Renter Rights

Things to do to Protect Yourself

It’s your first apartment and although you’re looking forward to this more than anything else, you still want to make sure that you protect yourself from any bad business practices or situations. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your first, or fiftieth, time on your own.

• Before you move in to your new place, make sure that you walk through the exact apartment that you’re going to move into, If there are any things that are wrong with the apartment make sure you tell the landlord what they are, and that you want them fixed, before you move in.

• If, for any reason, these items are not fixed by the time that you move in, document the things that need to be repaired or replaced in writing and with photographs. Send a copy to your landlord and keep a copy for yourself. These things should include any chips in the walls, broken appliances and anything in the apartment that looks worn or deteriorated. In the event that your security deposit is held for any of these items, you now have proof that they were in existence before you moved in.

• Make sure that the locks are changed before you move into your new apartment. Ask the landlord to tell you who has copies of the keys. Usually, the only other people that should have access to your apartment is the building management.

• Purchase renters insurance. You might not think that you have a great deal of stuff to cover but when you start to add it all up it will probably amount to more that you thought. Depending on the terms of the policy that you purchase, renters insurance will protect you from fire, break-ins or other disasters at a low cost.

• Landlords must fix major problems in the unit. It is their responsibility to keep the apartment livable and in good condition. If you signed a lease for an apartment with air conditioning, the landlord must keep the air conditioning working in the unit. If the water is shut off (and you’ve paid your bills), the landlord must fix any problem in a reasonable time frame.

• Depending on your lease, your landlord may or may not be responsible for minor problems like leaky faucets or problems with appliances. (Make sure you ask about this before you sign the lease.) If it states in the lease that you are responsible for issues of this nature, building maintenance may be able to fix the problem but don’t be surprised if you end up with a bill for the repairs. Another good reason to make sure you document any problems before you move into the apartment.

If your landlord is not receptive to repairing major problems or is hesitant to meet with you for any other major dispute after you’ve moved in make sure you take the following steps, and take them exactly in this order:

• Submit a repair request through building maintenance.
• If this is not acted upon propose a meeting with your landlord.
• If mediation fails to bring about a resolution…report your building and landlord to a local housing authority or building agency. Most often this agency can apply the needed pressure for your landlord to understand the importance of your issues and help rectify any problem. Only when that fails should you…
• Sue your landlord in small claims court. Not only might this damage the reputation of your landlord and the apartment property but if the lawsuit is financial in nature, it may also reflect negatively on your credit report. Only when all other attempts at mediation have failed should you take this drastic measure.
• The Federal Fair Housing Act protects renters from discrimination.

Apartment Basics Room Mates

Finding a good roommate in Malibu, Apartment Basics.Room-mates.Moving can often be a very stressful experience so many apartments and house details, finances, packing and unpacking. Now you just need to start putting it all together.
Unpack one box at a time. Unpack what you’re going to need first, clothing, alarm clock, toiletries and a few dishes, then sit back to relax and enjoy your new space, get a good night’s rest so the next day you can unpack a few more boxes. Take your time so to completely unpack.
Get to know your neighborhood. Walk or a drive around your new community, check out what’s doing in the local scene. Find a community center, and pick up a calendar of events or read what’s around and doing in your local news paper.
Meet new people and keep your old contacts Stop by your new neighbors’ or join a club to meet people who share an interest with you. Churches, community classes and volunteer organizations are all great ways to meet new people.
Get back into a daily routine that is familiar to you, if you work out join a gym. Find the closest dry cleaners, grocery store and post office so that running around will not be fell like you are running around in circles.
Necessary Tasks a week after your move, you should make sure that all your post-move business is settled. Address changes, TV, Cable, Internet, Telephone Service, Electric, Gas hook-ups etc. Each task you complete will bring you a sense of accomplishment. Each box you unpack is one less box.
Choosing/Finding a Roommate
Searching for a roommate can be challenging, if you can not afford to live on your own, then think about staying at home with your family. Rental costs are much higher than you have bargained for, so what do you do?
We would like to help you make this roommate search less intimidating.
There are challenges with living with another person that you will need to overcome. If you’re not really a people person, or you really need a lot of privacy, or you have trouble talking through disputes, having a roommate around 24-7 might not be for you. You will need to share responsibilities cleaning, bills, grocery shopping, etc.
1. The first thing you’ll need to decide is if you will live with a friend or a stranger. Although the idea of living with your best pal is quite appealing, living together can break the strongest bonds. Even if you have the most fantastic relationship, there are things that go on behind closed doors do you really want to know?
If you don’t have a friend that wants to, move into a new place, finding a stranger may be your only option. To avoid someone that is crazy, ask a lot of questions, Are you a morning person or a night owl?
• What kind of music do you like?
• Do you party or do you like relaxing down time?
• What kind of people does your roommate hang out with?
• Do you like the same sports teams?
• How do you feel about visitors?
• Are they or you in a serious relationship?
• Do you share the same ideas about cleanliness?
• What are your hobbies?
• Do you or your potential roommate have or want pets?
Think also about what you’re looking for in a roommate. You shouldn't’t settle for the first person that shows interest and, on the flip side, you also should not wait for the perfect match, it just might never come. Ask yourself the following questions (yes, more questions)
• Do you smoke, if not, are you willing to live with someone who does?
• Are you willing to live with a person of the opposite sex?
• Are you willing to live with a person with an alternative lifestyle?
• What is the age range you’re looking for in a roommate?
• Where does your potential roommate work and is there potential for a carpool or ride share?
• Will your potential roommate have the financial means to pay rent and utilities? This one is imperative, you MUST be completely upfront with how much rent will be paid and what utilities are to be split.
Things you should expect from a roommate:
• Respect for personal space
• Neat and Safe living habits
• Timely payment of rent and utilities
Roommates are more of a business relationship. If the friendship does not develop, don’t be disappointed. As long as your roommate meets the minimum expectations, you are lucky!
How do you go about finding a Good Roommate?
• Post notes in local shops, or schools
• Place an ad in a local paper
• Many online resources you can easily register with and peruse thousands of potential roomies
• Listen to your gut. Your 1st. instincts are usually the right ones