What to Do When You Have Problems Paying Rent

A situation has occurred in your life that has left you almost penniless. You thought by the time rent was due you would be able to pay it, but unfortunately you don't have the money. What do you do when you can't pay the rent?

The biggest mistake apartment renters make when they are in this position is to not let the apartment manager know as soon as it happens. Waiting until days before the rent is due will only add more misery to your situation. Apartment managers need time to accommodate you and if they don't have the time, it makes it even harder for you to get what you want. The time they need is important depending on what they are willing to negotiate with you. They may want to advertise the apartment, move someone else in who may be on a waiting list or any number of other reasons. There are also company policies for when a tenant gives notice to move out.

Let's say you found out your job will be dismissing employees in March, and you may be one of the people they let go, besides looking for a job, you should be checking your lease. Somewhere in your rental contract should be information on what will happen if you can't pay your rent or if it is late.

Some rental agreements may allow you to be dismissed from the contract if you receive a new job 100 miles away, have to leave due to military duties or if the primary lease holder leaves the apartment. Know what your lease says, before you visit the manager's office. Also, check to see what are the penalties if you are late with rent? Not paying on time might lead to a negative on your credit report, late fees and even an eviction. Find out how much more you will have to pay each day that it is late. How long do you have to pay the balance? Can you arrange a payment plan with management? Be prepared to discuss these questions with the apartment manager as soon as you know you can't pay the rent.

Don't pay rent and late fees with a bounced check. Some landlords will waive (forgive) the late fee if there is a good reason for the rent being late, and if you are a responsible tenant. Paying the rent with a check knowing you have no money in the bank will cause more problems for you. A dishonored or bounced check is charged to the landlord; therefore, he or she will pass on a service charge to you. However, he or she cannot charge you a returned check fee if it is not stated in the lease agreement.

Partial rent payment may be acceptable. You may consider paying part of the rent; yet if you choose to do this, your landlord may accept it and still give you an eviction notice. If the landlord is willing to accept partial rent and provide you with extra time to pay the balance, be sure your agreement is in writing. The written agreement should state the amount of rent you paid, the date due when the rest of the money should be paid, the amount of any late fees, and the landlord's agreement not to evict you if you pay the amount due by that date. Both of you should sign the agreement. This type of agreement is legally binding.

Security deposit can't be used for payment. If you are thinking of using your security deposit to pay the rent, think again. The landlord will not use your security deposit to pay the rent since the deposit is used for damages and repairs to the apartment. Check your lease agreement for details.

Subleasing may be forbidden. Some renters will attempt to move someone else in the suite, not a good idea. Review your lease on subleasing. Most contracts do not allow you to sublet an apartment. Since most companies will do background checks on whose moving in their apartment community, the person you are considering to move in the apartment will have to be checked, their income must be verified and all parties moving in must sign the lease contract just as you did. If management should find out this is what you have done, your relative or friend will be evicted immediately. Your credit rating will be negatively affected and you may have to undergo an appearance in court resulting in more fees to pay. This arrangement is simply not worth it!

Move out notice. If you should decide to move out, whether your lease is for a year or month to month, know you must give proper notice. You will not be released from either type of contract if you are planning to move out without giving proper notice. The notice should be at least 30 days before you move. Some apartment managers may allow you to end your term early if they can rent out your apartment quickly given the nature of your problem. Some landlords may end a tenancy early and give you a 30 or 60 day notice if you have lived in the rental unit less than a year, the landlord has contracted to sell the rental unit, or other reasons you will have to check with your state's department of consumer affairs office.

Once you have made an arrangement with the landlord to move out, you will have to be sure the entire apartment is clean in order to receive your security deposit. However, the landlord may keep it, so be sure you ask whether moving out early will affect receiving your security deposit. If it doesn't and you are still entitled to get it, be sure all nail holes in walls are filled, damages repaired, leaks are reported to maintenance and appliances work, light bulbs are not blown out in fixtures, and the carpet is cleaned professionally with a receipt of proof given to the management. If you are planning to use the deposit for another apartment, consider this, your security deposit will not come to you the same day you move out you will have to wait at least a month before it is returned to you.

