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13 Steps to Preserve Your Family History
Although the phrase, "everybody has a story to tell" may sound like a cliche, it's true.
And after working as a newspaper reporter for nine years, I know that everyone does, indeed, have a story to tell, including your family members.
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Cat Associations and Cat Lovers of World
A cat association is an organization that registers cats and kittens, selects cat show judges and conducts many cat shows and cat competitions. A cat association also controls cat clubs. The winner of cat show is provided with trophies, awards or...
Cat behaviour, Intelligence and memory of cats, Cat training
INTELLIGENCE OF CATS - Cats are more intellgent as compared to dogs.The anatomy of brain of cat is very similar to the human brain, whereas the anatomy of brain of a dog is not very similar to human brain.The anatomy of brain of cat is about ninety...
HOW MUCH CAN YOUR LANDLORD CHARGE YOU FOR A SECURITY DEPOSIT?
State Limit Alabama No statutory limit Alaska Two months' rent, except where rent exceeds $2,000 per month Arizona One and one-half months' rent (unless tenant voluntarily agrees to pay more) Arkansas Two months' rent California Two months'...
Mrs. Disney
Warren Beatty once observed," That if you get married in Hollywood, you should always do it before noon. That way if it doesn't work out, you don't kill your evening." But in 1925 Walt Disney, still getting his feet wet in Tinseltown was not...
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MOVING INTO A NEW APARTMENT? KNOW ALL THE COSTS
When you move in to a new apartment, the landlord may charge you more than the first month's rent. Before you sign the lease, make sure you understand exactly what you're going to be charged, and get it in writing.
Security Deposit: This is mini-landlord insurance. The deposit is equivalent to about one to two month's rent and can cover anything from a broken window to stained carpet. At the end of your lease, the landlord will conduct an inspection and see whether or not he or she needs to use any of the money on anything damaged beyond the normal “wear and tear” during your stay. State law may only use the security deposit for three purposes: unpaid rent, damages and for cleaning stains or any excessively dirty area. The landlord cannot use it to repaint the apartment to make it look more inviting for the next tenants. (That's illegal).
Cleaning Fee: Since landlords cannot legally use your security deposit for basic cleaning purposes, some of them choose to include a cleaning fee in your lease.
Last Month of Rent: Some landlords ask for the last month's rent in advance. This way, if you break your lease without first consulting your landlord, he or she has 30 days to find a new tenant before he or she needs another rent payment. If you're a good tenant, and don't break your lease, then you'll save yourself the trouble of having to worry about getting together your last month of rent. (This can be really helpful when you have to deal with all the costs of moving out!) Unlike the security deposit, this charge is non-refundable.
Pet Deposit: This, too, is a form of mini-landlord insurance typically
running somewhere around $300.00. The pet deposit is used to cover any wear and tear caused by your pets. Some landlords also ask for a 'pet fee' once a month ($20-$50) to cover the cost and inconvenience of the lovely pooper-scooping duties. Renter's Insurance: You aren't required to get insurance, but it is HIGHLY recommended. It's incredibly easy for an unusual character to walk through the complex unnoticed. New people are in and out of apartments all the time, so you don't have the same security that a homeowner does. With that in mind, you ought to invest in Renter's Insurance as protection against theft, water damage and fire.
Parking: You might not always catch that prime parking space, and depending on where your apartment complex is, this could mean parking on the street. If you're living in the arts district in Downtown Dallas, you might need to feed the parking meter monster or pay for a secured parking lot. Keep this in mind when you yearn for that artsy loft.
Some states put a limit on the deposits a landlord can ask for. For example, in California the deposits cannot add up to more than two-month's rent. Check out the landlord/tenant laws to get the scoop on your state's restrictions.
Regardless of how many of the deposits and fees the landlord asks you for, make sure these are all outlined in the lease. If they are not, make a list of all of the charges, when they were paid, then date it and have the landlord sign it with you. Keep one copy of this list and give one to your landlord to avoid any problems in the future.
About the Author
dan the roommate man
www.roommateexpress.com
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