Seeking Long-Term Housing in Berkeley (March/April Move-In)
Hello! I’m a working woman in my forties looking for a peaceful, long-term rental in Berkeley beginning this spring (March or April). I live quietly, value a calm environment, and would love to find a place to settle into for the long haul.
A little about me:
• Partially disabled due to a health condition that flares up like a diva from time to time, but working as a freelance consultant.
• I don’t drink excessively or do any drugs, and I live a simple, grounded lifestyle.
• Two sweet, well-behaved cats.
• My adult daughter (24) is in graduate school and occasionally comes home for a weekend or to stay during school breaks.
I am looking for an apartment with direct access to some green outdoor space, or lots of natural space within walking distance, a washer and dryer in unit or on-site, and lots of light because I work from home.
For housing stability, I have a Housing Choice Voucher that subsidizes my rent. I know some landlords may feel hesitant about vouchers due to tenant stigmas, but in my case, it has been nothing but a positive for myself and my landlord. I always pay my portion (about 30% of my income) on or before the due date, and Berkeley Housing pays the remainder directly to you every month. Housing Authority conducts a move-in inspection and annual inspection of the property to ensure everything is in safe, working condition, but other than that everything is quite smooth and operates very efficiently. They will subsidize an apartment for me based on local fair market values which are published on their website, currently $2,324 for a one-bedroom and $2,641 for a two-bedroom maximum total rent.
I’m an excellent tenant:
• I lived in my previous apartment for 15 years and have a strong letter of recommendation from that landlord.
• In my current home, I’ve been renting from a family friend while their daughter was away. She’s returning in the spring, which is why I’m looking now.
• While my credit isn’t perfect (freelance income ebbs and flows), I’ve never missed a rent payment and pride myself on keeping a beautiful, airy home.
If you’re seeking a long-term tenant who will care for your space, pay reliably, and bring a calm and steady presence for years to come, I’d love to connect. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about the voucher program or provide references.