Apartment Living Blog

Basic Tenant Rights: The Top Nine and How To Protect Them

We’ve had a few visitors write us asking about tenant rights and how to protect those rights, so we took a little time to write down a few suggestions. We share these suggestions down below. Keep in mind, tenant rights vary from state to state and the suggestions we share with you are very basic. For a complete list of your rights in your state, please visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development tenant rights page.

When you move into an apartment-whether for the first time or the twentieth-knowing your rights is crucial, before you sign the lease and during your lease at that location. Unfortunately, there are a lot of landlords out there looking to collect monthly income (your rent) without maintaining fundamental repairs and updates otherwise known as “slumlords”. Within the parameters of basic living standards and the rights outlined in your lease agreement, is where you will find your rights as a tenant, on such topics as: timely repair, snow removal, rent increases, and general welfare and safety. Below is our top nine of basic tenant rights, and what you can do to protect them.

• The most important thing you can do to protect your rights as a tenant from a possible slumlord, is to review your lease agreement thoroughly and possibly with the aid of an attorney, before signing. Whatever proves incongruous or seems confusing, ask your landlord to explain, and if necessary alter the contract details. A miniscule restriction in the contract could be something that could limit your living welfare or happiness in that apartment. Better to know and not rent, than to sign blindly and suffer later.

• Make sure you understand the parameters of the security deposit, and what keeps you from receiving the whole amount back when you move out. Though most landlords will find a way to give you less than the original security deposit; there are certain stipulations for why.

• Before you move any of your belongings in, do a walk-through with a checklist itemizing all the issues the apartment may have; for example: holes in the wall, rug stains, broken doors, etc. Writing these down and submitting to your landlord can save you from having to be responsible for them when you move out.

• Keep immaculate records on every interaction you have with the landlord on specific issues of repair and request. Though it may seem a bothersome waste of time, you’ll be happy to have proof of a landlord promise in the event he/she fails to meet their obligations. Moreover, this way the landlord knows that you are keeping track of his/her code of conduct, and this will hopefully ensure that they live up to their promises.

• Know your privacy rights as a tenant, meaning when your landlord can enter your apartment. Though it can vary state to state, there are typically only three instances when a landlord can enter your apartment: to make repairs, for emergencies, and to show the apartment to prospective renters. Beyond this, in states that require prior notice, landlords must give at least 24 hours notice before entering the tenant’s apartment.

• Expect repairs to be done. Your landlord is required by law to offer you a livable environment while renting from them, and this includes a clean, sanitary, dry, and structurally-sound environment. If your apartment is not up to livable standards after a number of failed attempts to have your landlord fix necessary repairs, you can: withhold part of rent until it is fixed, pay for the repairs out of your pocket and deduct the cost from your rent, or call the building inspector to have them deal with your slumlord’s irresponsibility. Whatever you choose, know what you deserve as a tenant.

• Purchase renter’s insurance. In the event of fire or building destruction, all of your belongings will be lost. So if your neighbor burns down the building, your landlord does not have to pay for your lost belongings. Getting your own renter’s insurance can be extremely affordable while also being priceless in the event of a disaster.

• Ask your landlord about the safety of the building, your apartment, and the neighborhood from crime. Moreover, find out what your state requires for crime prevention for individual apartments from landlords, such as locks, specialty cameras, etc. If the neighborhood or building has had a history of crime, find out what your landlord plans to do to protect his tenants more effectively.

• Lastly, know what your state’s laws are for eviction. If your landlord is unfairly trying to evict you, then you can fight the eviction due to negligence on his/her part (uninhabitable living conditions or without warning). Unless you have verifiable proof, witnesses, and truth on your side; do not fight an eviction as it could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run in court and lawyer’s fees.

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MyApartmentMap May Contest: Win a $50.00 Amazon.com Gift Certificate

That’s right, anyone and everyone with a website or a blog has a chance to win a $50.00 Amazon gift certificate. The rules are simple: Write a review(long or short) about MyApartmentMap.com, post it on your site/blog,  make sure you include a link back to our homepage.  Once the review is written, come back to this post and leave a comment. Your comment must include a link to where your review resides and your email address. It’s that easy. The contest is running the entire month of May. If you have multiple blogs or websites, you may enter multiple times, the more reviews you write, the better your chances are winning.

Good luck people and stay tuned as we will be running a new contest every month.

