I started to notice the influx of insects and rodents coming in homes during the latter part of August, September and October especially spiders. Residents don't often think of the bugs and rodents until they show up in number. It is never too late to start safeguarding your home especially during those times when the weather is temporarily great, but then makes a major shift back to cold.
Look around your home where insects and rodents might potentially hide. Under refrigerators, behind furniture near heating vents, and in cabinets near floors are cozy places for them to experience a bit of warmth, comfort and food. Store edibles in higher cabinets and on shelves. Clean underneath and behind furniture periodically. Notice trails of rodent droppings (typically black in color and very small) and also spider webs.
Stock up on insect spray and bait, mouse traps, bait, and repellents before things get out of control. Take trash out and clean dishes often. Sweep and mop flooring at least two or three times a week especially if you have a lot of food preparation going on in the kitchen and entertaining in the living and dining room areas. Seal food well and don't leave it out overnight. Clean counter-tops and cabinets well with a disinfectant particularly when there are spills.
A common problem that residents make is leaving front and patio doors open without closing screens securely. Mice will find their way in wherever there is an opening. They also don't bother to report holes around their apartments including under the sink or cracks along floors, baseboards, and other places. Fireplaces aren't closed when not in use and neither are windows without screens either. So it isn't any wonder that visitors come in and stay for awhile.
Take precautions and do your part to ensure that your home is insect and mice free! You can call the leasing office at your location or landlord to make arrangements for pest control to spray your place.
Have a pest-free fall season!
Nicholl McGuire
Thursday
What to Expect After Filling out a Rental Application
Since there are rules in every state, do check out what are
the requirements in yours. This post
provides a general list of what to expect after you turn over your application
to a property manager or leasing consultant.
Every rental application will have an app fee. Anyone 18 and older is required to fill out an application even if they will not be paying rent. Sometimes a property management company may waive it if conducting a special. Rental applications will also require all pertinent information to be filled out such as:
Full name
Address
Birth Date
Driver’s license information
Social Security or other government-issued photo identification that shows a lawful presence in theUnited States
Employment and other income sources
Once the applicant turns in the form along with the fee, if not waived, to the leasing professional the following will occur.
The company will use a third party source to conduct screenings to see if the applicant qualifies.
Credit Screening
Unsatisfactory credit report
Excessive collection accounts including utilities
Applicants who have more negative than positive credit history
Bankruptcy (regardless of discharge) or repossession.
Rental housing evictions and collections.
Unresolved tax liens.
An additional security deposit may be required or a co-signer may be requested depending on what is found on the credit report.
Criminal History Screening
All convictions do not result in an automatic denial of an application or lease renewal. However, the following will be reviewed:
Sexual crimes
Physical crimes
Financial crimes
Terrorism
Wanted Fugitives
The application process should be easy. Meeting rental criteria is mandatory. Property management companies are well aware of Fair Housing Laws. If you should feel you are being discriminated against despite meeting the criteria, contact your local Fair Housing Rights Office and file a complaint immediately.
Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of many nonfiction books located on Amazon.
Every rental application will have an app fee. Anyone 18 and older is required to fill out an application even if they will not be paying rent. Sometimes a property management company may waive it if conducting a special. Rental applications will also require all pertinent information to be filled out such as:
Full name Address
Birth Date
Driver’s license information
Social Security or other government-issued photo identification that shows a lawful presence in the
Employment and other income sources
Once the applicant turns in the form along with the fee, if not waived, to the leasing professional the following will occur.
The company will use a third party source to conduct screenings to see if the applicant qualifies.
Credit Screening
Unsatisfactory credit report
Excessive collection accounts including utilities
Applicants who have more negative than positive credit history
Bankruptcy (regardless of discharge) or repossession.
Rental housing evictions and collections.
Unresolved tax liens.
An additional security deposit may be required or a co-signer may be requested depending on what is found on the credit report.
Criminal History Screening
All convictions do not result in an automatic denial of an application or lease renewal. However, the following will be reviewed:
Sexual crimes
Physical crimes
Financial crimes
Terrorism
Wanted Fugitives
The application process should be easy. Meeting rental criteria is mandatory. Property management companies are well aware of Fair Housing Laws. If you should feel you are being discriminated against despite meeting the criteria, contact your local Fair Housing Rights Office and file a complaint immediately.
Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of many nonfiction books located on Amazon.
