with the situation. Otherwise, you should back out. 6 months from now, when you are mad at the situation and claiming that the LL are a bunch of slumlords, remember "you get what you paid for." You moved in here for one reason only and that wasn't because its a great living situation.
All that said, you won't be able to do much about the bugs on your own. Unless you can treat the whole building professionally, you'll never get rid of the. You can lay down traps, spray, and keep your area free of food. But, you will never eradicate them.
Don't get any animals until your living situation is settled.
I'd pick the apartment without shared walls.
You have bad and disastrous reviews of this rental unit you plan to move into.In three months or less you will be back on this forum seeking information as to what reason you are able to break your lease because you have discovered bedbugs in the rental unit.
Since you are aware of the current situation, it might not be to your best interest to move into this rental unit.
There are many products on the market that would cover the eradication of rats and mice to include roaches and a few other pest. These inexpensive electronic devices are found and is available at Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware and other retail outlets that engage in this type retail business.
With these devices you simply plug them into an electric outlet and the ultra sounds emitted by these devices would control your pest and rat problems.
I have successfully used these devices for over 2 years now.
I hope this has been of some benefit to you, good luck.
"FIGHT ON"
Raid does make products aimed at attacking, controlling and preventing pest problems, including cockroaches (American and German). If you've committed to an apartment in this building, there are cleaning & non-chemical remedies like caulking cracks that can provide additional protection in case you have inattentive neighbors. Based on the type of bug, as well as the frequency and location in which you see it, our system creator will provide a customized solution of tips and product recommendations. If all else fails and you're not sure what type of bug you're seeing, here's a link to our Bug ID tool: http://www.raidkillsbugs.com/en-us/bug-i...
never get a place unless you can do a full walthrough first
look under the oven (take that drawer out), to see if you find critters
flush toilets, run shower, run sink, start oven, make sure windows lock, take pictures of any damage write it down and get landlord to sign it,,
i do not like first floor because they get broken into more often.
exterminate yourself once a month (you would be shocked how many people just don't do this).
If you're attending a university, I think you can research the answers to your Q's.
Insecticides are very bad for your health and can make a small pet more sick.
Keeping a clean house will discourage cockroaches and make sure there are no leaks. Plug holes around pipes including under sinks in kitchen and bath. Sharing as few walls as possible is best (thus a corner unit) since you don't know if they leave food around and attract bugs and mice that might enter your home as well.
Don't get a cat and keep it inside. Litter boxes are gross and the litter itself has become more toxic to cats and humans. Read up on it. Most now contain crap to clump and the fragrances can trigger allergies. Since cats lick themselves, they will ingest whatever might be on their paws.
Covering cracks under baseboards, etc. with steel wool deters mice. Keeping furniture away from the wall so daylight hits wall and floor deters mice as they hide along the wall behind furniture, etc but the kitchen is their favorite place - duh.
It would be best to get out of the lease but those are my suggestions if you can't.
Move somewhere else.
Hello,
My husband and I are moving to a new apartment to be closer to my university (and his job). The area if very expensive,but we have managed to find a somewhat affordable apartment. The apartments, however, have bad reviews.
I want your advice upon moving in..
I read some online reviews complaining about bugs. Should I get a bunch of insecticide before I move in and spray the place? Reviews have complained about literally every kind of bug including my least favorite: the cockroach. What is the most efficient way to kill them if I end up having a problem?
Some reviews stated a very high electric bill. What are some ways to save on electricity?
The complex is old and has problems with the pipes & HVAC systems. There also seems to be a wide spread mold problem. Specifically Black mold. Is there anything I can do about that if the problem chooses to arise?
Should I get a cat if I have a bug problem? Cat's are free in this complex to own and I really do love cats. Can a cat have a happy life in a one bedroom apartment?
Also, please, which apartment should I pick. I am picking the upper floor and I have some choices. There's one that is surrounded by other apartments and then there's one on a corner of a building facing a road. I'm not sure if either of these locations matter
Thank you for your input.
