Renter’s Advice and Resources
Questions to Ask a Landlord
· Aug 7, 2006
It happens to all of us: we think of a thousand questions the day after looking at an apartment, and wish we’d had better presence of mind in the moment. Here’s a list of questions, loosely categorized by topic that you may wish to ask a potential landlord about your apartment. Remember to ask questions respectfully and refrain from gasping at any answer, even if it seems outrageous. If this isn’t the apartment for you, just move on. If you’re not sure you understand the answer to a question, don’t hesitate to rephrase or ask a follow-up question. This list assumes you’ve already actually seen the apartment and don’t need to ask the basic questions (where in the complex is it located?, how many bedrooms/square feet?, etc.). Keep in mind that this list designed as a guideline to help you remember to ask about what’s important to you. It’s not a litany of questions you must ask in every situation.
How can you save money on rent? The answers seem obvious: shop around, ask friends, live in a smaller place or a less developed area. There are other ways to pinch pennies, however—just read on for more details!
· Jun 28, 2006
You’ve probably lived in an apartment at some point in your life. Maybe you’re still an apartment-dweller, or maybe you moved on to a house. Regardless of your situation, you’re now wondering if condominium living could be right for you. It’s not just for old people anymore, after all—new homeowners are considering condominiums for affordability, just as individuals at retirement age are considering them to downsize from a home to a more manageable property. Read on for some facts about condo that may ultimately affect your decision to sign that condominium contract.
· Apr 17, 2006
Moving to a new city? Worried about how you’ll find a new place to live? The brand spanking new website HotPads.com is here to help. The flashy interface and extensive information at HotPads.com may make the craigslist housing section a thing of the past. Read on to find out how you can use HotPads.com to find a roommate, a room, a house, or anything in between.
· Feb 27, 2006
Ah, college dormitories—havens of hedonism, homework help (and distractions), and the inevitable hellish noises. Campus-area apartments for college students are filled with people you don’t know and who don’t want to know you, far enough from campus to discourage class attendance, and not guaranteed to be much quieter or cleaner than a dormitory. So which should you pick as a college student? Let’s explore in detail some drawbacks and benefits of both options.
· Jan 4, 2006
Finding an apartment can be an overwhelming task. Driving through town gazing at complex after complex the possibilities seem endless; but deciding how to go about finding the one that’s right for you can be tricky. On first glance an apartment can seem great, but it’s really important to scope them out before renting. Here are a few tips on how to get started looking for that perfect apartment.
· Dec 26, 2005
Whether this is the first time on your own or you are no stranger to the month-to-month rent, money is tough to come by these days. Too bad each of us don’t have a magic money tree growing in our apartments; however, I have some suggestions for you to save money when you go apartment hunting.
· Oct 12, 2005