Sunday
Other Apartment Rental Fees: Why Pay a Rental Application Fee?
When you have visited so many properties, those application
fees can add up quickly! This is why it
is better to order your credit report in advance and know what it has on
it. Clear up any discrepancies and then
place an application only with the property you like the most. All others are best left on the “just in
case” list. Basically, you are putting
those properties aside if you can’t for some reason qualify for the one you
like the most.
Most properties require a set amount of money to be earned each month in order to income qualify. Usually you know whether you will meet qualifications or not without paying an app fee simply by asking for and reading the rental criteria at each property. Once you are ready to fill out a rental application at your favorite place, then you pay the app fee not just for yourself, but anyone staying with you over the age of 18. Occupants will also need a credit and criminal background check as well.
When you have visited so many properties, those application fees can add up quickly! This is why it is better to order your credit report in advance and know what it has on it. Clear up any discrepancies and then place an application only with the property you like the most. All others are best left on the “just in case” list. Basically, you are putting those properties aside if you can’t for some reason qualify for the one you like the most.
Most properties require a set amount of money to be earned each month in order to income qualify. Usually you know whether you will meet qualifications or not without paying an app fee simply by asking for and reading the rental criteria at each property. Once you are ready to fill out a rental application at your favorite place, then you pay the app fee not just for yourself, but anyone staying with you over the age of 18. Occupants will also need a credit and criminal background check as well.
The fee is usually paid via money order or cashier check if there is no debit or credit card reader on site. Checks are usually not accepted since it takes awhile for them to clear. Cash is typically not accepted due to security reasons.
The rental application fee is used to cover the costs of the credit report and background check. If most of the information comes back positive, you are approved and then any additional fees owed will be calculated. If there are no rental specials, those fees might include:
Administrative Fee
Security Deposit
Prorated Rent (if you are moving during the middle of the month)
1st Month Rent
All are due upon move-in. Other fees renters will incur over the duration of the lease may include:
Water, Sewer and Trash
Electricity and Gas
The lease should list all of what the renter pays for.
As you see the application fee is the start of other fees ahead. However, it is very important to pay this fee if one wants to be considered for an apartment. You can always ask if this fee could be waived. The fee is usually paid via money order or cashier check if there is no debit or credit card reader on site. Checks are usually not accepted since it takes awhile for them to clear. Cash is typically not accepted due to security reasons.
Happy Apartment Shopping!
Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?
Most properties require a set amount of money to be earned each month in order to income qualify. Usually you know whether you will meet qualifications or not without paying an app fee simply by asking for and reading the rental criteria at each property. Once you are ready to fill out a rental application at your favorite place, then you pay the app fee not just for yourself, but anyone staying with you over the age of 18. Occupants will also need a credit and criminal background check as well.
When you have visited so many properties, those application fees can add up quickly! This is why it is better to order your credit report in advance and know what it has on it. Clear up any discrepancies and then place an application only with the property you like the most. All others are best left on the “just in case” list. Basically, you are putting those properties aside if you can’t for some reason qualify for the one you like the most.
Most properties require a set amount of money to be earned each month in order to income qualify. Usually you know whether you will meet qualifications or not without paying an app fee simply by asking for and reading the rental criteria at each property. Once you are ready to fill out a rental application at your favorite place, then you pay the app fee not just for yourself, but anyone staying with you over the age of 18. Occupants will also need a credit and criminal background check as well.
The fee is usually paid via money order or cashier check if there is no debit or credit card reader on site. Checks are usually not accepted since it takes awhile for them to clear. Cash is typically not accepted due to security reasons.
The rental application fee is used to cover the costs of the credit report and background check. If most of the information comes back positive, you are approved and then any additional fees owed will be calculated. If there are no rental specials, those fees might include:
Administrative Fee
Security Deposit
Prorated Rent (if you are moving during the middle of the month)
1st Month Rent
All are due upon move-in. Other fees renters will incur over the duration of the lease may include:
Water, Sewer and Trash
Electricity and Gas
The lease should list all of what the renter pays for.
As you see the application fee is the start of other fees ahead. However, it is very important to pay this fee if one wants to be considered for an apartment. You can always ask if this fee could be waived. The fee is usually paid via money order or cashier check if there is no debit or credit card reader on site. Checks are usually not accepted since it takes awhile for them to clear. Cash is typically not accepted due to security reasons.
Happy Apartment Shopping!
Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?
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