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Why Home Depot is in Deep Trouble

Home Depot became one of the largest corporations in the United States by riding the housing bubble all the way to the top. It appears as if the tide is turning. According to this CNN article, Home Depot is closing 15 stores and canceling plans plans to open any new ones.

The problem with Home Depot is that a large portion of their expansion came on the back of housing speculators and home flippers. Now that credit is tight and the economy is worsening, fewer and fewer Americans will be spending thousands of dollars on home improvements.

Many of us rationalized the decision to upgrade our bathrooms and kitchens with home equity loans all the while thinking that our house would increase in value. Unfortunately this didn’t happen and many homeowners were left with an updated house worth less than it was two years ago. What good is a new kitchen if you can’t afford any food to prepare in it?

If you really think about the amount of customers that these stores are losing because of the housing crisis it becomes clear that something has to give. People are not flipping homes, people who own their home can’t get the credit to upgrade it, people are not building as many new homes, and people in general have less disposable income.

In my city, 10 years ago, we didn’t have any huge mega hardware stores. We just had local mom and pop business that catered to building contractors and the occasional home owner. Now I can’t drive more than 5 miles without seeing a Lowes or Home Depot. What is going to happen to these mega stores even after the housing crisis settles itself out? We obviously won’t return to the “flip this house” mentality. Can these stores survive in a post bubble world?

Look at these charts. You can see the exponential rise in the number of Home Depot stores began around the same time that housing prices started to really take off. Just a coincidence?

If you really think about it, do we need these HUGE stores every 5 miles that sell items you and I might purchase at most a few times a year? Does the business model work in a housing market that isn’t fuel by wild speculation and easy credit? These are hard questions that I’m sure they are asking at Home Depot and I think todays announcement is only the tip of the ice burg.

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Your City Stinks. Yes, We Are Talking To You Pittsburgh!

For the first time ever, a city not named Los Angeles has been named America’s “sootiest” city. Soot, also known as particle pollution, is one of the categories the American Lung Association uses to determine the most polluted cities in the country. Pittsburgh overtook Los Angeles in the category that measures short-term particle pollution or soot.

The association’s “State of the Air: 2008″ report, which was released today, is based on air quality measurements reported to the E.P.A. by state and local agencies between 2004 and 2006. The study looks at three key pollution measures.

The top metropolitan areas the report considered the “sootiest” are as follows:

#1 Pittsburgh
#2 Los Angeles
#3 Fresno
#4 Bakersfield
#5 Birmingham
#6 Logan
#7 Salt Lake City
#8 Sacramento
#9 Detroit
#10 D.C./Baltimore

The cleanest cities in America were Fargo(great movie, if you’ve seen it, you will know that there is nothing in Fargo that could cause pollution except for snow mobiles), N.D., and Salinas, California.

To see the complete list of most polluted cities on a map(yes, we love MAPS!), visit: State of The Air dot Org.

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Cooking Light Names Cities That Best Fit Its Philosophy

For those of you looking for a new city to live in, Cooking Light recently ranked major metropolitan cities on 15 different criteria, calculated on a per-capita basis, then grouped into categories–eat smart, be fit, live well–and factored on a four-point scale.

Here are the cities listed in order with what Cooking Light has to say about that particular city(click the city name to view the apartments in that city):

1. Seattle, Washington
An abundance of fresh local foods, walker-friendly streets, and inclusive attitudes helps make Seattle America’s best city for healthy living.

2. Portland, Oregon
Life is good in our second-ranked city, thanks to its seemingly endless supply of outdoor activities, cutting-edge restaurants, and vibrant environmental consciousness.

3. Washington, D.C.
Our capital city sets an accommodating agenda with farm-fresh dining, diverse cultures, and ample opportunity for exploration on foot.

4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
In our fourth-ranked best city, lush parks and shimmering lakes provide a natural backdrop to a rich cultural landscape.

5. San Francisco, California
Our fifth-ranked city steps up with one of the world’s most unforgettable settings–along with great cuisine and an energetic spirit.

6. Boston, Massachusetts
Strolling historic parks and swanning around the water are but two of the pastimes that make summer prime time to enjoy our sixth-ranked city.

7. Denver, Colorado
The Mile-High City ranked seventh on our list for an outdoorsy Western lifestyle that makes living well accessible and irresistible.

8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Our eighth-ranked city proves a worthy destination for food lovers, adventure seekers, and culture aficionados alike.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In America’s fifth-largest city, the historic past provides a backdrop for a present that’s healthful and happening.

10. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson offers a taste of the authentic Southwest in a desert setting that’s ideal for a warm winter getaway.

11. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, it turns out, has lots of people who eat five or more servings of fruits and veggies a day–27 percent.

12. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graced with bountiful trail systems, no wonder 91 percent of the city’s population claims to be in good health.

13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Skies, once dark with factory smoke, open above crystal-towered downtown Pittsburgh, bound on three sides by the rivers Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio.

14. St. Louis, Missouri
A love for local produce and healthful activities keeps this urban center well fed and on the move.

15. New York, New York
New Yorkers walk far more than most Americans, and they do it quickly. But they slow down for green markets–25 in Manhattan alone.

16. Atlanta, Georgia
Approximately 55,000 people gather on the Fourth of July at the Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10k in the world.

17. Austin, Texas
You can’t swing a yoga mat in Austin without hitting a cool place to exercise–whether it’s inside a gym or outdoors in a natural, spring-fed pool.

18. Chicago, Illinois
The city’s environmentally friendly mentality is one of the reasons why it is home to the 2007 Cooking Light FitHouse.

19. Las Vegas, Nevada
In our list, the city ranks third in restaurants rated “extraordinary to perfection” and third in nominations for James Beard awards.

20. Kansas City, Missouri
A recent study revealed Kansas City has the purest water of any major city in the country.

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New Rental Data Report Reveals Strong Rental Market in Q1 2008

Investment Instruments Corporation (IIC), the only company devoted to increasing transparency in the real estate market, today released its Q1 Rental Report for 2008, comparing rental rates in Q1 2007 with Q1 2008. The report analyzes the cost of renting in 12 major metro areas for the months of January, February and March to show how much the rental market has fluctuated nationally and in local markets.

Read the entire article for more information on New Rental Data Report Reveals Strong Rental Market in Q1 2008 at BusinessWire

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Apartment Credit Checks

It seems that wherever you go, a routine credit check is necessary to secure you what you want. This ranges from big tag items like cars and homes to smaller asset items such as simple credit cards and car insurance. It used to be that apartment credit checks were uncommon for new renters to secure leased housing. Not so, anymore. With time, enough landlords were scammed out of multiple months’ rent; that it was decided that apartment credit checks would be practically a staple requirement for a rental agreement.

From sterling to poor credit histories, here’s what you need to know if you are looking to rent a new apartment; and are not quite sure what the basics about apartment credit checks are:

• First, reconcile yourself with the fact that almost all of the apartments you are interested in, will require a full credit check.
• Get a copy of your most recent credit report that offer reports from at least 3 reporting agencies. This way, you won’t have any surprises, if you thought your score was a certain amount because you only looked at one reporting agency’s score. Look online, and most credit report agencies offer free reports. You’ll most likely, have to sign up for a service, but once you receive your credit report…remember to cancel immediately, so you don’t incur any fees.
• Sometimes, if the apartment is owned by a rental agency, they will require an apartment application. As a part of this application, there will be a credit report request. The purpose of the application is just to list references and gain a better understanding of who the landlord is renting to.
• After you have seen the apartment and decided that you would like to apply to live there, is typically the time when your prospective landlord will ask permission to run a credit check.
• When asked for you credit information, you can either give them permission to run one (this might cost you a small amount, but not all landlords require the fee) or if you prefer, you can run your own full credit check (as suggested above), print out and submit a copy to the prospective landlord for review.
• After you have submitted your credit report or permission for them to do so, is also when the landlord typically gives you the lease to review. It is wise to take home a copy and read over carefully so there are no surprises as far as your rights, their rights, etc etc.
• If you have never seen a credit report, basically, it lists all of the credit companies that you have received loans with in the past and present; up to seven years. Examples of these are: credit cards, car loans, student loans, and any other bills you have incurred that have not been paid. Not all companies report your deficiencies to the credit bureau, but know that most might.
• Once the landlord has reviewed your credit history, they most likely will have some questions if you have inconsistencies and/or a lower than average score. Be prepared with explanations of what happened to mar your report, and this includes being honest. There are landlords and lenders out there that believe less than perfect credit customers are human and made some mistakes. If this is the case in your situation, prove this to them and show them you have turned a new leaf.
• Whether you have good credit or bad, it is ultimately your prospective landlord’s decision after reviewing your credit report. If you have less than great credit, it would be wise to submit any other documents, references, previous landlord statements, etc to your favor that might shed a better light on you as a rental candidate.

