Residential & Dining Enterprises — Local services in Palo Alto

I’m the sole resident of a second-floor studio apartment. The landlord (R&DE Student Housing) provides exactly one key. No, it can’t be copied, and there are no exceptions. Lock yourself out after business hours? You get one free unlocking; after that it’s a $45 charge to open your door. Sign out a second key during the day and fail to return it within 24 hours? Your apartment will be rekeyed and they will charge you $141 for the service.

So you’re left with two options:

Leave your apartment unlocked whenever you leave. Pay the $45 fee whenever you lock your key in your apartment (after the first time).

There has to be a better way, right? Notwithstanding the pervasive persistent pessimism perpetuated by the people who prepare and propagate these policies, I think I’ve found one.

It costs less than a rekey, and it comes with a bonus...

Never in my life have I spent money for a service with more regret. Every service provided by R&DE is shameful to the great institution of Stanford University. Because of R&DE, I faced 4 years of improper nutrition, and feeling like the place I slept was not my home. If there are any people looking for a business idea: create a competitively prices housing and food service for Stanford students. You...