When you are living in an apartment unit, things can go wrong! Sometimes it may take days, weeks even months for some owners to get around to fixing something in the unit. The delay usually happens due to an owner's money problems, personal issues, or just because a tenant doesn't take his or her suite seriously enough to report an apartment problem more than once. Sometimes residents don't bother reporting any maintenance issues because they don't want their privacy disturbed. However, the longer you put off the issue the worse it will get and unfortunately in many cases, residents have lost their security deposits because they neglected to report damages they may have caused.
Now there are those issues that residents are not responsible for. Bad managers and owners know this, but will not address problems in the unit because they are hoping to save money. Some may wait around before tending to an issue in the hopes that the resident will go ahead and get it done. Sometimes problems in a unit can worsen and make the residence uninhabitable. So the following is a list of conditions that would make a rental unit legally uninhabitable.
1. Bad waterproofing and weather protection of roof and walls. This would include broken windows and doors.
2. Bad plumbing such as inoperable hot and cold water or no connection to a sewage system.
3. Gas and heating facilities that don't work.
4. Electric systems that are fire hazards such as lighting and equipment that doesn't work or frequently goes out.
5. Unclean buildings, garages, rat and insect feces, and filth.
6. Trash receptacles that are broken or no longer hold garbage.
7. Bad flooring, stairways and railings.
8. Toilets, wash basins, bath tubs and showers that don't work.
9. An inadequate kitchen sink such as a leak or hole in piping.
10. Windows that don't open or allow natural lighting.
11. Inoperable deadbolt locks.
12. Broken or absent smoke detectors.
Always check that these things are taken care of BEFORE you move in. Don't trust property owners to ensure that issues get fixed after you have signed your lease and handed over your money. Also, if you are already living in the suite and a major concern has yet to be addressed, seek legal counsel. No one should have to live in an unfit unit.
Nicholl McGuire
Click on my link to read other work by me at a blog for parents.
Wednesday
What Should You Bring When Shopping for Apartment?
You don't want to miss out on a great apartment, because you don't have the necessary information and documentation that will qualify you to get it. Since every company has different requirements, this blog entry will just cover the basics. Always ask what is expected of applicants before you sign any lease.
1. A valid government photo ID (Driver's Lic., Passport, etc.)
2. Proof of income (pay stubs--usually more than one, bank statements)
3. Social Security Card
4. Application fee
Now if you are a student or new to the state or country, the criteria might be different.
1. A valid government issued ID.
2. Proof of income: Two of the following.
a. A letter or contract from a new employer with a start date and your salary.
b. A government issued I-20 for foreign students.
c. Bank statements--usually more than one. Will need a statement from a bank in the United States for foreign students.
You will also need satisfactory credit history that shows you can meet your future rent payments.
A security deposit will be required. If your credit history is bad, the higher your security deposit.
A positive rental or home ownership history will also help you get the apartment.
The company will do a criminal background and credit check on all applicants 18 and over.
Some applicants will include character references with their paperwork, but it isn't necessary, nor will it "seal the deal" with the property manager since he or she has to report to the owners at the corporate office.
1. A valid government photo ID (Driver's Lic., Passport, etc.)
2. Proof of income (pay stubs--usually more than one, bank statements)
3. Social Security Card
4. Application fee
Now if you are a student or new to the state or country, the criteria might be different.
1. A valid government issued ID.
2. Proof of income: Two of the following.
a. A letter or contract from a new employer with a start date and your salary.
b. A government issued I-20 for foreign students.
c. Bank statements--usually more than one. Will need a statement from a bank in the United States for foreign students.
You will also need satisfactory credit history that shows you can meet your future rent payments.
A security deposit will be required. If your credit history is bad, the higher your security deposit.
A positive rental or home ownership history will also help you get the apartment.
The company will do a criminal background and credit check on all applicants 18 and over.
Some applicants will include character references with their paperwork, but it isn't necessary, nor will it "seal the deal" with the property manager since he or she has to report to the owners at the corporate office.
