How much closet space is there? You may not be a clotheshorse, but you still need a place to hang clothes and coats, put away shoes, linen and even the vacuum cleaner. Apartments in older houses tend to have few closets. Look to see how the current tenant (if there is one) manages.
How old is the wiring? Count how many outlets there are and if they have a grounding socket. Few outlets and/or two-pronged outlets often indicate older wiring, which can be a safety concern.
How present is the landlord? You want your landlord to be available when you need assistance, but it can be intrusive and uncomfortable to have him or her around all the time or coming by unannounced.
What are the policies and laws regarding pets? If a pet is already part of your family, make sure it is legal and acceptable to have pets. Otherwise, you may have to face a heartbreaking decision.
How big are the rooms? You can use a tape measure or pace off to get a good idea of the room dimensions. Also notice how much and what size of furniture the current tenants have. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, will it fit in the bedroom? Also note stairwells, hallways and doors. Maybe your couch will fit in the living room, but will you be able to get it in?
Is there parking? If you have a car you’ll want to know if parking is included in the rent, where it is and how safe it is.
Check for insects and rodents. Look in corners, behind furniture and along baseboards for any evidence of critters or repellent. If there are current tenants, they may be forthcoming with such information. And, if possible, visit the apartment at night and turn lights on in the bathroom and kitchen to look for any activity.
If the place is in need of repair or paint, find out what will be done before you move in. If the plaster is falling down and you have to repair it, you may find living there more expensive and annoying than you bargained for.
The key to successful apartment hunting is keeping your wits about you. Don’t just look at the surface of things and make assumptions. Review the notes you made as you viewed the apartment. Jot down your impressions as well. This will be your home. It is worth taking the time to plan ahead, ask questions and weigh pros and cons before signing on the dotted line
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Smokefree Apartments: A Smart Choice for Renters!

Smokefree Apartments: A Smart Choice for Renters!
If you value a smokefree living environment, you probably know that smokefree buildings help to protect you and your family’s health from the hazards associated with secondhand smoke. Did you know that a building that is smokefree is much less likely to catch fire? More and more renters are saying “YES!” to smokefree living and are making it an important factor in deciding where to live.
How do I find a no-smoking apartment building?
Here are some tips that will help you find an apartment that is just right for you!
Whenever you call or visit a property, ask these questions about smoking policies:
1. If the property is a smokefree property, find out if the policy applies to everyone, or just new tenants. Ask if the non-smoking rule covers indoor common areas, rental units, and any places outside.2. Ask if there are any tenants who currently smoke inside or out, and where they smoke. If they are smoking anywhere in the building, and there is shared ventilation, it is likely that secondhand smoke will get into your unit. If they smoke outside near your windows or doors, it could also drift inside your unit.3. Ask about enforcement. Does the landlord check to make sure no one is smoking? How would the landlord respond if you made a complaint about a smoking neighbor? If a tenant or their guest is smoking, what would the landlord do about it?4. Are signs posted to make visitors aware of the no-smoking rule?5. Did the previous tenant smoke? If so, what did the landlord do to clean the apartment? Restoration companies strongly recommend that after a smoker moves out, landlords should remove and replace things like carpeting and curtains, and clean all appliances, bath and lighting fixtures, tub surrounds, bath vanities and all door and window openings.
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You Know You Need a Roomate When...

You Know You Need a Roomate When...You come home wanting to talk about your day to someone. There are people who like coming home to a quiet apartment. And there are those who become depressed at the thought. If you hate coming home to an empty apartment, then you may need a roommate. Just make sure you find a roommate you're compatible with.
You have no money to yourself or to put in savings after paying off rent, utilities and basic living needs such as food and transportation. Roommates help you save money. Sometimes, rent is cheaper with a roommate. Also, roommates split the cost of cable television, utilities and home supplies.
You hate cooking dinner for one. Find yourself cooking a platter of lasagna and freezing it for weeks as you slowly finish it off? Maybe you yearn for a buddy to help with the cooking, cleaning and, of course, eating.
You like having friends who know what you look like before you put your face on. Roommates have a special bond, because you've seen each other when sick, tired, crabby and sans make-up or hair gel.
You have a dog and need help walking it. Just kidding. I threw that one in as a joke. But, if you do have a dog, it would be nice if your roommates shared the responsibilities of taking it outside. It's also a good idea to share pet safety concerns with your roommates.
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Leases

Leases

Leases are important for clarification of the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. If you don't have a lease, the landlord could ask you to leave or raise your rent on short notice. In addition, factors, such as when your rent is due, if pets are allowed and who is responsible for maintenance need to be clear. The type of lease you will be asked to sign can vary with the type of apartment and building in which it is located. OCHA has samples of different leases. Any changes to the standard lease are usually included in a separate lease rider. Leases are for one or two years and generally begin on the 1st or the 15th of the month.
Typically, the apartment will be unfurnished and will be located in a rental building that is owned by the landlord. Some apartments may be protected by rent regulations. A rent-regulated apartment is subject to limits on the amount that owners can raise the rent for vacant apartments and renewals of existing leases. Tenants in rent-regulated apartments have the right to renew the lease provided they’re in compliance with all lease terms and conditions. Rent-regulated tenants have the right to sublease the apartment with the landlord's permission.
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.