Rent is Due - Avoid the Hassle, Pay as soon as possible

Something that I didn't focus on as much as I do now (mind you over a decade later) money!  I am back as an assistant manager in property management and the focus these days, rent collection!

You see, I didn't have that issue back in the day.  People simply paid their rent and mostly on time.  But these days, we have our share of renters who don't stay on top of rent payments (sigh).

Here's what some of you who rent apartments can do to save yourself a lot of headache in the future especially with the holidays coming up!

1)  You know you can't pay the full amount well in advance, contact your landlord/manager.
Why do that to yourself, mentally worry about the rent?  If you have no way of paying all your rent by deadline, you know what to do, call or stop by the Leasing Office.

2)  Cut your personal spending at least two to four weeks weeks prior to rent being due.  (You really don't need another thing on Amazon when your rent is due like next week.)  There is no one or nothing as important as having a roof over your head.  Stop caring about holidays and gift-giving and pay your rent on time every time!  If you must do it all, consider additional sources of income like a part-time job for starters.

3)  Have a list of helpful resources in case you need assistance paying rent.  Reach out to charities online, support groups, nonprofit organizations and even places that provide rental assistance based on your profession or club association.  Explore those options before calling the office once again saying, "I'll be late with rent..."

4)  Watch your communication with your landlord and neighbors whether online or offline.  Interesting how people want some understanding when they are in a tough situation, yet they will talk disrespectful, complain, and downright act rude.  You never know what connections your landlord might have to help you, it would make sense to be professional and polite, now wouldn't it?

5)  Lastly, if all else fails, start shopping around for a cheaper place to stay.  Some community managers will cut you a break if you must end your lease early.

Things to do to be sure your rent is on time next month:

1) Take a portion of your first check (at least 40% and put it toward the rent in a separate account).  Your second paycheck put aside 60%.

2)  Calculate all utility expenses and set that amount aside each month.  You can get an estimate of what upcoming utilities might be by looking at a ledger that details how much you have paid in the past.

3)  Don't allow any adult to stay at your place, eat from your fridge, or use your water without making a contribution to your household.

4)  Avoid paying for a pet when you know you can't make ends meet.  Find out if someone else can care for your pet until you can get on your feet.

5)  Research ways to make additional money.

6)  Consider making a home purchase if you can afford it.  The monthly mortgage payments might be a better option for you, but keep in mind you will need to save more money in the event an appliance needs to be replaced or something needs to be fixed.

7)  Consult with a financial planner and a debt consolidation agency to assist with your current debt and investments.  You will find you are probably paying too much interest on credit cards and spending far more money than you can afford.

Nicholl McGuire  Author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and the owner of this blog.

Rodents and Insects Looking for a Place to Call Home

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

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 the United 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.

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