In summary, your best option when you know you can't pay the rent is to review the lease, know the tenant's rights in your state, and notify the landlord as soon as it happens and hopefully he or she will be able to accept a payment arrangement or allow you to break your lease without penalty.

By N. McGuire

How to Find Lowest Prices When Decorating Apartment

You need to add a little life to a drab looking apartment or town home, but you have little money to do it. You may have received the overpriced catalogs in the mail with the pretty pictures tempting you to decorate on borrowed money. How do you get started with very little money and time?

Make time to read about low cost apartment decorating and/or watch television programs for tips.

The more knowledge you receive when it comes to apartment or town home decorating, the easier it will be for you to come up with a simple plan that usually includes the following when decorating: great lighting, interesting art and novelty items, window treatments, and useful furniture. However, too much researching and you just might get a headache!

You may be indecisive when it comes to colors and themes for your apartment or town home, but don't be. A great way to eliminate your confusion would be to check the prices of items you like then check your bank account. For example, you see an image of palm trees you really like, so you might concentrate on the color scheme then look for things that center on the image. You may find a couple of pictures with palm trees, a small area rug, or a few decorative mugs. Now you have some items to include in a certain part of your home to get you started. However, don't do like some people just keep stockpiling on the same image, find related things that may go along with your image such as: an island, tropical birds, a hotel or plane image. Before long you have a vacation theme for some place in your home. Keep thinking of other interests.

Review what you already have in your apartment or town home that you aren't using or haven't used for a long time.

Sometimes we have things in our possession that could be revived if we just get them fixed, painted, or upgraded. You may have a broken treasure, but haven't used it because you haven't gotten around to placing an order or shopping for a part. Try doing that first before buying something new. When you are ready to part with it, sell the item (making sure you list what is wrong with it) then take monies received and put them toward your apartment decorating fund (you do have a budget, right?)

Ask and you shall receive (or maybe not) what you need from a relative or friend.

Some things you simply don't want to spend your cash on if you can help it. The trick to purchasing decor for your apartment or town home is to get as much stuff as you can for little money. Those little things like cups, wine glasses, or novelty items you want to decorate a shelf or space in your corner, might be given to you if only you would ask. So make the time to hang out with a relative or friend who has been wanting you to come around and see what they might be willing to give you.

Make a list of necessities items, then add how much you are willing to spend on them.

When you have a very limited budget, you don't want to go into any store or shop online without a list. Ask yourself, “What do I really need? What will be used almost daily? What will make me feel comfortable in my new living space?” Without a budget, you will find yourself impulse shopping, experiencing buyer's remorse and running up your credit card.

Check local ads for yard sales, estate sales, and/or flea markets for any goods you don't mind buying used or refurbished.

People on the side of the road selling their wares, a local rummage sale or an invite to a flea market, are all great places to find some affordable décor. Don't let pride or ego get in the way! You will often see some of the best interior decorators on TV going to these places to find interesting pieces of art work and novelty items.

Visit local stores including discount and thrift stores.

Although slightly priced higher then going to a home owner's yard sale, discount and thrift stores are great places to find all sorts of book shelves, small tables and chairs, glass art, cups, and wall pictures.

When buying new products, research the latest local circulars first.

Why waste gas shopping at different stores? Find out who has a sale on the items you want. For instance, maybe you are in need of a dresser for your bedroom. You don't want to visit any store without knowing what discounts they are offering. If your store isn't advertising any specials in circulars, why not call them?

Remember the sales clerk hopes you visit the store so that they can get you to spend as much money as you can buying their goods. Keep in mind, he or she is already prepared to get you to sign up for a credit card and purchase the most expensive item you most likely can't afford. Avoid the pressure before visiting the store, do two things: know exactly what you want and research for the lowest price possible!

Avoid partnering with a relative or friend who is eager to get you to spend more money.

Why should they care that you have other bills? Your “big spender” relative or friend is going with you to the store for a good experience and helping you watch your budget is not in the plan. Too often shoppers take someone with them to make a major purchase who isn't very good at helping them make wise decisions. This person may or may not have your best interests in mind. Sometimes people tend to forget that they aren't shopping for themselves, so they suggest items they would buy, but not necessarily what you would buy. Use caution when bringing someone along. One way to keep from spending more money on merchandise then you intend to pay is to let the relative or friend know in advance what you want and ask them to hold you accountable for your budget.

