Finance Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodeling is expensive. Bathroom remodeling costs typically range from $15,000 to $18,000 just for a basic, functional remodel.

Even though most bathrooms are small, the cost comes from the intensive amount of sub-contracting you may have to do (i.e., plumbers, electricians) and the expensive elements involved (fixtures, cabinetry, etc.). Of the many methods of funding your bathroom renovation, perhaps the most common way is with a home equity loan. While looking at financing, you may wish to also think about ways to save on your bathroom remodeling costs.
Remodel Bathroom Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
At this point, you need to talk a good hard look at the project and decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a pro. Safe to say, if you are motivated and are merely performing surface alterations, you should be able to remodel the bathroom yourself. Not all tasks are created equal. Installing a new toilet is simple; building a new tiled shower should be left to the pros. Assess which projects to do yourself and which to leave to the professionals.

* Contractor Licenses. If you do intend to hire a contractor, one of the first things you'll want to do is make sure the contractor is properly licensed. Licensure is not a mark of quality workmanship, though. It just means that they have fulfilled the basic minimum requirements of the licensing agency.

* Permits. Electrical, building, and other permits may be required. Apply for permits early.

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Is Your Rent Control Landlord Trying to Force You Out?

As a general rule, landlords aren’t exactly in favor of rent controls. There are plenty of tactics they use to work around rent controls, including trying to force out current tenants so that the landlord can adjust the rent to market rates, thereby leasing to higher-paying renters.
If you feel that your landlord might be trying such a scheme on you, you need to learn your rights in the matter.
Your rights as a renter are different depending on which state you live in. The OhMyApartment Renter’s Resources page is divided by state, giving you links to information on your rights in each state.
You also need to recognize warning signs that your landlord is encouraging to you to move out, aside from obvious threats and coercion. Some landlords employ subtle techniques, but just because they are quiet about it doesn’t mean that you can’t protect yourself.
Darren Stern, a landlord who owned many rental properties through California-based Landmark Equity Management Inc., tried to convince tenants in rent-controlled properties to move out. He refused to make repairs to the point of criminal negligence, lied to tenants and illegally raised rents. Stern used a number of tactics against his tenants for over six years. It took tenants who knew their rights to bring his actions to the attention of the San Fernando Valley city attorney, who finally brought Stern to justice.
If you’re facing unfair eviction from a rent-controlled apartment–or even some form of coercion to convince you to leave on your own–it may be hard to prove. Do your best to document any instances of coercion or threats; even something as simple as writing down dates can be helpful in the long run. Furthermore, you can insist that your landlord do things by the books if he’s actually trying to evict you.
Some unscrupulous landlords might inform you that you’re being evicted, but skip the paperwork. In areas with rent-controlled housing, like New York City, a landlord must complete a specific form before carrying out an eviction on a rent-controlled apartment. In NYC, the form is called an “Owner’s Application for Order Granting Approval to Refuse Renewal of Lease and/or to Proceed for Eviction for Owner Occupancy.” Even if it’s granted, your landlord will need to go to court to evict you, giving you the opportunity to prove that it is an unfair eviction.
Just remember that as a tenant, you have rights.

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Breaking a Lease

Even if the apartment you are living in is the one of your dreams, you may at some point need to break the lease. Job promotions, caring for ill parents and getting married are all things that may cause you to need an "early out" from your rental. The conditions that guide any penalties for breaking the lease are normally outlined in the document itself.
Here are some things you can do to make this an easier situation for both you and your landlord:
If you suspect you may need to end a lease early, see if the landlord would be willing to set you up with a shorter-term rental or a month-to-month lease. You can also look into an early release clause and see if that might be a solution.Let your landlord know as soon as possible about the need to move and see if they are willing to discuss options with you. Remember, the goal isn't just to get out of the lease, but to avoid leaving on bad terms or getting a mark on your credit history.Breaking a lease puts your landlord in a bad position. Try to be conscious of what you can do to make it easier. Subletting the property may be an option, but make sure you understand your responsibilities in this situation before agreeing to it.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

