|
|
|
Can You Handle a Pet Boxer Dog?
The answer is "no" if you are the type who mostly leave your dog on a chain. Boxers require much of your love, attention and companionship although they are easy to take care of.
One Boxer-lover even said to never get one as pet if you work...
Cashman Professional Photographer of Las Vegas – For Quality and Creativity
Cashman Professional is one of the best-known las Vegas photographers, and that says a lot about an industry like las Vegas wedding photography. They have captured some of the area’s biggest stories in photojournalism and are currently involved in...
Just a Little Willingness to Love...
What is love? A ticklish sensation around the heart that can't be scratched? Something I earn when I do things right? Something I give to get something back? My definition is that love is a willingness to choose to see and respond to the best in...
The Importance of Dog ID Tags
Out of the approximately 60 million dogs that live in the United States, at least 5 million somehow find their way into an animal shelter every year. Out of these 5 million dogs a year, only about a million ever find their original owners.
If...
Your Home and Garden Décor: Creating Bountiful Spaces
Temperatures are on the rise and so is the anticipation to get your home ready for maximum enjoyment. It’s time to get motivated for the season. It’s always advisable to take a good hard look around every room before you begin. Make a mental list...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Apartment: What Do You Owe?
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
Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people find rooms,apartments or roommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 or www.rooommateexpress.com
|
|
|
|
|
|