The last thing you want, when you move into a new apartment, is to have to deal with repairs and problems with pests. If you don’t do your home work though, before signing that lease, this could happen. Before signing that paperwork, make sure that you thoroughly inspect the apartment. Here is a check list of some things that you might want to consider, before agreeing to rent: http://www.move.com/rentals/apartment-search-tips/apartment-inspection-checklist.aspx?source=web.
It is recommended that you go over this list and maybe compare a couple or several properties. What happens, a lot of times, is a tenant doesn’t think about what could go happen, they move in, and things go wrong! Sometimes, stuff goes so wrong that it is regretted, having moved into the apartment in the first place. Of course, a contract was signed so a tenant is bound for the duration of it, unless they want to pay the early out fee, which may be pretty significant. Also, an assumption might have been made that the landlord would be “Johnny on the Spot” about making repairs, should anything go wrong, which isn’t always the case. In fact, it isn’t a bad idea to talk to some of the residents, to find out what their experience is with the landlord and especially where maintenance issues and pest control is concerned.
Should you find that you are in a bad situation, that your apartment is a dive, and your landlord could care less about fixing your problems, familiarize yourself with your rights. If there is a local “housing board or tenant union”, contact them for assistance and questions. File a complaint with your Better Business Bureau. If problems are bad enough, keep an incident log report with dates, times, and details about what is happening. Talk with an attorney, if necessary. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development should be contacted, regarding discrimination concerns; a report can be filed online, as well. You may wish to contact the police, if you feel threatened in any way. Also, it is illegal for a landlord to turn off your utilities or to change your locks. If you need repairs or pest problems resolved, make requests in writing and keep a copy for your records. Follow up with the appropriate agencies, as necessary. Make a report, if persistent problems. Happy renting!
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I fully agree that complete inspection of a potential residence is a critical step in finding a place that can be considered home. I would also recommend visiting during different times of the day. Ten in the morning will often be very different than ten at night.
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I fully agree as well. Jim, made a good point that visiting during daylight can yield different inspection results. Also, the check-list is a godsend if you ever shopped for an apartment. It can be a daunting task. Thanks for the great info.
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I know if you’re looking for rentals and advice from people in the rental biz Jack’s Rental Service is a great app to have – it helped me find a place and screen my landlord http://www.jacksrentalservice.com
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Hey Marjorie! Those are some of the problems faced by tenants. Really liked this point a lot “Make requests in writing and keep a copy for your records”, which is what everyone tenant must follow.
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I am having a problem with my landlord back in April 2012 I told him my windows needed replaced and he said at the tiime he did not have enough money to replace them well needless to say it is now May 2013 and he still has not replaced them I also asked him to replace the carpet and of course he does not contact me i i have put notes in with rent checks since April 2012 He keeps telling me he has no money to replace them because he has to pay the mortgage on the building I dont mean to sound heartless but that is his problem I pay my rent on time every month and I dont have alot of money either but I dont complain to him about that i have lived there for 13 years I am a good tenant and I do not cause any problems please can someone give me some advice I am at my wits end with him
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Hi Ryan, you might try calling an apartment association in your area or your local county, Bar Association. Sometimes, they offer free legal advice.
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