Thursday
Your Community Manager Always Knows More than She is Letting On
So you have a situation in your building or you need some kind of assistance outside of your community, well consider talking to your community manager or leasing staff where you live. You will be surprised at what these people can help you with.
Sometimes local businesses visit her office monthly with leaflets and packets of useful information that may never reach your doorstep. She may also know of other sister communities that might have units available in case you are looking to move.
Note your concern (always helpful to include dates and times,) take photos (if necessary) before you contact the office with your concern. Then visit the leasing office on site or make a phone call to the property management company that is responsible for your building.
Nicholl McGuire
Watch videos by this writer on other topics here.
Sometimes local businesses visit her office monthly with leaflets and packets of useful information that may never reach your doorstep. She may also know of other sister communities that might have units available in case you are looking to move.
Note your concern (always helpful to include dates and times,) take photos (if necessary) before you contact the office with your concern. Then visit the leasing office on site or make a phone call to the property management company that is responsible for your building.
Nicholl McGuire
Watch videos by this writer on other topics here.
Saturday
A Big Mistake: Moving Into an Incomplete Apartment
So your anxious about moving in. You tell the community manager the date you want to move in the apartment and he/she promises you the apartment will be ready. Unfortunately, you learn the hard way, like so many other renters, that sometimes promises aren't always kept in the apartment industry.
The manager walks you to your new home only to find out that some things in the unit are simply not done! You see outlet covers off the wall, carpet stains, wires hanging out of who knows what, and there is still some painting that needs to be done. The manager is apologizing profusely and you are ready to blow your top because you know in a few days the electricity will be cut off in your old apartment! Uh oh!
This scenario happens more often than you think in the apartment industry. On one hand, you have over anxious apartment renters trying to speed up a move-in process on an unfinished suite that may take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the condition of the unit. Some are left with serious bug problems, electrical problems, pipe leaks, broken appliances, fixtures, and filthy walls and carpets. Then on the other hand, you have over anxious leasing consultants and/or managers who quickly take cash and signatures from future residents while failing to stay on top of maintenance and outside contractors' duties. What an unnecessary headache!
You can avoid the previous scenario if you do just two things: don't sign or drop off cash unless you have seen the ready suite and have walked the suite with the manager or consultant--don't believe promises, believe what you see instead. When a renter is anxious, excited or "just can't wait," mistakes will happen and that's when what once was up comes down quickly in the business relationship. You may want to take a trusted relative or friend with you who isn't as excited about your potential new apartment. He or she most likely will watch out for things that you may overlook due to your excitement.
If you do accept the keys and have handed money over to management and the suite is still not ready, you can ask that your first month's rent be prorated. Basically what this means is rather than pay the full months rent, you are deducted the amount from the total due until you are able to officially move-in. You can also request your first month's rent check back or ask that it isn't deposited until agreed upon maintenance issues are handled prior to move-in. But whatever you do, don't hand over any more money, sign anymore paperwork, or bring any of your items to the apartment when work still needs to be done. Otherwise, maintenance can say that they couldn't complete a job, because your belongings were in the way. You don't want to give them any excuse not to get your apartment ready. Also, if you have already received the keys to your place, take the time to take photos, video and note any significant wear in the unit. Once the apartment is officially prepped, be sure to do a walk-through with management or a leasing consultant.
Nicholl McGuire
The manager walks you to your new home only to find out that some things in the unit are simply not done! You see outlet covers off the wall, carpet stains, wires hanging out of who knows what, and there is still some painting that needs to be done. The manager is apologizing profusely and you are ready to blow your top because you know in a few days the electricity will be cut off in your old apartment! Uh oh!
This scenario happens more often than you think in the apartment industry. On one hand, you have over anxious apartment renters trying to speed up a move-in process on an unfinished suite that may take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the condition of the unit. Some are left with serious bug problems, electrical problems, pipe leaks, broken appliances, fixtures, and filthy walls and carpets. Then on the other hand, you have over anxious leasing consultants and/or managers who quickly take cash and signatures from future residents while failing to stay on top of maintenance and outside contractors' duties. What an unnecessary headache!
