Landlords and property managers use various factors to determine your eligibility to rent an apartment, including credit scores, background checks, rental history, and more. One factor that can make or
“For rent by owner,” reads the sign. You know what it means, but do you really understand what renting from a private landlord entails? Check out the pros and cons of renting from a property owner instead of a management company to figure out if a “for rent by owner” apartment is right for you.
Monthly rent and utility dues are a standard part of any lease agreement. However, when you read your lease’s fine print, you might find some not-so-standard clauses governing what you can and can’t do in your apartment.
Leaky faucet? Clogged sink? Overflowing toilet? Water gushing from the apartment above? No one wants to deal with plumbing problems. But can your landlord charge for plumbing repairs in situations like this? The answer is not always a clear one.
You’ve scoured the internet to find the perfect apartment, wowed the socks off your future landlord, and picked the perfect color to accent the cabinets in your new kitchen.
Feel like your landlord won’t fix anything? Maybe you’re dealing with a fridge door that won’t close, a jammed window, or a plumbing leak. Whatever the case, sometimes getting your landlord to pay attention to needed repairs is as useful as telling a wall to change color on its own.
If your apartment isn’t getting hot water, the food in the refrigerator is melting, or the air conditioner is broken in the middle of July… time is of the essence.
There are plenty of things that can go right when you first move into a new apartment. You’ve got a fresh start in a new place and things are looking up! However, with ups come downs, and one of those could be a bad landlord. Though you may not realize it at first, your landlord has a lot of say over what goes, including everything from repairs to living conditions. If you’re unsure of how to approach a landlord that isn’t living up to the lease, learn how to handle the situation and if needed, file an official report.
Whether you’re a first time renter or a seasoned vet, talking to your landlord can be a difficult thing. Worried about what to say? How about what not to say: check out these examples of potential problem-starters when it comes to discussing difficult apartment-renting topics.
Looking for an apartment that fits your needs doesn’t have to be a headache, and neither does finding a landlord that you can get along with. Developing a positive working relationship with your landlord can make a huge difference when it comes to negotiating the terms of your lease or requesting maintenance. When visiting any prospective apartment, look for these qualities in your next landlord.