Renting

We all value our independence, and part of being your own person is making a break for it and getting a place of your own.
It might sound easy, but there's more to running your own flat or house than getting the keys and paying the odd bill. If you're planning on renting somewhere there are loads of things you have to do before you even start packing.
Cash flowThe first thing you need to do is work out if you'll be able to afford it. You might be earning your own money but there are probably loads of things that get paid for in the parental home without you even noticing. Ask your parents, carer or a friend who has their own place to give you an idea on how much it costs to run a home.
Renting means bills: there's your rent, water, electricity, gas and you may have to pay council tax. By having a clear idea of what you'll have to pay out, you'll be better prepared when the time comes to move into your own place. There's a chance you'll be entitled to certain benefits. Your nearest Jobcentre Plus can help you find out more.
Going it aloneIf you do want to move out, you'll need to be sure that you don't mind your own company. Can you face the possibility of not having anyone around while you eat your dinner or veg out in front of the TV? You could think about possibly sharing with a mate. Not only could this cut costs, but it will also mean you're never totally on your own.
Beware of being the first among your mates to get their own place, though. They might see it as a perfect excuse to party all night, every night, which could leave your home a mess! Setting down some ground rules before you let them come round will make them realise that you're the boss.
Look aroundIf you're sure you want to go for it, the next thing you have to do is find somewhere suitable to live. Accommodation in less, erm, charming areas might be cheaper, but there's no point having your own place if you're too scared to venture out of your front door. Take your parents or a trusted friend or relative with you when you're looking round places and don't make snap decisions.
If you're using a letting agent to find a place, the quality of flat or house is likely to be better, but ask them about any hidden costs there might be if you accept somewhere recommended by them; they don't generally do it for free.
Staying putDon't be afraid to admit that you're not ready to make it on your own just yet. Getting your own place isn't easy and there are many who take the plunge too early just because they feel it's something they should be doing or because others they know are.
If it's a case of being more self-sufficient, speak to your parent or carer about ways in which you can be more independent. Perhaps they can entrust you with cooking your own meals or responsibility for paying a bill. They might be glad of the help!
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Real estate hunting!

Every one has different opinions on the term 'affordable' just like 'beauty'. One which seems to be affordable may seem to be expensive to others, but in total scheme of developed areas, most of the properties are reasonable. In case of comparing the same properties in city and outskirts, one can find it to be affordable in the outskirts. When one looks for reasonable beach property, internet can be used to hunt down good deals. One will see that it is very common to find out cheap properties with the pools after perusing many listings. The accessibility of Rental and sale properties is peanuts using the internet! Internet provides lots of accessible listings from suggested brokers. It provides information on existing properties, day & month rentals and properties for the sale.
Costing and pictures of properties in the development and pre construction are also made available. Few rental properties might cost a lot, and there are many gorgeous beach front homes that are being offered at nominal rates! A city’s properties are highly looked for which makes its economy interesting and the tourists look for more resorts as well as hotels, and its prices are not increasing in direct correlation to demand. Prices will be very exorbitant, if the economy is good, and this will lock most of the people out of market. This trend seems to be prevalent for a few times and it doesn’t seem to be changing, if one looks very closely, they can find good properties without any trouble.
After finding Properties online and reviewing them, one can send mails to couple of registered real-estate brokers and find somebody to help them in the search. One must keep in mind that giving specific details can help agents in search. It is better to tell what one favors, and how many bedrooms that they want, how much one is eager to spend, or one wishes to find Costa Properties for short term rental, longer-term home rental or home purchase. The possibilities are narrowed-down, it will be wise to visit and make the final decision. Obviously, when one goes for a two week vacation, they will book accommodations before visiting. It is very easy to make decision without even visiting a city with internet, email as well as fax machines, but finding the properties of a city in person is worth the visit.
US’s real estate investment is based on U.S dollar which means U.S. investors will not feel a pinch and European investors are likely to purchase. In some cases, Foreigners also enjoy the equal property rights with the US citizens. Governments as well as developers are aware that a city’s real estate investment is its main draws, and they are committed in preserving them as well as promoting sustainable development. The safety factor of a city is definitely a boon to the holidaymakers. Flight facilities also help improve the real estate of a city. A city which attracts more tourists is likely to have better real estate prices.
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What are some steps to take to prevent issues with rental items?

Whether you are renting furniture or a car, there are things you will want to keep in mind. Renting means that you are borrowing from somewhere or someone. It also means you are potentially liable for the item, so it can pay to know what your options are if something goes wrong. It also makes sense to take steps to prevent anything from happening to the rental. Here are some tips to make sure you are covered:

Always read the fine print and ask questions. Know what the penalties are for late return and/or damage, and double-check them with someone in person.Protect the item. Park the car away from other ones. Cover rented sofas with a slipcover or blanket. Avoid placing rented glassware near doors or where crowds will be milling around. Think ahead so you are sure to treat things with care.Consider additional insurance. If you are particularly nervous about a rental, consider checking into a rider on your renters insurance or purchasing more through the company. This isn't always needed, but if it gives you peace of mind, you may want to do it.Return items early when possible and if there is no penalty for doing so. The less time you have something, the less risk is involved.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.

Make Yourself a Budget

1. Set a budget.
Consider how much you can afford to pay and follow the “rule” not to exceed 30-percent of your monthly income. Focus your search according to your budget and though you may be forced to compromise when finding a bigger apartment in a better area, make sure it’s worth spending the extra money. If you’re looking for a cheaper place to rent, try roommate services to share an apartment, but make sure you know what types of people or habits you’d prefer to avoid.
2. Where to search?
Not going to use a broker’s services because of the extra cost the next thing is to look in the newspaper classifieds, apartment hunter publications, college campus bulletin boards or on the Internet. You’ll know the rental market much better and will will probably get yourself a better deal. Also tell your friends that you’re looking for an apartment to rent and maybe they know something in their buildings.
3. What to search for?

Take a sheet of paper and write them down your requirements list. Do you want a quiet building close to school or work, that allows pets and has free parking? How about a dishwasher machine or laundry facilities nearby?
You may also want to visit the neighborhood at various times of the day, night and weekend to see if it’s what you expected.
These all count when you decide where to live in for the next few months, if not years.
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Making Space Bigger

The 87 percent of Americans who describe their home as small to medium in size know the importance of using every square inch to maximum efficiency. Rather than making their space look bigger, people want a cozy, intimate feel and prefer to use their space wisely and get the most out of it. "One of the great things about small rooms is that they help us think creatively about the way we live," said Jackie Hirschhaut, Vice President of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. "Furniture is a true complement to a small abode – it helps you maximize your space by providing function, comfort and style."AFMA suggests the following tips for ways to increase square footage without building on an addition:Go Vertical Consider tall furniture rather than wide to preserve precious floor space.e taken advantage of the valuable space under the bed – in style. Use decorative boxes and storage bins to stow out-of-season clothing, wrapping paper, sporting goods or anything else.Retractable Doors When shopping for an armoire or entertainment center, look for ones with retractable doors to provide more space when the doors are open.Try the Kids' Department Youth furniture is designed to fit into smaller rooms but also accommodates adults just fine. Have a small guest bedroom or a little alcove office? A child's dresser or desk might be the perfect fit.Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' Many pieces of furniture have wheels – whether it is a sofa, a coffee table, a storage shelf, kitchen table or an ottoman. Enjoy extra mobility and function with a wheeled piece of furniture that is fashionable and practical.Don't Leaf It Out If a full-size dining room table is just too big for the dining area, ask your retailer about one with removable leaves.Accent It A mirror is always a nice accent to any room, but especially a small one. Mirrors add light and depth when space is limited. And the right accessories will highlight one's personal style and enhance the intimacy of a small space.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

It Pays to Know Your Tenant Rights

By Rose Eustachio
February 2001
Fewer available rental units and skyrocketing rents have created a landlord's market in Los Angeles County, giving landlords an incentive to evict their tenants. Tenants are understandably worried about their housing options. Evicting a longtime tenant and replacing him or her with a new tenant who is willing and capable of paying the higher market rate has become easier and more profitable for landlords. This article will focus on the common reasons tenants get evicted and how to prevent an eviction.
Contract LawAll tenants must understand that leases and rental agreements, which are contracts, govern most tenancies. When you sign any contract, you are agreeing to be bound by its terms. If either party does not follow the terms of the contract, one party can be sued by the other.
It's important for every tenant to read and understand all the terms of their contract (lease). All of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant are contained in the written lease agreement signed by both the tenant and landlord. Most leases, for example, have a grace period or a fee for late rent. Unless given to you in the rental agreement, the law does not provide you with a grace period.
Advertisement Tenants should make sure that any oral agreements are properly written into the contract. A one-year lease, for example, may have a no-pets clause. If the landlord orally agrees to allow the tenant to keep a cat, the tenant should make sure either the landlord or the tenant crosses out the no-pets clause with a pen and adds a sentence allowing the cat before signing the lease. This is very important because handwritten terms are given greater weight in court that a pre-printed term. 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