Shop the Internet only if you have found the price lower and/or can't find your product elsewhere, and always avoid paying shipping and handling costs.

Notice Internet shopping is listed as the last thing to do when shopping for home décor for your apartment or town home. The reason for this is simple, items usually cost more online once you factor in shipping and handling charges and local sales tax. Let's say you visit a website for a nice framed poster you could quite possibly find offline if you take your time, the site claims “free shipping,” but upon closer inspection you notice that just about every item on the site seems to be a tad bit overpriced. They are more expensive, because the seller figured out a way to camouflage the shipping and handling charges in the price—click off sites like these! If you must have a poster with a certain scene, entertainer, or symbol, look for something similar offline for cheaper.

Once you have made your list of items that you need for your home, visited various offline stores, thrift stores, yard sales and other places, consider what more you might need. You might find a great sale on much needed merchandise at the right time! Enjoy your shopping experiences!

How to Pack and Move with Children

Do you need to move, but you don't have anyone who can watch your children? Well, it doesn't have to be the end of the world if you plan your move right! Much can be accomplished in little time, if you know how to organize.

One. Create a list of things you must do related to the move.

Include things on your list like: pick up boxes, buy tape, purchase a few pair of scissors, black markers, packing foam or bubble wrap. (Buying extra is helpful in case you or your children misplace any of your items which can be a headache trying to find.) Sometimes it is easier to get a co-worker or friend to help you get these items then to get them to watch your children, so ask someone to do a few errands for you like pick up boxes.

Two. Take several large empty boxes, label each, and set up in each room you will be packing.

Be sure you label boxes with words like: "children's room (toys), bedroom, living-room, hall closet, bathroom" in large letters on each box so that items will be easy to find later. Important items should be written small or abbreviated to help you find them. When you have boxes already started in each room, it gives you a good idea how many more you will need and also helps keep you organized.

Three. Explain to children what you will be doing with the boxes.

When parents take time to explain to children what is going on in their environment it makes things easier for them to understand. You may want to let them play with a box or two. When you are ready to pack some of their items, give younger children a few small tasks to do to make them feel good about helping.

Four. When packing up the children's room, leave the most entertaining items out up until the night before.

If you pack up the children's favorite items to soon before the move out date, you will find the children will frequently nag you about those items putting you in a position to have to unpack boxes you just packed. So try to leave out their treasured items and those that aren't favored so much. Explain to them they will see their toys again at your new residence.

Five. Block off areas that may be hazardous to children.

Places where you are packing, cutting tape and using scissors, should not be frequented by children. You can use safety gates, packed boxes, and furniture to block off these spaces or simply put a safety gate in front of an open bedroom door or living-room space.

Six. Utilize outdoor space to keep children occupied such as a patio or backyard.

These places are very helpful when a parent is busy cleaning and organizing in the home and doesn't want the children running around from room to room. However, be forewarned that siblings will fight with one another if they are forced to stay in any area together for a long time. So you may want to rotate each child around such as having one child seated in front of a computer playing children's games, the other in the kid's room alone with the toys and the other out on the patio riding his/her bike and throwing a ball around.

Seven. Feed children and diaper babies BEFORE you begin any task.

A child won't bother you as much if his or her belly is well-fed with food and drink, so be sure you have their basic needs handled. Leave snacks out after an hour or two has passed. Try to pick food items that you will not have to worry over the children making a big mess. Avoid giving them open cups. This too will prevent unnecessary accidents.

Eight. Take advantage of nap time and offers to take the children out.

While the children are away, pack up the majority of the items in their room. Leave out enough clothes, toys and movies that will keep them occupied until your move out date. Pack toiletries and remaining items in a suitcase and/or leftover boxes the night before the move. This way it is easy to find diapers, wipes, toothpaste, lotion, etc.

Nine. Keep children out of the movers way at all times.

