Cheap Apartments

Alabama Economy Sluggish economy faltering housing market forces apartments and condominiums to slash rent offer huge move-in specials

by Pat Peterson

Published: Tue, January 27, 2009 - 5:22 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, January 27, 2009 - 6:38 pm CST

In an area known for luxury apartments and plush, high-rise condominiums, living near Baldwin County's beaches has become "dirt cheap."
Signs and billboards posted along Highway 59 in Foley and Gulf Shores are urging potential renters to check out unbelievable rent specials and deals at local apartment communities.

"My electric bill in December was 26 dollars," says new apartment renter Charlie O'Neil. O'Neil just moved into the Columns on the Foley Beach Express in Orange Beach. "That's unbelievable! It's a big advantage for me to not have all those utility bills."

Elaine Freeman manages the Columns, one of many luxury apartment communities offering "free" rent and other move-in specials. Freeman says the incentives will help struggling families and help the company financially.

"They care about people, they have compassion for people who are suffering with the economy and that's where the lower rents come from."

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nobamagrl Says:

Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 8:32 pm

See Obama’s stimululs package on how to get free apartments in section 8, don’t spend money, you can get it free…........hay!

dixiebelle365 Says:

Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 11:27 am

“They care about people, they have compassion for people who are suffering with the economy and that’s where the lower rents come from.”

This kills me! It’s not that they care about people and have compassion for them! It’s that, if they don’t maintain a decent occupancy rate, they’ll lose their business! They can give a way a few months’ rent and lower their deposits without taking too much of a beating, but they can’t sit empty and survive!

BamaBob Says:

Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 7:44 pm

Yeah, I’m sure they lock you into a long term lease with your first born as a deposit.

Razorsharp Says:

Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 7:15 pm

It’s kinda like those bait and switch deals, Bama. They promise this great deal when you sign the lease, and then after aa few months-BAM! They hit you with fees galore. It’s all in the fine print…way at the bottom of the lease. Get the magnifying glass, and you might be able to read it, but don’t count on understanding it. Then, to top it all off, they raise your rent, conveniently.

carl Says:

Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm

I believe in the old saying"don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” but I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop on this one.

jusme Says:

Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Me too Bob! What’s the catch??

BamaBob Says:

Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 6:13 pm

What’s the small print in this deal? I would like to have a nice free waterfront apartment overlooking the gulf for a few months this spring and summer. Where do I sign up!