When you are renting an apartment

When you are renting an apartment, you might want to consider the other rentals that are available to you. Whether you need temporary help, can't afford to purchase outright or are just looking for the least amount of hassle, here are some apartment renting 101 tips to think about during your time as a tenant:Storage for your things. Whether you want to rent some space in your parent's basement or go for a storage facility, it can be a good solution if you simply have too much stuff.Gardening equipment. This is a great choice for those living in an apartment that want to do some work in their yard but don't want the hassle of buying and storing equipment.A car, bicycle or scooter. Renting a car, bicycle or scooter can be a great temporary solution if you are waiting for your vehicle to ship or haven't yet saved up the money to buy something. You might even be able to split the cost with a roommate.Furniture. If your goods are being shipped cross-country or from overseas you might want to get a few items in the apartment to make life easier in the meantime.Electronics. You can rent items such as a DVD player if you are still saving for your own. Baby furniture. If you don't want to buy this outright and give away later or store, this can be a great option. 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.

Get Results When You Need Something from Your Landlord

You want attention and results when dealing with your landlord about an issue that arises during your tenancy. But not all landlords are professional or courteous enough to respond promptly. Sometimes, it can be tough just to get your landlord to return your phone call.
Many types of problems can arise during your lease term that may require the landlord to take action. For example, an appliance may break, the heating may stop working, you may need to end your lease early, there may be a pest invasion in your apartment, or a neighbor may be causing trouble. If you find yourself needing your landlord's attention, the last thing you want is to wait weeks for a response.
When you need to contact your landlord, here are some communication tips that will help ensure you get the prompt attention you need:
Follow your landlord's own procedure. First, check if your landlord has a procedure or a preferred method of contact when problems arise. If she does, then following this procedure is your best bet to get a prompt response. Plus, if your landlord is slow to respond to your question or complaint, when you try again you can point out you're following the landlord's own directions.
Your landlord may, for instance, direct tenants to call a super or a management company when most issues arise. For specific problems, your landlord may prefer that you deal directly with a certain professional. For example, your landlord might ask that you call her plumber's 24-hour emergency number directly when plumbing problems arise.
Look for special contact directions first in your lease. This information may also appear posted in an area such as the entryway to your building or near mailboxes. Landlords may also communicate this information to tenants through a memo or in a newsletter, if your building has one. If you're about to sign or renew your lease, ask whom you should contact about problems, if you don't already know the answer.
Put your requests and complaints in writing. Chances are, your first attempt to contact your landlord about an issue will be by phone. If you've tried twice to get through without success, start keeping a log. Note the date, time, method and outcome of your communication attempts. If you send letters or e-mails, keep a printout or copy with your log.
Documenting your efforts to contact your landlord will help strengthen your case if you need to go to court. It will also help you remember when and how you first tried to contact your landlord about a problem, in case you need to reference it in a subsequent letter.
Point out what's in it for your landlord. For many people, pointing out a benefit of responding or complying -- or a risk of not doing so -- helps inspire them to take action. For example, if a neighbor is creating a serious nuisance and your landlord isn't returning your calls, consider sending a letter noting that you may need to withhold rent if the landlord doesn't respond and lets the nuisance continue. Or, if bulbs break and this causes the lighting to be inadequate outside part of your building, point out the danger -- that it's just a matter of time until someone tips and falls or becomes the victim of a crime.
Be persistent. Don't give up after just a couple of phone calls. If the person who takes your call tells you that someone else will call you back, ask when you should call again if you don't hear back from that person. This helps ensure the person will take your call seriously, and it lets the landlord's office know that you're not going away until you speak to the right person and you get the matter resolved.
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.

Rent Apartment or Buy Mobile Home and Resell?

First, I think you’re getting too exotic by thinking about saving money by purchasing a mobile home and reselling it, recouping some of the equity and thus paying out less in rent. It’s certainly a very interesting decision and analysis but ultimately I think your assumptions are going to be your undoing on this one.If all your assumptions go through, that you can purchase the mobile home and resell it at the stated prices, it sounds like your plan will work. Your assumptions, however, are very difficult to support and I am clearly not qualified to give you an advice on that. All I know is that there is a social stigma associated with mobile homes and I have no experience selling one, either first hand or anecdotally. What I do know is that you’ll have to put that mobile home somewhere and generally mobile home parks charge some sort of land usage fee that you didn’t figure into your calculation. You also have closing costs and selling costs that you haven’t factored into your equation which may make the decision less financially attractive. Then again, your extra low price of $80k may have accounted for all of this in its fudge factor, who knows.All that being said, I go back to the beginning where I said this is probably making it too complicated and potentially putting yourself in a bad spot, especially if you experience difficulty selling it and have on your hands a depreciating asset that you can’t sell. Would I do this? Probably not. I don’t like committing myself to debt larger than my fist unless it’s a pretty sure thing and I don’t think your trade off necessarily is. It’s definitely an interesting question though.
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

General Guidelines

Whether you're a first-time renter or an experienced apartment hunter, it's worth taking the time to think through what's important to you in an apartment and plan your search with those priorities in mind. Here are some things to consider when planning your next move:
1. Consider the areas where you would like to live
What is the crime rate in those areas? If you have school-age children - what rating does the school system have in that area? Is the area convenient to shopping, services, health and recreation facilities? 2. Make a list of your top housing priorities
Do you need an apartment that accepts pets? Do you need extra parking spaces? Do you need to be on the ground floor? What amenities are important to you - swimming pool, recreation or fitness room, tennis courts? What about laundry facilities? 3. Evaluate the property
What is the condition of the buildings? Are the grounds well maintained, plants trimmed and neat? Is the landscaping healthy and green or dying? Are windows, steps, and railings safe or broken and dangerous? Check out the property at night. Are parking areas and pathways well lit? What about stairways and halls? 4. Check out the security of the property
Does the building have a security service? If so, what hours is the guard on duty? Does the building have controlled access? If so, are the exterior security gates and doors kept closed? Do individual units have secure door and window locks? 5. Talk to the neighbors
It may take a little courage, but it is worth knocking on a few doors to ask residents whether they are satisfied with the building and the management's responsiveness to repair needs and concerns. See our section titled "Good Questions to Ask" 6. Ask about amenities
Who is allowed to used amenities like swimming pools, recreation and fitness rooms, tennis courts? What hours are they open? Is there additional fees charged to use those facilities? 7. Ask about Utilities
Does the owner or tenant pay the water bill? Are any utilities, such as gas and electric, included in the rent? Do units have individual thermostats to control heat and air conditioning? 8. Examine the lease
How much notice must you give before moving at the end of the lease term? Can the rent be increased? If so, by how much and how often? Are pets allowed? What provisions cover your security deposit and end of lease cleaning costs? What is the responsibility of tenants for wear or damage to property? What is the penalty for breaking a lease? 9. Be prepared! Collect information to present to landlords and leasing agents before beginning your search. Include:
Credit Report Application Pay stubs/tax returns Reference
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