To ensure that you have a smooth move on moving day, be sure the children are out of the movers’ way. They don't want to accidentally bump your children and you don't want to become irritated with them because of it, so keep them out of the way by either putting them on the patio or some other play area, keeping them in their room until the movers need to come and get their things, or sit in the car or truck with them while they watch a DVD, work on an activity and/or play a game.

Ten. Instruct movers to put children's items in their room rather than in another place of your new residence.

If movers are not given specific instructions for boxes, they will pile them all in the living-room. You will want all your items placed in the right rooms. If you labeled each box prior to the move, there shouldn't be any problem for the movers placing your boxes in the appropriate rooms and no problem for you finding most items. Once most of the children's items are removed from the truck, be sure you begin unpacking a box or two of your child's first so that they can occupy themselves in their new room. This way they are not playing in the way of the movers.

Planning a move with children doesn't have to be complicated, if you remember the following: tend to their needs before you begin any project, block them off from areas you will be working, use toys, and TV to babysit when you have no one else who can help, and while the children are napping or away, get the most important tasks completed such as packing their room without interruption.

10 Things to Do Before Moving Out of Apartment, Town Home

The time has come for you to start planning your move from an old apartment or town home to a new one, but you haven't bothered to notify a property owner or landlord of your move just yet. There are some things you may want to consider before moving especially if you want to maintain a good relationship with the landlord or property owner.

One. Report maintenance issues such as leaks, electrical problems and non-working equipment.

When you contact the property owner about ongoing problems in the apartment, he or she will not be able to assume you caused damage to the unit. For instance, a soft spot on a shelf or ceiling that eventually turns into a hole may be caused by a water leak. Also, mold issues may arise causing more damage.

Two. List issues that were not addressed by landlord prior to move.

You may have told the landlord about a number of problems and he or she may have promised to handle them, but never did. Note the date and/or time you contacted him or her and what was said.

Three. Notify landlord at least thirty-days in advance that you will be moving.

The more days in advance of a move you tell the landlord, the better. You won't have to worry over unnecessary fees for not letting her or him know in advance. You also have a right to decline your apartment be shown until you move out, so if there is nothing in the lease that you signed requiring you to show the apartment, don't worry about it. However, do remind the landlord that while you are living there, you don't want your apartment to be shown.

Four. Get your new mailing address and cancel delivery of mail and newspaper.

Sometimes people fail to forward their mail creating problems for residents who may be living in the suite after them. Avoid chasing the mail man and the newspaper boy, change your mailing address with the post office and with the companies you do business at least a week prior to your move out date.

Five. Arrange to transfer all utilities back to property owner prior to move.

You don't want to have utilities turn off too soon prior to moving out, but not too late either which may also cause problems for the owner or preceding resident.

Six. Schedule a move-out inspection before moving, so that the property owner can communicate concerns and you can fix anything you broke.

This is very important especially if you know you damaged something and might need to get an estimate. Don't rely on the property manager to be fair about damages to the unit. Have him or her note the problems while you get someone to fix them before you leave; otherwise, you will get less of your security deposit than you expect.

Seven. Clean unit.

Every individual has their own version of what they consider is clean. The best way to determine what to leave clean in the apartment is to look around. Do you see crumbs on the floor, counter tops, and refrigerator, grease in and on the stove, stains on the toilet, carpet, and walls? If so, the apartment is not considered clean. However, if you do clean the apartment, a landlord may still take out of your security deposit carpet cleaning charges and other cleaning fees if you don't produce paperwork that shows that the unit has been professionally cleaned. Most often, do-it-yourself cleaning is not clean enough.

Eight. Take pictures of rooms of apartment or town home.

After you have made repairs and cleaned the unit, you will take pictures of every visible flaw that you may think might be an issue. If it was there before you arrived, take a picture. If you caused the visible defect, take a picture. If you think that it might be a problem for the next resident, take a picture.

Nine. Schedule a final move out walk-through.

When the time comes to take the property owner or a member of the leasing staff on a tour of your clean suite, you will want to point out the problems that were not addressed by management and the cosmetic defects so as not to be charged. You will also want to ask about any charges you may incur. Some property management companies have a price list of how much damages cost.

Ten. Ask when to expect remainder of security deposit.

