I can't think straight, help me know before it's too late

Blog I need some serious help! In so many ways, I know, but today its urgent advice needed:

Backstory: My landlords suck. I've had a dishwasher with standing water in it since September despite numerous fights, calls, promises, visits to my place, etc to get it fixed. Then a few weeks ago they sent me a lease renewal notice and want to raise my rent 55 bucks a month if I sign on for another year. So I say hellllz no.

Cut to yesterday: Landlord calls to confirm I'm not resigning and asks why. I say "the rent increase is ridiculous, especially for a place that has ignored a maintenance request for 3/4ths of the time I have lived here." Dude says, "ok thanks"

Now the present: Landlord calls to say that the big head landlord man says that I've been a great tenant, paid my rent, etc etc and says: "What if we DON'T raise your rent AND we fix your dishwasher by March 15th, will you sign another year?" I say: "let me think about it." He says: "You have until tomorrow."


So what do I do? I've wanted to find a new place for the following reasons:

- closer to either UKV or Roscoe Village to be closer to either group of friends
- less rent per month places are certainly available, but how nice are they...
- doggy doesn't like being able to see all the people walking by - it makes her crazy and in turn makes me crazy

BUT:

- as Causing DEBTcidents will show you: I have ZERO money. This means I have to beg a parent for a loan for a security deposit + first month's rent somewhere. Oh and moving costs too...

- will that up front huge cost be worth it in the long run, if it means I can find a drastically cheaper place? And if I can't find a cheaper place I'm still forced to move b/c I didn't re-sign my lease...

So do I stay another year in my current place?