Hey guys,
I have decided that I will not subject myself to any apartment hunting at this time. The hubby and I will be moving west with family for a while. While relocation is never completely easy, I am relieved that I do not have to worry about the tedious search. For all of you who have been apartment hunting I am sure that you understand.
We had a run in with our tightwad of a landlord and we have absolutely had it! We are sick of slumlords. There are way too many people who purchase property after property without taking care of the ones that they have. Unfortunately anyone with the right amount of money can own property. However, no amount of money in the world will make that person business-savvy.
I will be updating this site frequently and I am even working on an awesome Ebook that talks about the process of renting and some really good ways to avoid many renting pitfalls.
Be sure to bookmark this page and share with friends as I will be putting up lots of helpful tips and great new content! This will be one of the most important websites you will ever see!
We say NO MORE!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Security deposits, etc.
Some tenants have lots of questions about security deposits and a few other issues. If you are one of them, allow me to give you some quick facts regarding deposits (this is for NJ but may vary by state):
Can I live out my security deposit instead of paying my last month's rent?
A: It depends, you are not automatically entitled to do this. Terms regarding security deposits are normally spelled out in the lease. Many landlords require prior approval before you live out your security deposit. Some do not allow it at all. Get clarification because for your protection.
What is my landlord does not have my security deposit because they either spent or otherwise mishandled it?
A: This is illegal. The landlord cannot spend your money and is required to return it when your lease is up.
Where does my security deposit go?
Landlords are required to place your security deposit in a separate bank account (it cannot be mixed with the landlord's own money). The account must be also be interest-baring. The landlord must return your deposit (less any damages or rent owed) to you within 30 days of the termination of your lease. The landlord is also required to give the interest to the tenant.
The landlord wants 2 or 2 1/2 months of security. Is this legal?
A: No, a landlord in the state of New Jersey can only ask for 1 1/2 times the amount of the rent for security.
The landlord specifically wants an Asian female as a tenant. Is this legal?
A: No, this is discrimination. A landlord cannot discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, or familial status (familial status may be acceptable if the landlord lives on the premises).
These are just a few questions but there are more to come in my upcoming rental book. I hope this helps for now.
Can I live out my security deposit instead of paying my last month's rent?
A: It depends, you are not automatically entitled to do this. Terms regarding security deposits are normally spelled out in the lease. Many landlords require prior approval before you live out your security deposit. Some do not allow it at all. Get clarification because for your protection.
What is my landlord does not have my security deposit because they either spent or otherwise mishandled it?
A: This is illegal. The landlord cannot spend your money and is required to return it when your lease is up.
Where does my security deposit go?
Landlords are required to place your security deposit in a separate bank account (it cannot be mixed with the landlord's own money). The account must be also be interest-baring. The landlord must return your deposit (less any damages or rent owed) to you within 30 days of the termination of your lease. The landlord is also required to give the interest to the tenant.
The landlord wants 2 or 2 1/2 months of security. Is this legal?
A: No, a landlord in the state of New Jersey can only ask for 1 1/2 times the amount of the rent for security.
The landlord specifically wants an Asian female as a tenant. Is this legal?
A: No, this is discrimination. A landlord cannot discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, or familial status (familial status may be acceptable if the landlord lives on the premises).
These are just a few questions but there are more to come in my upcoming rental book. I hope this helps for now.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Apartment search
Ah..the dreaded apartment search. Many of us dread it (I will in fact be jumping into the shark tank again soon). Most of us loathe it. In places that are spread out, it is not as challenging. However, when you are in a densely-populated area, it could be a huge headache. Often times despite wanting to weight your options and consider the pros and cons, you sometimes have to just jump on what is available.
The trick is to try to start looking as soon as you know that you do not want to renew your lease. This helps you to not make hasty decisions. I have been in situations where I have had no choice and ended up paying dearly for it. I have come to the conclusion that is better to temporarily move in with a family member if you need to than to jump into a situation out of desperation.
The trick is to try to start looking as soon as you know that you do not want to renew your lease. This helps you to not make hasty decisions. I have been in situations where I have had no choice and ended up paying dearly for it. I have come to the conclusion that is better to temporarily move in with a family member if you need to than to jump into a situation out of desperation.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Where would you be?
If you could live anywhere in the world without worrying about cost, where would it be? The coolest places that I have been to in the US are: Georgia, Las Vegas, and California. Of course, I am sure that there are some great places to live overseas as well. Have you ever lived in another county? How are the landlords/renters different from here? Do you think that the standards are the same? I am always interested to hear about people's experiences as well as where they would like to be. Feel free to drop a note!
Don't forget to check out the rest of the page and join. We've got a few games here as well. If you want to have more fun, then check out these sites:
http://thelounge123.blogspot.com/
http://pique1.blogspot.com/
http://shakyshelf.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to check out the rest of the page and join. We've got a few games here as well. If you want to have more fun, then check out these sites:
http://thelounge123.blogspot.com/
http://pique1.blogspot.com/
http://shakyshelf.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 2, 2012
What do you want?
Hi everyone!
Welcome to the site. Please feel free to bookmark it, join and tell your friends! What are some of the horror stories that you have been through as a landlord or a tenant? Please feel free to tell us about it! Many times both sides take each other for granted because they feel that they have the upper hand.
For landlords, they feel that they can do anything to the tenant and nothing will happen. While they do own the property, they still have a legal obligation to comply with all applicable laws within their state. Some feel that they can just buy a property and never invest in it or its tenants. They are under the impression that it is easy money and it is not.
For tenants, they feel that they can move in, destroy the property, make excessive noise, and anything else that they want to do. While they have certain rights as tenants, they do not have the right to alter or destroy the property in any way. They too must comply with all applicable laws within their state. Renting a property does not mean that you own it and many renters are under the false impression that they do. This can be partially controlled by landlords who are more hands on with their property (this does not mean harassment). Landlords can prevent many tenant issues by developing a positive relationship and defining clear-cut expectations from the beginning.
Welcome to the site. Please feel free to bookmark it, join and tell your friends! What are some of the horror stories that you have been through as a landlord or a tenant? Please feel free to tell us about it! Many times both sides take each other for granted because they feel that they have the upper hand.
For landlords, they feel that they can do anything to the tenant and nothing will happen. While they do own the property, they still have a legal obligation to comply with all applicable laws within their state. Some feel that they can just buy a property and never invest in it or its tenants. They are under the impression that it is easy money and it is not.
For tenants, they feel that they can move in, destroy the property, make excessive noise, and anything else that they want to do. While they have certain rights as tenants, they do not have the right to alter or destroy the property in any way. They too must comply with all applicable laws within their state. Renting a property does not mean that you own it and many renters are under the false impression that they do. This can be partially controlled by landlords who are more hands on with their property (this does not mean harassment). Landlords can prevent many tenant issues by developing a positive relationship and defining clear-cut expectations from the beginning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)