Although you may already know when to expect your refund, ask anyway. This way you have confirmation from the owner or staff person. Note who told you when you will get your security deposit and also if the company has a corporate office do get the phone number. Then when the time comes to expect your security deposit to arrive in the mail and it doesn't, you can take up your complaint with the right people.

These ten points will help you maintain a good reputation with your old landlord in the event you may need him or her in the future.

N. McGuire

How to Save Money When Preparing to Move into Apartment, Town Home

You need to move and you don't know how to go about doing it quickly while saving up enough money to move, so what do you do? Sometimes people delay their relocating only to find out they could have long moved had they not spent so much money on the latest gadgets, the extracurricular activities for the children, and gift-buying. You will need to have time, patience and dedication to make your move happen and fast!

One. Calculate how much money you can save by reviewing current bills you are paying and then calculating what you have leftover.

When seeking a new place to live, the first question a Realtor usually asks is, “When are you looking to move?” The next is, “What are your preferences?” Both of these questions can best be answered when you know how much money is in the bank. If you know you only have $100 left after every paycheck, then of course you can't move next week. So you will have to cut your expenses in order to increase the amount of money leftover from your paycheck so that you have first month's rent and a security deposit or a down payment on a home. You will also need to set aside a time frame to reach your financial goal.

Two. Avoid gift buying, impulse shopping, and programs with recurring fees.

Everyone who has had to move in record time, knows that all the fun stuff is non-existent. Sometimes people have gone without meat, cable, cell phones, and other luxuries to save for a move. Plan to give up some fun things and cut out the family activities temporarily that keep eating a hole in your wallet each pay.

Three. Sell things you no longer need.

Visit each room and interview your family. What could you sell to fund your move? Do you really need two to three cars, five TVs, baby items and boxes of toys, collectibles you no longer enjoy, and endless clothes and shoes. Put a family member to work to sort, another to take photographs, and another to sell items on eBay or at a local flea market/swap meet.

Four. Talk with people who have recently moved to find out about any deals or bargains they received on movers, a moving truck, and boxes.

Maybe you know someone who bragged about an inexpensive move. He or she might be able to help. You may also want to conduct your own research. Check your local ads.

Five. Talk with anyone who owes you money.

Sometimes we forget about individuals and businesses who were suppose to be paying us some money for services rendered or promised refunds. Whatever the case, visit some of those old websites to see if you have money due you and call up relatives and friends mentioning your move and the need for your money.

Six. Review any bank accounts that have money in them and transfer those monies into an account specifically designated for moving expenses.

Some people have two or three bank accounts with a little money sprinkled here and there. Combine all the monies into one banking account that you will use to pay for your moving expenses.

Eight. Check credit cards for open lines of credit to accommodate for any emergency.

There will be those unexpected, unanticipated expenses that come up while moving. So do be sure that you have enough money open on your credit cards if you should need them to pay for a future emergency. Better yet, if you have a savings specifically for emergencies then you don't need to worry over using your credit cards and having to pay them back later.

Nine. Borrow money from your retirement funds and/or insurance plan.

Maybe you discover that the move is going to cost you a lot more than you originally planned, if this is the case, then you will need to consider increasing the amount of money toward a retirement account with your employer. If your account is a matching fund (that is your employer matches your investment dollar for dollar,) your savings will increase a lot faster and then you will have more money to invest toward your move—just be sure you put the money back after your move! Also, check to see what the penalty is for early withdrawals. You could also meet with your insurance representative to find out the maximum amount you could borrow to meet your moving expenses.

Ten. Take a lunch. Make your own coffee.

Although this last point is simple, so many people avoid doing it. However, when you think of all the money you spend eating out and drinking coffee at some of these establishments, you will notice that the dollars you are spending could best be used toward your moving fund.

Once yo have a working plan to save for your move into that new apartment or town home, do remember to be consistent about saving. Try not to impulse shop and do to communicate with your family about any changes. When you have a good plan for moving, you will be better able to control any problems that may arise. If it becomes too difficult, try to delay your move for as long as possible. That last thing you want to do is cause more problems for you and your family in the future due to money woes.

N. McGuire