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FAQs from Apartment Shoppers Answered by a Former Multi-Family Housing Property Manager

Looking for a new apartment can be daunting. Between finding the right neighborhood and sorting through all of the different floor plans, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why we've put together this list of FAQs specifically for apartment shoppers, answered by our very own blogger, Nicholl, former property manager. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about renting an apartment! 

 Q: How do I know if an apartment is right for me? 

 A: The best way to figure out if an apartment is right for you is to schedule a tour and see the unit in person. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the layout of the apartment and the surrounding neighborhood. Once you've toured the apartment, ask yourself if it feels like somewhere you could see yourself living happily for the next year or two. If not, keep looking! 

 Q: How can I tell if an apartment complex is well-maintained? 

 A: During your apartment tour, be sure to take note of the condition of common areas like the lobby, hallways, and laundry room. These areas should be clean and in good repair. If you see any signs of neglect, it's a good idea to move on to another apartment complex. 

 Q: How do I know if an apartment is safe? 

 A: The best way to gauge the safety of an apartment complex is to speak with the property manager. They should be able to tell you about any security features that are in place, like gated entryways or on-site security guards. You can also ask your tour guide about the neighborhood surrounding the apartment complex and whether they feel it is safe to walk around at night. However, they will not provide any specific information.  They are trained to say things like, "Crime has no address."  They cannot guarantee your safety.

Q: What kind of maintenance or repair assistance can I expect from my apartment complex? 

 A: Most apartment complexes have staff members who are responsible for taking care of common areas and responding to maintenance requests from residents. If you have a specific question about what kind of assistance you can expect, be sure to ask the property manager during your tour. They should be able to give you a clear idea of what kinds of services are available. 

 Q: How do I know if an apartment is pet-friendly? 

 A: Some apartment complexes allow pets but with breed restrictions and some do not, so this is definitely something you'll want to clarify before signing a lease. If you do have a pet, be prepared to pay an additional deposit as well as pet rent each month. You may also be required to provide proof of vaccination and take your pet through a meet-and-greet with the property manager. 

 Q: How do I apply for an apartment? 

 A: The first step in applying for an apartment is to submit a rental application. This will include your contact information, employment history, and rental history. If you have no job, you will need to provide a substantial savings, proof of lottery winnings, or an impressive retirement portfolio.  Since each property management company has different requirements, call before you visit to find out what is acceptable proof of income. You may also be required to provide a credit report and background check. Once your application has been approved, you'll sign a lease and pay any required deposits or fees.  Most property management companies expect you to move in within two weeks of receiving approval. 

 We hope this list of FAQs has been helpful as you start shopping for your new apartment! Remember, the best way to find the perfect place is to take your time, tour several units, and ask lots of questions. To your success in finding a great place to stay!

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Adulting 101: How to move out of your parents house with NO MONEY - Rene Chara

What to Do When a Landlord Refuses to Make Apartment Repairs?

Rent escrow is a process where a tenant withholds rent payments from their landlord in order to pressure the landlord into making repairs to the apartment. This can be an effective way to get a slum landlord to make necessary repairs, but it can also lead to eviction if the tenant does not follow the proper procedures. In most cases, the tenant must first notify the landlord of the needed repairs and give them a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs. If the repairs are not made within that time frame, the tenant can then begin withholding rent. The withheld rent is typically placed in an escrow account, and once the repairs are made, the tenant will release the funds to the landlord. While this process can be effective, it is important to note that it should only be used as a last resort after all other attempts to get the landlords to make necessary repairs have failed.

If you're a tenant in an apartment that's in need of repair, it can be difficult to get your landlord to take action. After all, it's in their best interest to keep costs low and maximum profits high. However, there are a few things you can do to try and get the repairs you need. First, it's important to document the problem. Take pictures or videos of the issues and keep a log of when they occurred. This will be helpful if you need to take legal action later on. Next, reach out to your landlord in writing and request that they make the necessary repairs. If they don't respond or refuse to take action, you can contact your city's housing inspection department and schedule an apartment inspection. The inspector will assess the apartment and if they determine that it's not up to code, your landlord will be required to make the necessary repairs. Finally, if all else fails, you can reach out to a lawyer or file a lawsuit against your landlord. While this may seem extreme, sometimes it's the only way to get them to take action. So, if you're struggling to get your landlord to make repairs, don't give up – there are still options available to you.  The following is a move-in experience that some of you might relate to.

After a month of waiting for her landlord to address the issues in her apartment, the resident started to feel frustrated and uncomfortable. The sink was clogged and creating a foul odor, the ac was dirty, loose fixtures were falling off, the washer and dryer weren't working properly, and there was a leak underneath the sink. She tried to reach out to her landlord, but he wasn't responding to her requests. So, she turned to a rent escrow service to help her get the repairs done.

Notice, she waited.  How long have you been waiting?

If you're renting an apartment, it's important to be aware of your rights when it comes to repairs and maintenance. According to the law, landlords are required to keep their rental properties in habitable condition. This means that they must make sure that the apartment is safe and clean and that all essential services (like heat, water, and electricity) are working properly. Once again, if your landlord doesn't want to make repairs, you have a few options. First, you can try to speak with them directly and explain why the repairs are necessary. If that doesn't work, you can contact your local code enforcement office or apartment association. In some cases, you may even be able to withhold rent until the repairs are made so do review your lease contract. However, it's always best to consult with a legal professional before taking any drastic measures.

How Do You Know You Have Outgrown an Apartment?

Like children, we outgrow some things in life and some of you are outgrowing your rentals.  You are giving everyone grief around you.  Driving through the apartment complex parking lot like a bat out of hell, you practically run to your apartment praying the whole way that no one stops to talk to you.  You are arguing with your roommates.  Talking badly about your neighbors.  You have thoughts of suing the landlord, the property management company, the contractors, and anyone else you meet almost weekly.  Yes, one has outgrown his or her rental dwelling.  So now what?  You start looking for a place like yesterday!  Stop talking yourself into staying at the rental, talk yourself out of it!

1) You know you have outgrown the apartment when more people have moved in since you first signed the lease.  You also know that you are breaking the rules when the leasing office is unaware that you have others living there.  You might be out sooner rather than later depending on the type of manager or management company that is running the place.  

2)  You understand since the early days of your moving there, you just aren't getting along with anyone such as: family members, the office staff, and your neighbors.  That's not a "they" problem, that's a you problem!

3) You look around and the place is just too small, too big, too something.  Yes, you need to make plans and get gone, Goldilocks!

4) When you go from room-to-room every time you use or look at something, it is broken and there is no getting anything fixed.  Now why are you paying rent again?  You might want to put your next rental payment in escrow while you're still under contract.

5)  You simply hate driving to and from the community.  You find yourself passing by the apartment complex with a sigh of relief on some days only to come back and say, "What the...?"  It's just too much going on at your spot, I get it.  

6) You have fantasized about doing awful things to the management.  Okay, let's not get carried away, to jail that is!  It's simply not worth it.

7) You know it's time to move when you find yourself spending more time everywhere else than where you stay.  

When you or someone else you know is thinking and doing things that scream, "Get me out!" It is safe to say that one has outgrown the apartment.  Time to go all out and find something that you really like.  In the meantime, until the lease is up or you have the money to pay the lease break fee, try to get some things done in your humble abode that will make you feel a bit at ease.

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