Looking for an apartment today?

For years, this blog has been active when it comes to apartment shopping, advice, and assistance with rental housing.  Take a moment to scroll around and you will find rental information you may not have thought of when it comes to apartment and housing rentals.

A thought comes to mind when I think of first time apartment and home renters.  One thing is for sure, if a landlord, community manager, or leasing consultant knows that you have money in hand and desperate to rent a residence, he or she is most likely going to be more pushy about getting you to put up some money and even sign a lease then a person who isn't prepared to rent.  It is always best to keep what you have or don't have to yourself.  Avoid saying things like:

1.  I just got my tax refund so I am looking to sign a lease today if the price is right.
2.  My dad and mom will help me with the money, I just need to find a place right now.
3.  I don't have much money, but this place is sure nice.
4.  My husband has a good job so money isn't a problem.
5.  I need a place like yesterday, what do you have?
6.  I don't really know what I want...I mean I've been to a lot of places...yours seems okay.
7.  I just got out of a bad relationship, my kids are complaining about the place we are in...I'm broke.

A professional might talk you into getting a loan, borrowing money from a relative, tell you how the rentals are going fast, get you to put some money down on a place even when you need money right now for other things, persuade you into getting a suite that you don't really like because it is cheaper, and he or she might even offer an incentive just so that you will feel obligated to lease.

Take your time when shopping for rental housing.  Always say, "Thank you, but I have some other things to do, I will think about it.  I don't like to make any hasty decisions."  Of course, the professional will follow with something clever to your rebuttal, but keep walking out the door.

Sometimes an application might not be given when requested, this is so that you will come back.  The manager might request money to hold the place.  You might even be talked into bringing the person back you plan on borrowing money from.  Don't cause family conflict by saying, "Yes" to anything that parents, a partner or roommate might not agree with you about.

Apartment shopping is like window shopping, you aren't buying anything.  You are just taking the time to discover what is out there, learn more about the unit, the community and surrounding neighborhood.

Visit the area more than once.  Stop by the community on days when people aren't working.  Listen and watch for signs that the apartment suite is indeed quiet, comfortable and to your liking.  Hard to rent apartments and other housing will feel like they are being pushed on you by staff.  When visiting the place, attention will be taken away from the noise of neighbors, the worn out fixtures, unsightly ceiling and flooring, what is hiding in cabinets, etc.  Trust your eyeballs, your nose, and all other senses when you apartment shop today.

To your success,

Nicholl McGuire

Move In Specials, Too Good to Be True Apartment Rental Advertising

It's springtime and you know what that means, more ads will be out for apartment and house rentals.  There will also be those "too good to be true" ones too.  Some will look something like this:


1.  "Three months rent for free!"


2.  "Pay just $100 to move-in!"


3.  "We pay your first month of rent free!"


4.  "Bad credit, no problem!"


5.  "Beautiful, spacious apartment, walk-in closets, nice view...must see!  Application fee waived, two months rent free, utilities included, free gift card if sign up during first visit..."


After you see promotions like this, there isn't anything wrong with asking, "Okay what's up with the place?"  Consider the following:


1. Noise (freeway nearby, main road for fire, police and ambulance, barking dogs...)
2. Insects and rodents (hard to kill, every now and then like to come out and say "hi")
3. High turn-over (corporate isn't doing their jobs, staff position openings, residents dissatisfied)
4. Nearby construction (dirt, dust, noise)
5. Drug and alcohol businesses (addicts frequent the area, homeless might also be around)
6. Old, unsightly looking building (Would you bring your family and friends there?)
7. Poor, unruly residents and many children
8. Frequent maintenance problems
9.  Bad telephone, cable or internet service in the area
10. Small bedrooms, closets and no special amenities


Now there are those apartment buildings and homes that have nothing wrong with them and management just might be feeling generous.  Be sure you ask questions before wasting valuable time going out to see the place.  Suggestions are: When was the building constructed and are there any upgrades?  How close is the local police and fire station?  How often does pest control come out to your property?  Do you have any job openings, what is your manager's name, is there a corporate headquarters?  Also, look up the location online including where the fire, police and hospitals are and check out the neighborhood.


Happy apartment hunting!


Nicholl McGuire also maintains Work Place Problems blog, here. 

Document Everything - When Things Get Worse Instead of Better - Apartment Living

You spoke with the landlord, you talked with neighbors and still no resolve.  You are angered that someone or something continues to happen.  Now is the time to start documenting everything, and if need be, take photos.

1.  Notice patterns when certain things occur.  Note whether they happen day or night, include times, and look for other things that are worth mentioning if the issue(s) end up in court.

2.  Set up recording devices if the issues are happening inside your unit.

3.  Take photos of all things related to your troubles.

4.  Ask a trustworthy neighbor to watch out for things that are troubling.

5.  Write down what neighbors say about the problems.  Note dates and times you interviewed with them.  Keep in mind, there will be those neighbors who don't want to rock any boats, so don't mention what you are doing to them.

6.  Get the police, health department, building inspectors, code enforcement, and others involved if you feel your safety is at risk.

Using your best judgment when it comes to apartment maintenance, noise, unresponsive landlords, neighbor issues, and more can be beneficial, but do keep in mind that troublesome individuals don't like to be reported.  So do make plans to move if your conditions are unbearable and also consult with an attorney and your local Housing Rights office.

Nicholl McGuire

Landlord & Tenant: What to do in Court (Tips and Information)

Chicago Landlord Tenant Laws for Notice of Landlord Entry to show apartment