We like to think that all people are good, yet unfortunately that's not how life tends to play out. It is imperative to make sure your management company/landlord is reputable. Just because a company is widely known, does not make it a safe bet. Having a harassing or neglectful landlord can ruin your apartment experience. Credit Advocates reccomends looking up reviews for your potential management company and asking people who currently have an apartment managed by that company if possible. Landlords tend to assume that tenants are not aware of their rights - which is often correct - thus charge tenants illegal fees or other things landlords are not permitted to do. Additionally, landlords cannot enter your apartment without your permission!
Tenant rights in New York City: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/tenants/tenantsrights.shtml
Tenant Rights in Boston: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/docs/tenantsrights.pdf
When seeing apartments keep these questions in mind:
- Is there a dishwasher?
- Is there a washing machiene & dryer? If so, where are they?
- Is there a basement? Look and smell around for mold. Look for wet spots and water damage. This should be done in the bathrooms too. Mold can bother your allergies, cause or worsen asthma, or cause more serious health issues.
- Are there signs of pests? Look for chewed corners or holes in ceilings or walls.
- Noise. Know who your neighbors are. College students tend to make more noise than the elderly. If you plan on having loud gatherings or want a peaceful experience, make sure to take notice of your surroundings.
Things to make sure you take note on a lease before singing:
- Amount needed to secure your apartment & get it off the market - usually first & last months rent and a security deposit (typically 1 months rent - more then that is illegal)
- If utilities are included
- Ability/provisions for subletting
- If pets are allowed (if so, if there is an extra deposit)
- Key deposits (front & unit door, mailbox, gate, or parking lot entry)
- Rules of conduct, quiet hours, & guest policy
- Parking policy & fees
- Rent due date and where/who it needs to be paid to
- If there are any repairs you need done prior to moving in & dates for these repairs or cleaning of the carpets. Make sure you have a phone number and email address to use to request maintenance
- How you will do your laundry
- Where and when to dispose of your garbage & recycling
Lastly, before you see apartments with your realtor be aware of the realtor fee. This fee is typically (and cannot be more than) 1 months rent.
Credit Advocates strives to get as much useful information out to the public as possible. If there is an unanswered question on Housing OR Credit Counseling email me at rsimon@creditadvocates.org and I will answer any & all questions here on the blog!
Protecting your rights begins by knowing your rights!
