Contingent Upon: Two Powerful Words to Ensure Things Get Done

Prior to collecting the prospect's money to hold an apartment, the future resident signed my former employer's standard form that detailed all transaction such as how much was received from the prospect to hold the apartment, when other payments are expected, etc.  But there was just one thing that we, the leasing staff,  didn't anticipate was when our potential leaseholder signed her name and then included: "CONTINGENT UPON THE FOLLOWING THINGS WILL BE DONE PRIOR TO MOVE-IN..."  She proceeded to list the things we said during the tour that would be fixed.  Her expression after signing her name said it all, she meant business.  Do what you promise or else.

Sadly, I must admit that many renters don't get what they want because they are just too happy about the amenities or the exterior to look real close at cover ups, false promises, and more that some owners, managers, and leasing staff claim they will "take care of..."  Then when move-in day comes, the same screen with the hole is still there, the missing knob from one of the drawers is still off, and the shower head that doesn't work has yet to be replaced.  You might know the feeling.

So be adamant, don't pay unless things go your way!

Nicholl McGuire

6 Signs You Don’t Want to Move-In With Someone

Sometimes we agree to move in with people out of desperation, emotional commitment, and other reasons.  However, we are making a bad mistake when we choose to move in with someone anyway when there are many red flags all over the place!  Here are a few signs to pass on signing an apartment leasing contract with your potential roommate, boyfriend, girlfriend or relative.  (For sake of space and time, the person in this writing will be referred to as “He”).

One.  He shows up late to an appointment without his half of the money.

Two.  He lies on his application.

Three.  He appears to be too friendly with everyone who is living there including flirting with the staff. 

Four.  He tells you one thing and you find out another about the suite and then another and another.

Five.  He attempts to cover up something about his past by talking over what the apartment leasing consultant or manager is telling you both, changing details, ignoring facts, or attempting to argue.

Six.  He makes false promises on what he is going to pay and do while in the suite and when you question him on things he becomes irritable, impatient, and even goes so far as to tell you what you will and won’t do in an angry tone.

There are other signs you should pay attention to like your future roommate’s mannerisms, the kind of questions he asks or doesn’t ask, whether he communicates with staff about his account, and any warnings that others around you might be giving you about your roommate.  Also, notice how this person organizes his current atmosphere.  Is he or you often clean or unclean?  Do you have a long history of financial issues with this person? 

When you pay attention to the early signs before committing to a leasing contract, you can save yourself future problems like showing up one day in court because you can’t seem to pay your rent due to your irresponsible roommate.  

Apartment Shopping Tips | Off-Campus | Housing Options | DePaul University

Something for college students...

Plan on moving off campus? Know what you are getting yourself into before you sign the rental contract.

Apartment Shopping Tips | Off-Campus | Housing Options | DePaul University