Questions to Ask When you Rent

The ad made it sound like more of a dream come true than an apartment for rent. You are desperate to land this place and know it’s the home you’ve been looking for. Your instincts, however, tell you that your dream pad isn’t as perfect as it seems. But what are the hidden problems and how will you uncover them before signing the lease? The next twelve months are way too long to live with squeaky plumbing, a ferocious dog next dog and a dishwasher that leaks all over the floor during every single cycle. The staff at Apartments.com knows the perfect rental is out there for you and wants to make sure you find it—not its evil imposter. Here are the questions you need to ask when renting an apartment.When you call about the ad…Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions.Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room.Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week.If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
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Turn Your Balcony Into a Retreat

A crispy fern flanked by a flapping towel and a bike with two flat tires—sound like a balcony near you? As close as your own French doors, perhaps? If what you really want is a cozy place to barbecue, or an enchanted and enchanting retreat—no problem. With just the tiniest bit of attention and effort, you can transform even a swath of bleak and cheerless concrete into almost anything. First, figure out what kind of weather your balcony has to withstand, said Elizabeth Blome of Open Window Designs in Houston. A northern exposure will limit plant choices to shade-tolerant varieties, while a west-facing patio will be hard on decorative objects like wreaths and topiaries, which can crack and fade in the hot summer sun. As for that bike—you get to keep it. "Our feeling is that if you want something, we can make it work," Blome said. "So if the bike is a part of your life, it stays—behind a screen or a lattice or a nice big plant." Decide how you want to use the space, said Helene Schultz, an interior decorator who recently tackled a patio in New York and a balcony in the Virgin Islands. And have fun. Whether you're making a private retreat, an outdoor dining room or dividing a large area into several rooms, an outdoor space should spring from your imagination. Jimenez built an Asian garden for moments of reflection."In some ways, the space in a balcony or patio is a bonus, it's unexpected," Schultz said. "You can go with something as simple as plants and a few chairs, or you can unleash your fantasies and be bolder or more playful than you might inside the home." Bold and playful were Edward Jimenez' bywords when designing the spacious balcony of his Los Angeles condo over the course of six years. At 11-feet wide and 25-feet long, Jimenez had a space large enough to be daunting. He solved the problem by dividing it into rooms—one for dining, one for a garden, another as a sitting room. "I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again. "I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."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.

Renter's Insurance FAQ

Have you been wondering about whether you'll be protected if your personal property gets damaged, or if someone injures herself in your apartment?
Read answers to commonly asked questions about renter's insurance and why you should strongly consider purchasing it. Do you have a question that isn't addressed here? Please ask.
Q: Why do I need renter's insurance?A: You need renter's insurance to cover you if any of your furniture, electronics, books, or other belongings get damaged... Read more
Q: Do I need renter's insurance even if my landlord has insurance?A: Yes. Although your landlord almost certainly has property and liability insurance, your landlord's policy doesn't cover... Read more
Q: How much does renter's insurance cost?A: Renter's insurance probably costs less than you think... Read more
Q: Is a good renter's insurance policy hard to find?A: Not at all. Several top-name insurers, such as Allstate, Geico, and State Farm, offer renter's insurance... Read more
Q: What if I don't have much personal property?A: Renter's insurance is still important even if you don't have much personal property because of the liability component... Read more
Q: Do I need renter’s insurance if I rent a condo, coop, or house?A: Yes. Renter's insurance is important as long as you rent your home... Read more
Q: Will I get enough money to replace my stuff if it gets damaged or destroyed?A: That depends on whether you opt for an actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost coverage policy... Read more
Q: Will I get paid to cover expenses for temporary relocation?A: Renter's insurance normally covers your living expenses if you must temporarily relocate because of... Read moreFor 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.

