Friday, June 26, 2009

Finance and documents

Because the landlord wants to make sure you’re good with paying the monthly rent most of the times, you’ll most likely have to complete an application and pay for the application fees or for credit reports. Be prepared.
4. The renter’s resume.
Just like a CV for a job application, a renter’s resume should include all the information to make you stand out from other applicants and to convince the landlord that you’ll be a trustworthy tenant. Personal references, last addresses with landlord phone numbers, your monthly income or a copy of your credit report will make you look good on paper, which you need it.
5. What’s included?
It’s very important to know if the rent includes heating, water, electricity, cable or Internet connection but more important is to know what are the average utility bills in the building. Ask the landlord if you want to be make sure you won’t get crazy numbers on your bills.
6. Read before you sign

A common mistake we usually make is not to read a contract before we sign. Obtain a copy of any rules and regulations, make sure you go through everything and before you sign the lease, check to see if these are mentioned:
The beginning and the expiration date The rental price and information about your security deposit What are the reasons for which your landlord can terminate your lease contract Are there any penalties for moving out of your apartment before the expiration date? Are there any responsibilities on your head for repairs and such? Is subletting allowed ? See if you have to buy renters insurance, because it will increase you total cost Is there a policy about guest visitors?

For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Engergy Effecient Lighting

Want your landlord to see the energy-efficient light?The BiteRelationships with crotchety landlords and ladies can be anything but heavenly. Give 'em a few eco-tips that speak to their bottom line (hallelujah!), and you'll be one step closer to domestic harmony. The BenefitsA greener home-sweet-home. Improvements like more efficient appliances and eco-flooring benefit both you and your landlord.Better for the earth. Energy Star washers use 50% less energy than conventional ones, and eco-paint won't emit nasty stuff into the air.A 'lord that smiles down upon ya. Higher property values and lower bills (35%+ savings with energy efficiency) will win you points.Personally SpeakingJen's friends with her old landlord in DC, and he recently sent her an email saying that after a year of making her suggested small changes, the savings are now racking up. He made no mention of any rent rebates though... damn it.Wanna Try?Surefire tips for getting on their good side:AC - new air-conditioning and even shade trees can lower energy bills.CFLs - replacing regular incandescent light bulbs with CFLs in common areas can reduce lighting bills and require fewer changes.Efficient Windows - windows account for 25%-50% of a home's heating/cooling losses.Energy Star Appliances - more efficient appliances save big on energy and water.Low-Flow Johns - newer toilets like those with a dual-flush system (with a low-flow flush for number 1 and a regular-sized flush for number 2) save as much as 6 gallons per flush.Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring and Paint - eco-versions help increase LEED green building credits and raise property values. More Energy-Saving Tips - post on a public bulletin board in your complexFor apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Lease vs. Rental Agreements

Distinct differences exist between tenants' rights under a lease and rights under a month-to-month rental agreement. Under a lease, the tenant and landlord are locked into the rental agreement for the fixed rental term, usually six months or a year. A fixed-term lease provides a tenant with the assurance that the rental amount will remain the same for the term of the lease. The landlord cannot evict the tenant during the term of the lease unless the tenant fails to pay the rent or the tenant violates the terms of the lease, such as committing a crime on the premises or disturbing other tenants.
There is a drawback to the fixed-term lease. If for any reason you are unhappy with the unit, you are bound to the contract until the end of the lease term. If you leave, you are still liable for the full dollar amount of the contract, not just for the months you lived in the unit. The landlord may sue you or send collectors after you for the full amount.
Under a month-to-month rental agreement, the tenancy is automatically renewed each month unless one party gives the other a 30-day written notice terminating the tenancy. A month-to-month tenancy usually results when a fixed-term lease ends, is not renewed or the tenant remains in the apartment.
The downside to a month-to-month tenancy is the landlord can raise the rent anytime simply by giving the tenant a 30-day notice, unless the apartment is under Rent Control. For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments