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Don't Get Put Out in the Cold - Pay Rent, Keep Apartment Clean and Orderly, Follow the Rules

You never know when management might come around looking at your exterior, posting a 24 hour notice on your door to inspect, or stopping by because a neighbor has complained about something.  So if your apartment is unclean and not visually appealing and other rules are broken, you just might be putting yourself and/or family at risk of receiving a notice to vacate within 60 days (or less depending on the state you live in).

When the seasons become cooler, it can be difficult to find an available apartment.  Most people do not move during colder months.  So if you are a renter who has received a dreaded notice in the middle of the coldest month of the year, you are going to be quite angry.  It is always best to work with management and get all necessary issues addressed before a "pay or quit" or some other notice is posted on your door.

Ask yourself the following:

1.  Are you often loud with music, walking, talking, parties, etc.?
2.  Are children causing problems?
3.  Do you find that you are receiving many notices about your conduct?
4.  Are you frequently behind in rent?
5.  Do you bother to clean your apartment?  Is there an insect problem as a result?
6.  Have you contacted management about broken appliances, leaky pipes, etc.?

Sometimes renters will let a unit run down without the slightest complaint to management until they receive a notice about their conduct.  Others will ignore late rent letters while hoping to stay in their dwellings.  When small issues become major ones, problem residents will list complaints to corporate and/or community managers and threaten to sue.  But you don't have much of a case, when one is responsible for not doing things like: paying rent on time, breaking rules, failing to supervise children, etc.  Communicate with management as soon as you can before it's too late.

Nicholl McGuire

 

The New Neighbors - The Ups and Downs

You don't know them, but they seem to be okay.  The new neighbors.  Everyone has had their share of stories about those strangers who move into the community.  They either mind their own business, mind yours, or cause problems.  Sometimes they are simply nice people that wave or say, "Hello" and that's it.  But whoever they are, you can be nice to strangers.

One issue that tends to arise are those busybody residents who tend to be loud, a bit too friendly, and ask to borrow some things.  New neighbors might be put off with them and so there will be some tension in the air.  Little things can turn into big things quickly.  Making new people feel welcome; instead of unwelcome, will ease some of the stress for all.  A simple exchange about the community, a story about a bad neighbor, and other useful information will help people adjust.

If your neighbor is not familiar with some rules, you can always post a note, a copy of the rental policies or speak with management, but whatever you do, don't let annoying behavior turn into a major ordeal.  Remember everyone deserves to live in peace!

Nicholl McGuire not only offers tips about her experience in the property management industry, but she also runs a small virtual assistant business part-time here. 

20 Signs Sticking It Out at a Property Might Not Be a Good Idea

Sometimes apartment management and staff just don't have a clue how irritating it can be to keep having to call, confront, and cry about a situation that just isn't being addressed.  As we all know, once you reach a point of anger, it is difficult to ever feel good about a person, place or thing again.  Therefore, small issues become big ones and before long someone is threatening to sue. 

If you are a resident of a poorly-run community and can't seem to get the company's attention with a simple phone call, office visit, or letter then maybe putting your money in escrow might help.  Do consult with a real estate attorney about this before you do it.  However, if the lease is almost up, consider going month-to-month until you can find a better place.  Remember to give a 30 or 60 day notice with management, but check your lease because timeframes vary with many companies.

Issues that will grow into bigger ones causing you and others to run away, especially if one is experiencing all of these:

1.  Unreasonable increases in rent. 
2.  Slow and unskilled maintenance workers.
3.  Weird odors that never seem to go away.
4.  Inconsistent or short office hours.
5.  Rude and/or lazy management and staff i.e.) don't smile, return phone calls, impatient, etc.
6.  Insect problems.
7.  Dirty common areas.
8.  Unruly children.
9.  Strangers using facilities i.e.) laundry room, pool areas, etc.
10.  Robberies and other crime.
11.  Worn carpets.
12.  Air conditioning or heating units that don't work properly.
13.  Problematic kitchen cabinets and drawers, doors, etc.
14.  Residents who break the rules, no consequences.
15.  Outdated amenities i.e.) stoves, refrigerators, countertops, faucets, tubs, shower doors, etc.
16.  Pet noise and waste.
17.  Garbage area pile-ups.
18.  Frequent misplaced or lost packages.
19.  Inoperable gym equipment.
20.  Smokers who stand in breezeways, in front of neighbor's door ways...smoking.

People don't stay where they don't feel at peace.  The community manager and staff's responsibility is to ensure their residents' comfort.  If more people would quit settling for simple issues that could easily be fixed, maybe property management companies would step it up.  Check housing laws usually provided by your local housing rights office and also review your lease.

Nicholl McGuire, former apartment community manager and leasing consultant.


 

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