4 Steps to Renting the Perfect Apartment and other Real Estate

By Larry BellerWhen people are looking to buy real estate the old adage is “Location, location, location.” When you are looking to rent an apartment or other types of real estate that is also a major criteria. In addition to location there are other things to consider when you plan on renting an apartment. The list is in no particular order of importance, or rather the order of importance is your personal choice. LOCATIONSince renting an apartment is where you will be residing, location is the first criteria when you are in the market. Location of the apartment has a different meaning than when you are buying real estate. Location in the rental market is usually shorter-term than a possible long-term real estate investment. The ease of commuting to your job is obviously an important factor in an apartment rental. You will have to decide on whether you plan on using mass transit to work or you will drive and then the highways and parkways are the important factor. The neighborhood and the apartment complex are also an important factor that comes into play so you will feel comfortable in your surroundings. PRICEThe cost of the rental apartment is usually the biggest deciding factor. Unlike a real estate investment, when you are renting an apartment you are thinking about how well it will suit you in the short term. Another factor in price is the security deposit.AMENITIESAn often overlooked item when you are looking at apartments to rent are the amenities. These include washer and dryers, dishwashers and other useful things in a rental home. Some apartment complexes have gyms, pools and playgrounds on-site. These extra amenities are an important thing to consider when you look at the overall price of the rental unit. If you have a gym membership, for example, you can deduct that cost from your rent as a way of making the apartment more affordable.
MANAGEMENTYou want your apartment rental to be your home and part of that package is the management. Often, on-site managers are easier to work with since they are, well, on site. Maintenance issues should be fixed in a timely manner and the management of the apartment complex should be pleasant. Speak with other apartment renters of that building to see how the management rates.
CONCLUSIONThis article is a broad overview on what you should be looking for when you are looking to rent an apartment home, or other piece of real estate. When you focus on these important characteristics: Location, Price, Amenities and Management, you will make a good choice in finding the perfect rental apartment, or other real estate. 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

Apartment Locator

Partnering with the right apartment locator can be daunting task and the options provided can be a difficult decision. Does the apartment locator provide you with quality information regarding the apartment? How old are the apartments? Does this apartment complex provide utilities? The list of questions could go on and on.
Your decision should be based on your own instincts along with any recommendations an apartment locater may give you. The Dallas/Ft. Worth area has an abundance of apartments to choose from with each one offering different benefits. A trusting apartment locator should be knowledgeable in finding several locations for you to choose meeting your qualifications.
Before contacting a reliable apartment locator makes sure you have a detailed list of the types of things that are going to suit you. Do you need internet service, laundry, or covered parking? Most quality apartment complexes will have something that will suit your needs; however having someone that is able to fill you in and sort all of these needs can make your move better and the transition stress free.
A lot of apartment complexes offer free rent for a certain period of months or may offer other useful benefits that will entice you. This may save you a lot of money that you can use for new furniture or other necessary items that you will need in your new apartment. Another great way to save money is to find an apartment locator that offers moving assistance. Some locators offer free moving assistance when you use them to find the right apartment for you.
There are a lot of choices to be made and decisions that can affect your moving experience. Choosing the right apartment locator that is knowledgeable and experienced in providing clients with the right number of options is crucial and can save you time and money. Take the time to call several apartment locators to find the one that you feel the most confident with. When it comes time to move again, you may want to use the same company. Choose wisely and good luck with your apartment search!
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

