Common Cause > SHARED < Queer space

the bus and subways near the apartment... B38 and B43 buses are real close, G train is an easy walk

Hey folks,

This is a SHARED room setup. There are NO PRIVATE/single bedrooms. You will have a roommate (.. or two, feel free to bring your own).

Keep reading if this is still of interest to you.

I'm a queer/bisexual cis-guy with a three bedroom apartment in BedStuy, Brooklyn. In each room are bunk beds; one flatmate takes the upper bunk, someone takes the lower bunk -- including me -- in each room. (We also have side mattresses for visitors, guests or couchsurfers.)

The apartment building is a 12 minute walk to the G train at Myrtle-Willoughby or Bedford-Nostrand... about 15 minutes by bicycle to Williamsburg or Manhattan Bridges, +/- 45 minutes travel to Manhattan, below Central Park by subway.

As your host, I go by Uncle Paul. I am a remote freelancing tech-support nerd by day, and an erotic photographer-model and queer community organizer in my spare time. The other folks are students or creative professionals of one sort or another. We live together because we are friendly and supporting each other. However if you snore, or you don't have a steady income, then sorry to say, this cannot be the place for you.

Also, I'm a nudist. I prefer to be without clothes when I'm at home (and most everywhere else). You and the other flatmates do not need to participate in the clothes-free life, but in the apartment I will mostly be bare, nude, naked, free. Ultimately it's about feeling happy and safe at home - for all of us. My current and former flatmates will attest that this is not as weird as it sounds. And maybe it's odd, but none of the other flatmates over the years has shared my proclivity. Suffice to say, I don't discriminate against textile-lovers. :-)

-----------★ How this works: ­­­★-----------

➼ I am the lease holder, and all the flatmates are on a month to month stay. As folks need, they come and go (w/ 30 days notice)... so there are often seasonal changes in the lineup. Rooms are pretty much assigned, and roommates don't have a veto power to rule out an incoming roommate.. that is entirely my choice. That said, I always make incoming flatmate choices with considerations for current flatmates as well as the need of the apt and the incoming flatmate. I take a deposit equal to the monthly rent, and the rent is due on or before the first of every month. If you want me to hold the space for you because there is a gap between when you want to move in, we will work out a non-refundable amount that you can put down.

➼ Part of the application process includes a background check... You pay for it (est. US$40) and have the results sent directly to me. You must disclose any special medical conditions you have or special medications that help you keep a positive mental health. Failure to disclose in advance will be grounds for canceling your contract.

➼ If things are not working out for you over the course of time, or when you're ready to graduate to your own place, just be sure to give me a full months' notice to move on. If you don't give me 30 days notice, I keep the deposit, the equivalent of one month's rent. Likewise, if things are not working out for me, I'll give you a full month's notice to find another place. I'll return your deposit (AFTER you've moved & handed the keys back! ...and) if there are no damages or missing items from the apartment ;-)

-----★ What's included in the rent: ★-----

➼ electricity, heat/hot water (= gas), wireless Internet, toilet paper, paper towels... I also buy a modest supply of cleaning supplies, assorted other basic supplies ... all included... Though if you have something that you require for your own happy living, or if you use my supply of, you'll be asked to get your own. Please don't waste -- Don't leave lights on when you're not around, don't use paper towels when there are dish towels at the ready (as examples; there are plenty more ways to respect the place, the space, and the apt resources).

--------★ Details, Details, Details ★--------

➼ The common area is basically the kitchen and dining area where the kitchen table is also the homework table, the web surfing table and dining table as the hours churn. We have a nice roof for hanging out, even sunning during the summer. And there is a park and a city pool within blocks that are great from March/April to October/November... otherwise too damn cold :-)

➼ If you're a good cook, all I ask is that you MUST be good at cleaning RIGHT AFTER your masterpiece. If you're a lousy cook, then you MUST be good at cleaning up RIGHT AFTER your slop. There is a dormant dishwasher which we don't use, folks just wash their own dishes.

➼ This apt recycles! Which means you'll recycle. Everything is set for separating paper, glass/plastics, and bio-food-waste. Bicycling is strongly encouraged, but there is absolutely no room for bikes in the apartment, sorry. As such, .all are advised to get an thick CHAIN lock... [U-shaped locks have been snipped & clipped and bikes have been stolen from the front of the building].

➼ The space is definitely not big enough for hosting parties, but dinner gatherings are a fine way of entertaining, or just for gathering before heading to the local pubs/bars/city hops.

➼ Friends & family are always welcome (just be sure to let them know that Uncle Paul is a nudist). We're known for hosting CouchSurfers on a fairly regular basis, so we've got everything for overnight guests. (the rule for the record, basically anybody who stays for more than seven days gets added to the rent rolls -to stay, just pay- and the utilities are calculated in to all our rent.)

➼ The furnishings, dishware, bedding and towels are all mine, so don't ruin, damage or break stuff.. and if you do, replace it promptly.

➼ Though as mentioned, I do have bedding, pillows, blankets and towels, DO feel free to bring your own OR start to stock up as you go, so when you leave you'll have some supplies for your next venture.

~~~~

To be clear, I've been hosting folks for many years now, starting as CouchSurfing host for international travelers, and now as the primary lease holder in a place my friends call the "House of Many."

Sure, it's a little hostel or college dorm like, but we're an open-minded and otherwise fun crowd, and I work hard to make this a safe haven and space for mutually supporting each other. If you are a loner, or require privacy of a room to yourself, this is NOT the place for you.

I do have a standard rental agreement for you to review before you start.. it has all this info in legal language, and that will be the basis of your tenancy. Please Please Please take note of the interests section of this advert: "social justice (yes, racial justice, gender justice, sexual justice, economic justice), art, bicycles, clothes free/clothing optional, body positivity & sex positivity"

I'm sure there's other stuff I'm forgetting but this is a solid start for anyone considering joining the family at the House of Many..

Thanks for reading,

TXT me first before calling if you'd like to come and meet and see the place.

Uncle Paul