7 Things Renters Shouldn't Do When Seeking an Apartment

When people seek rental properties, they tend to do some things that will only cause them headaches in the future or worse jail time.  Think before you make a move that might cost you much legal, financial and emotional trouble.

One.  They lie on applications.

Future renters get off to a poor start with management when it is discovered they have lied about things like income, criminal history, who will be living in the home, debt, and more.  It is better to tell the truth and be rejected then to one day be faced with an eviction notice that most likely will damage your credit history.

Two.  They sublet even when they are warned not to.

Renters put themselves at risk once again of being removed from their suite when they say they are living at the home, but not really.  Therefore, a relative or friend can leave the apartment at anytime while putting the renter's good name in jeopardy.

Three.  They bring insects with them.

Knowing that one has had a serious insect problem in the last home, why would they take a chance on bringing all the infestation with them to their new home?  But people do.  It is always best to spray or use an insect bomb repellent on your items before moving them.  Check for nests that might live inside your furniture, electronics and elsewhere when you know you have a problem.

Four.  They expect the leasing office staff to do everything for them.

From wanting a date from the pretty blond seated at the desk to asking staff to handle their personal business and errand running, these are things that shouldn't be requested from the leasing staff.  Their jobs are to get renters into a suite and help them maintain it, but not handle their personal business.  Avoid the temptation to get the busy staff involved in your affairs.

Five.  They tell shady acquaintances where they are thinking about living.

Some renters are moving because they are having trouble with certain individuals from the last place or hope to cut off ties with others.  Yet, they will keep in contact with these troubled characters and then tell them where they stay.  When problems begin to show up, they act as if they didn't know someone behaved like this or that.  If you know or suspect that someone is annoying, troubled and the like, don't invite them to your new place.

Six.  They destroy their old apartment and then share this information with management.

Management isn't asking you why you are looking for a place or what happened at the last place to cause you to want to move for nothing.  They are looking for prospects to reveal what they did or didn't do at the last place.  So when someone says something like, "I was so angry one day I punched a hole in the wall, but I paid for it though...Then I got mad at my lady and broke the door handle--you know those handles are cheap anyway."  What this person is really telling the leasing consultant, "I'm a hot-head and I might be trouble for your company and my neighbors."

Seven.  They anger others by doing things that might put them at risk of losing their apartment.

Neighbors don't mind complaining about people who play loud music, have unruly children, and have far too many parties and traffic coming and going out of their homes.  When this happens, the leasing staff will most likely tally up the complaints and work to get the nuisance neighbor off the premises--don't let that be you!

Think about these seven tips.  Make adjustments to your current living arrangement as needed.  Then prepare to sit down with the leasing staff worry free.  Be sure that you are making every effort to be an ideal candidate.  Good suites come and go and if you see one you really like, you want to be the renter that stands out above all the rest!  You might want to get a few reference letters to take along with you in the future just in case you see a suite you got to have.

Nicholl McGuire also maintains a blog for people who are in intimate relationships or dating.  See here.

When Shopping for a Rental Property What Might You Bring?

1.  Driver's license, state id or other documentation if you live overseas.  If address is not current on your identification, then bring a bank statement or utility bill that shows your current address.

2.  At least enough money to cover an application fee and a deposit to hold the suite or security deposit if you plan to move in right away.

3.  Pay stubs for at least the past three or four months.  If you have yet to receive payment from your employer, bring a job offer letter that includes the amount of money you will be paid.

4.  Utility bill or other documents that show you are current on bills and paid off/settled debts ie.) bankruptcy discharge.  Sometimes conducting a background check will reveal that a potential renter has past issues that might hinder him or her from renting.

It helps to call the company you are interested in renting from to see if there is anything else you might need in case you decide to do business.