You can avoid the previous scenario if you do just two things: don't sign or drop off cash unless you have seen the ready suite and have walked the suite with the manager or consultant--don't believe promises, believe what you see instead. When a renter is anxious, excited or "just can't wait," mistakes will happen and that's when what once was up comes down quickly in the business relationship. You may want to take a trusted relative or friend with you who isn't as excited about your potential new apartment. He or she most likely will watch out for things that you may overlook due to your excitement.
If you do accept the keys and have handed money over to management and the suite is still not ready, you can ask that your first month's rent be prorated. Basically what this means is rather than pay the full months rent, you are deducted the amount from the total due until you are able to officially move-in. You can also request your first month's rent check back or ask that it isn't deposited until agreed upon maintenance issues are handled prior to move-in. But whatever you do, don't hand over any more money, sign anymore paperwork, or bring any of your items to the apartment when work still needs to be done. Otherwise, maintenance can say that they couldn't complete a job, because your belongings were in the way. You don't want to give them any excuse not to get your apartment ready. Also, if you have already received the keys to your place, take the time to take photos, video and note any significant wear in the unit. Once the apartment is officially prepped, be sure to do a walk-through with management or a leasing consultant.
Nicholl McGuire
Monday
Don't Believe the Hype: Apartment Rental Books
The pictures are pretty! The features and amenities are everything that you wished for! Those apartment guide books are so impressive, but what's the catch? If you haven't been asking yourself that, you should! Don't let the pictures fool you!
I have personally come across many properties that looked beautiful, but once I arrived to view them, they were hideous! They forgot to mention the roaches, dead stink bugs, cracked paint, the water damage on the ceilings and walls from a leaky roof, the smelly, worn carpet in the entrance ways, and other things that would make you feel ashamed to bring your relatives over.
The prices aren't that affordable as one would like for you to believe in those rental books either! There are usually a few left at your desired price, but once you arrive, you find out that there are a whole lot more available at a price you don't want to pay.
Be careful of those "too good to be true" deals as well. Why would anyone practically give away an apartment before a resident moves in? "Two months free! No security deposit! Fully furnished with no rent to pay the first month! No security deposit or first months rent!" Huh? You better be asking questions and when you visit, go over that place with a fine tooth comb. Also, check out the neighborhood.
Some alternative places you may consider looking, if you are having zero success with apartment rental books, would be: newspapers--the free ones as well as the paid ones, fliers on college campuses, word of mouth, online social networking, and online classified ads.
Always remember to ask specific questions about the apartment and the community before visiting. Why not also ask people in your social networks as well? Consider using Google maps to check out the neighborhood. Check police blotters (usually printed in newspapers) about the latest activities or conduct online research when checking out the nieighborhoods.
Nicholl McGuire
I have personally come across many properties that looked beautiful, but once I arrived to view them, they were hideous! They forgot to mention the roaches, dead stink bugs, cracked paint, the water damage on the ceilings and walls from a leaky roof, the smelly, worn carpet in the entrance ways, and other things that would make you feel ashamed to bring your relatives over.
The prices aren't that affordable as one would like for you to believe in those rental books either! There are usually a few left at your desired price, but once you arrive, you find out that there are a whole lot more available at a price you don't want to pay.
Be careful of those "too good to be true" deals as well. Why would anyone practically give away an apartment before a resident moves in? "Two months free! No security deposit! Fully furnished with no rent to pay the first month! No security deposit or first months rent!" Huh? You better be asking questions and when you visit, go over that place with a fine tooth comb. Also, check out the neighborhood.
Some alternative places you may consider looking, if you are having zero success with apartment rental books, would be: newspapers--the free ones as well as the paid ones, fliers on college campuses, word of mouth, online social networking, and online classified ads.
Always remember to ask specific questions about the apartment and the community before visiting. Why not also ask people in your social networks as well? Consider using Google maps to check out the neighborhood. Check police blotters (usually printed in newspapers) about the latest activities or conduct online research when checking out the nieighborhoods.
Nicholl McGuire
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