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Moving Supplies 101: The Checklist

Let’s take a look at the list of packing supplies you’ll need:

• Boxes: Though this may seem a given, as we have mentioned earlier, movers tend to underestimate just how much stuff they have to move; so pick up as many boxes as possible. A good way to avoid spending more money than necessary is to visit local liquor and grocery stores. Both typically stack unwanted boxes at the front of the store just for your purposes. If they haven’t, ask if they have any available. You can purchase moving boxes, but wouldn’t you prefer free ones? Moreover, the boxes from liquor and grocery stores have been used to carry heavy breakable items, so as long as you tape up the bottoms of the boxes, your items will be just as safe. Note: it’s always a good idea to get a variety of sizes of boxes.
• Bubble wrap/newspaper: Both bubble wrap and newspaper work great for protecting valuable breakables you may have. Typically, you won’t find free bubble wrap unless you do a little searching on local community sites. If you have few items to protect, it may be worth your time to purchase a small roll; however, if you are like most, you have full sets of dinnerware, vases, glasses, etc etc…and the more cost effective option would be to just start saving and collecting old newspapers. Newspaper will protect your valuables as long as you use enough and pack tight.
• Sealing tape: This is one product you do not want to scrimp on. Remember to buy more rolls than you think you will need (always overestimate), and buy sturdy packing tape. You can find packing tape at a moving supply store or discount department store…it’s all the same, as long as you stick to a good reliable brand that costs a bit more. When your personal belongings make it safe to your final destination, without a box bottom giving way, you’ll understand why it was imperative to spend a little bit more on tape.
• Pre-printed labels and markers: Though you may think you’ll remember what you put in each box, even the most photographic memories will be at a loss after a few long, hard days of moving. Plus, if you have solicited some help from friends or family, they won’t have a clue what’s in what box or what box goes in what room. This is why it’s necessary to get either some pre-printed labels (at moving stores, discount department stores, etc) that say “Fragile”, “This End Up”, or “Kitchen”, etc; or just some heavy duty thick markers to write what you want on each box. This way, you and all concerned, will know how and where to carry a specific box.
• Miscellaneous: Other items to consider that most people need but do not think of:
• Box cutter: for easy opening after the move.
• Mattress bag: Though mattress bags may seem extraneous, this small investment will save your mattress from being damaged due to rain, mud, and anything else it could come in contact with; either in the back of your truck, the roof of you car, or from vehicle to house.
• Specialty boxes: for artwork, mirrors, and other fragile and awkwardly shaped items. Again, saving your artwork and mirrors from ruin is priceless compared to the cost a couple speciality boxes.
• Air-filled bags, Styrofoam peanuts, and stretch wrap are also extra protective moving accessories you can invest in if you are uncomfortable with just newspaper and/or bubble wrap.

With all the moving supplies to begin, remember: start early and group items in boxes according to room. This way, during the chaos of moving day, you and/or fellow movers can pick up a box, read where it’s going, and place it accordingly. When it comes time to unpack…the items will already be organized by room; saving you needless hours of stress.

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Rent or Buy: Economist’s Formula

For Green, the magic number is six at current interest rates.

Here’s what that means: Find a rental property that’s comparable to the property you’re thinking of buying. Figure out how much it costs to rent annually; if the rent is $2,500 a month, you’re spending $30,000 a year, or 6 percent of $500,000.

So by Green’s math, if the house costs $500,000 or less, it’s a decent bet.

Say the cost of renting is less — $1,700 a month, or $20,400 a year. That’s just over 4 percent of the cost of the $500,000 house.

In that case, Green said, renting looks cheaper than buying. If the percentage is closer to 5, the decision on whether to rent or buy depends more on individual factors, such as your appetite for risk and how long you’re planning to stay in the house.

Read the entire article “Rent or Buy: Economist’s Formula” at The Washington Post

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Apartment Rental Costs Are All Over The Map

A curious thing happened during 2007 while the mortgage market was imploding: Median apartment rental prices in major cities shifted dramatically, dropping by up to nine percent in some markets — Phoenix — and rising as much as 14.6 percent in others — San Francisco — according to data released from Newton, Mass.-based Investment Instruments Corporation.

Read the entire article “Apartment Rental Costs Are All Over The Map” at MSNBC.com

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