How to Break a Lease

Your apartment at “Buena Vista Village” looks out on a junkyard, is infested with roaches, your next-door neighbors are running a meth lab, your upstairs neighbor is a professional tap-dancer, your carpeting still smells like the urine of the previous tenant’s cats (which she definitely wasn’t allowed to have), your car has been broken into three times in the past month, and there are bullet holes in one wall of the complex that haven’t been covered up in the whole time you’ve been there.
With a living situation like that, you really want to break your lease now, and you now wonder why you ever signed it in the first place. Or maybe your apartment isn’t all that bad, but you recently got transferred to a different state for your job, and you’ve got to get out of Dodge right away in order to keep up your obligations with your company. Whatever your reason, you want to break your lease—even though you may have only a vague idea of what the terms of the lease actually were. In order to get out of your lease in the least painful way possible, you’ll probably need to do a lot of research and documentation and even more persuading. This article will help you with both.
First and foremost, you need to get some legal advice tailored to your individual situation and lease contract. If you don’t have or can’t afford your own lawyer, get in touch with your local legal aid office and contact tenants’ rights organizations. Attorneys can be expensive, but being sued by your landlord for breaking your lease could be much more costly. If you don’t want to pay the rest of the rent that you’ve committed to shell out by signing the lease, you’d better get some sound advice so you don’t end up paying more than you had to in assorted late fees or other conditions stated in obscure parts of your lease. Tenants’ rights organizations are experienced in representing tenants who want to break their lease, and they’ve likely seen almost every situation imaginable—as well as a good number of pretty unimaginable situations.
The legal aid you acquire may tell you there’s not much to be done. You entered into a legal agreement of your own accord, after all, and you knew—or should have taken pains to investigate—the physical condition of the apartment and grounds and the nature of the available amenities before signing the lease. For this reason, claims about noise problems or facilities shortcomings are generally unlikely to work well unless you can thoroughly document the existence and severity of the problems, your attempts to have them resolved, and your landlord’s failure to do so. The vague complaint of “too much noise” is probably useless; you knew (or should have known) the noise level of the apartment complex when you moved in. For example, why move in to a rowdy complex that caters to hard-partying college students if you start work at 5 in the morning? Your landlord is only responsible for providing basic amenities and ensuring your “reasonable enjoyment” of your rental unit. The definition of reasonable varies wildly from person to person, and even if your demands seem reasonable to you, they might not seem so to your landlord—or to a judge in court.
1. Find an easy out
Once you line up some legal resources, investigate the terms your lease to see if there’s any clause that provides you with an opportunity to break lease early. Perhaps you can get out by giving two months’ notice or by finding someone else to rent the place in your stead. These are viable options that you should carefully consider. If your lease itself doesn’t point to any easy outs, the best approach is probably to find something wrong with the apartment that’s impeding your own personal well-being and hasn’t been fixed by your landlord despite repeated and well-documented requests. You’ll need significant documentation of such an issue, of course, so don’t just claim the chipped paint is chipping away at your psyche and head out the door. You might feel saner in another apartment, but you’ll still be paying rent for your old one. Requirements vary by state, but in many situations you’ll need to prove that you repeatedly notified the owner of the apartment (not necessarily the management—be sure you know who to get in touch with) via certified mail with return receipt requested and provided ample time for him or her to fix the situation cited. For this reason, repair issues may not be the best way to get out of your lease fast—you may just end up successfully getting the repairs done instead of successfully getting out of your apartment.
2. Find something wrong
Likewise, if particular amenities were promised to you upon move-in but have never surfaced (or do not work), their absence is only a factor if you can document your landlord’s claims to provide. Your landlord is legally obligated to provide only what’s in the lease; unless the lease promised specific amenities, you’re not likely to get far by complaining about the absence of such features. Landlords are allowed to change their minds; tenants, sadly, are not (not about keeping the lease, at least). Even if you were promised a swimming pool by next summer and they haven’t cleared the ground for one by mid-June, the lack of the pool is only significant if you can prove its presence was guaranteed in a legally binding way. Don’t expect casual conversations to hold up in court—focus instead on obtaining and understanding written agreements from the beginning, rather than after the fact.
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Top 5 Tips When you File a Complaint You’ve moved into a new apartment, your stuff is unpacked and you’re finally settled in- and that’s when you notice it. It might be the neighbor’s insufferably loud music, a broken security gate, a clear fire hazard or water that smells like sewage running down the only set of stairs to get to and from your apartment. Get ready to file a complaint with your landlord or management company, because little will get fixed if you don’t. But first, you’ll need to take some steps to make sure you come out on top. Keep these five tips in mind to ensure that your complaint will not only be read, but that some action will be taken.
1. Make sure your rent has been paid in full and on time: When you file a complaint, you are essentially asking that your landlord take responsibility for his or her property. Make sure that you are a responsible tenant before filing the complaint. You don’t want a discussion on your unpaid rent to detract from your legitimate problem with your apartment. Make sure that you have fulfilled all of your obligations to the landlord so that he has no choice but to focus on your problem. If the complaint will result in a site visit to your apartment, make sure the place is in decent shape before the landlord or management company comes.
2. Check your lease for relevant terms and conditions:Make sure that you understand the terms of your lease and that what you are asking the landlord to do is actually his responsibility. Asking him for improvements and changes he doesn’t have to provide is an exercise in futility. However, if your complaint deals with a safety issue, you have a right to complain, even if the specific situation is not spelled out in your lease.
3. Keep a paper trail of all requests to the landlord:Keep a record of all your complaints to the landlord and any replies you get in return. If you make a complaint over the phone, be sure to back it up with a paper letter. If your landlord hasn’t responded to a request, send it by certified mail, which gives you a confirmation that the letter has been received. Most landlords don’t communicate by email, but if yours does, an email trail is a great electronic record of the efforts you made to contact the landlord. Still, your emails should be backed up with paper letters if your landlord is unresponsive. Keep track of when you sent each request, to whom you sent it and what your complaint was about. If you eventually have to go above your landlord to get an issue resolved, you will need all evidence of your efforts to get this problem solved.
4. Give the landlord adequate time to respond:Of course, these problems aren’t solved overnight. Give your landlord adequate time to respond, unless there is an urgent, safety-related issue. But even in this case, it may be a day or two before your landlord checks the office voice mail or the better part of a week before he receives a letter sent by regular mail. Giving the landlord or management company time to respond also helps build your reputation as a reasonable tenant. When you do get a response, be firm but polite. It may seem hard to believe at times, but landlords are people too. Like anyone else, they’ll be more helpful if you treat them respectfully.
5. If you don’t get a response, don’t give up:If you’ve been persistent, polite and given adequate time for your landlord to take action and he hasn’t, you’ll have to go above his head. There are a number of resources at your disposal. The first place to turn is the tenant’s association in your area; find one from the Renter’s Resource page on this blog:. They can better acquaint you with what your rights are in your city and state and can give you an idea of what your next steps might be. You may also consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or local housing authority. Before you do so, let your landlord know the steps you are going to take. Sometimes just the threat of taking your problem to an outside agency will be enough to prompt the landlord to address the issue.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. You’ll give the (correct) impression you’ll back down if your landlord simply ignores you. Instead, be persistent but reasonable, polite but firm. When your complaint is finally resolved, don’t keep the good news to yourself. Let your neighbors know how you got the landlord to fix your problem so that they can follow the same tactics you did.
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When people are looking to buy real estate the old adage is “Location, location, location.” When you are looking to rent an apartment or other types of real estate that is also a major criteria. In addition to location there are other things to consider when you plan on renting an apartment. The list is in no particular order of importance, or rather the order of importance is your personal choice.
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Since renting an apartment is where you will be residing, location is the first criteria when you are in the market. Location of the apartment has a different meaning than when you are buying real estate. Location in the rental market is usually shorter-term than a possible long-term real estate investment.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

