Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Lakeside, San Francisco

On May 31, 2019, the current 1-year lease my roommate and I signed will end. Roommate will be leaving the San Francisco Bay Area for the East Coast to be nearer to his aging parents. Date not yet set. His current work set up is remote, so relocating out-of-state will not be an issue for him.

For now, I've made the decision to remain until the roommate has moved out. My best option would be to find another roommate. But after 5 roommates in 5 years (all but the current roommate were temporary), I don't want another roommate. Yet I can't afford the full rent. In 2 years or so, I might.

I met with the property manager last weekend to discuss a few options. She's agreed we'll chat again once the roommate has moved out.

I have looked at other places that I can afford but run into the following:
1. Size.
Most 1 bedrooms I can afford are too small. Ideally, I'd like a living area at least 700 square feet. I gave up a beautiful dining table that seated up to 8 because I didn't think I'd have room for it. In hindsight, I should have kept it. If I am going to move again, I am not giving up any more furniture.

2. Minimum income requirement.
I saw a 2 bedroom flat in the Inner Sunset I really liked. But the income requirement was 3 times my gross monthly salary. My official monthly salary doesn't meet the minimum. I do have other sources of income, but for privacy reasons won't disclose them.

3. Parking and non-coin operated laundry facilities.
Yes, I'm being very nit-picky about both. I gave up a garage to move to where I am. Although I have the option of driveway parking, I only use it when it's absolutely necessary. (Don't even get me started on roommate's girlfriend's car parked nearly every fucking weekend in the driveway).

A few Saturdays ago, I looked at 2 places. One had parking but no laundry facilities. The other, laundry facilities but no parking. I haven't used a coin-operated laundry machine since 2010. I'm too old, spoiled and lazy to have to go back to one.

Surprisingly, one of the places I looked at last month has not yet rented.  The homeowner/landlord emailed me yesterday asked if I'd reconsider with a reduced rent rate. I explained as much as I like the place, it's too small.

My vent about rent must come to an end. Gotta get cleaned up, showered and ready for work tomorrow. Stay tuned.