Apartment Hunting

If you haven’t tried to find an apartment for rent in a popular (or heavily populated) city, be prepared. In cities like San Francisco and New York, finding an affordable apartment is almost impossible. For every apartment that becomes available, hundreds of potential tenants are vying for it. With enough preparation and a little interaction, you can find a decent and affordable apartment in almost any city.
Your options: So you want to move to a hot city or just want to move to a new place in a hot city, but you don’t know where to start. Timing is critical in the real estate game and finding a rental is just a matter of persistence and preparation.
If you are low on time or just don’t want to handle the search yourself, there are other options for you. One option includes apartment brokers. Apartment brokers get paid to find you an apartment (or other rental) within a city. They usually have up-to-date information on units as they become available, while the typical consumer is waiting around for ads in the newspapers or ads in free apartment guides. However, in hot cities, waiting means losing out. Some brokers charge the apartment complex a fee rather than the potential renter. Be sure to ask about the rates and if the broker can guarantee success within a specific time limit. Ask about rebate offers when you rent with specific communities.
Your best option is to network. Ask friends about friends or family living in the desired location. Talk to members of your church, school, work or other organizations about potential contacts. Browse through online bulletin boards and community websites that involve people living in your future location.
Your own search: Getting an apartment in a densely populated location is going to be difficult and will require a lot of persistence and work. If you are moving to a new city, begin researching the city. Learn which areas are expensive, dirt cheap, and reasonable. Look at nearby suburbs and cities. The broader your range, the higher the probability of finding an available unit. Search online and paper guides about apartment complexes in those areas. Call each one and get an idea of how often rentals become available, the price range of rentals, and if there is a waiting list. Call back often. Visit websites of complexes and online rental services and sign up for any mailing list available. Keep an eye on the financial market of the city. If companies are laying off, closing down, or moving out, more renters might be leaving the city.
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