New travel requirements

Traveling no longer means completely disconnecting from the real world. Modern tourists want to maintain contact with loved ones, work away from the office, exchange impressions on social networks and even watch their favorite films and TV series in a comfortable environment. To do this, they need not only comfortable housing, but also a reliable laptop capable of providing high-speed Internet access and performing professional tasks.

Home and laptop rental: How does it work?

Specialized online platforms provide a unique opportunity to rent not only housing, but also technical devices. Home and laptop owners can post their listings on such sites, providing details about availability and rental conditions. Tenants, in turn, can choose the most suitable options based on their needs and preferences.

Advantages of renting housing and laptops in one place:

• Comfort and Productivity: New travelers can enjoy the comfort of home with access to a full-fledged workspace. The laptop becomes an integral part of their travel, allowing them to work, explore new places and stay connected with loved ones.

• Save time and money: Simultaneously renting accommodation and a laptop in one place simplifies the selection and booking process. It also saves money, as many landlords offer discounts when renting both services.

• Flexibility and Choice: Travelers can choose laptops with different specifications depending on their needs. They can rent small laptops for entertainment or powerful ones for work.

• Community and sharing: Home and laptop rental platforms create a space for tenants and landlords to share experiences and recommendations.

Renting the right property can be easy if you follow a few steps and consider your needs and budget. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting a home:

1. Determine your needs and budget:

Decide how much you are willing to spend on rent. Set a budget that includes rent, utilities and additional expenses.Determine the number of rooms, the size of the home, the amenities needed (such as a kitchen, washing machine, Wi-Fi, etc.), and the location (proximity to work, public transportation, shopping, and other important amenities).

2. Use online platforms:

Today there are many online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and others where you can search for rental accommodation. Choose the platform that best suits your needs and provides information on accommodations, prices and reviews from other guests.

3. Filter results:

Use filters on the platform to refine your criteria (price, number of bedrooms, type of housing and other parameters). Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of their experience at the property.

4. Contact the owners:

Once you’ve found an interesting property, contact the hosts through the booking platform. Ask them questions and clarify details if necessary.

5. Book your accommodation:

If you are satisfied with the conditions and price, book accommodation for the selected dates. Please follow the instructions on the platform to complete your booking.

6. Check the terms and conditions:

Before booking, please carefully review the terms and conditions of the property, including cancellation policy, property handling policies and additional fees.

7. Come and check in:

Arrive at your booked accommodation at the scheduled time and complete the check-in process as instructed by the hosts. Make sure everything meets your expectations.

8. Stay in touch:

While staying in a rental property, remain in contact with the owners to resolve any questions or problems that may arise.

Renting a home can provide you with a convenient and comfortable place to stay during your trip. It’s important to carefully read the terms, communicate with hosts, and use rental platforms to find the right property for your needs.

The laptop does not directly affect the quality of the apartment or the comfort of living. If your laptop repair manhattan, then it will not be difficult for you to contact the service center while you are at home. Having a working laptop can be important to your comfort and convenience during your stay for several reasons:

• Work and Connectivity: Whether you’re renting an apartment for a work trip or need an Internet connection, a functioning laptop becomes an essential part of your work environment. You will be able to carry out your work responsibilities and remain connected with colleagues and clients.

• Entertainment and Information: The laptop allows you to be entertained and informed. You can watch movies, TV series, read the news, search for information about local attractions and events, and plan routes and activities.

• Connect with loved ones: The laptop allows you to stay in touch with your loved ones by exchanging messages, video calls and photos. This is especially important if you are away from home.

Conclusion:

When choosing a property to rent, you should first consider factors such as location, price, comfort, amenities and rental rules. Having a working laptop can be important, but it should be seen as an additional convenience and not as the main criterion when choosing an apartment.

Ultimately, choosing a rental apartment and meeting your technology needs depends on your individual goals and travel requirements. The main thing is to ensure comfortable accommodation and the opportunity to enjoy the trip to the fullest.

The post Travel Without Borders: Renting Accommodation and Laptops for the New Generation of Travelers appeared first on A MeEn for You.

The most common reason for a landlord to reject a rental application is incomplete paperwork. Make sure that you fill out every section of the application and provide all of the required documents. If you have any questions, be sure to ask the landlord or rental agent before you submit your application.

Another frequent reason for rejection is lack of income. Most landlords require that tenants earn at least three times the monthly rent amount. For example, if the rent is $1000 per month, the tenant would need to show proof of income in the form of pay stubs or tax returns totaling at least $3000 per month. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation such as bank statements or profit and loss statements.

Bad credit is another common reason for rejection. Landlords typically run a credit check on all applicants to see if they have a history of late payments, collections, or bankruptcies. If your credit score is low, you may still be able to rent an apartment by providing a larger security deposit or offering to pay rent in advance.

Some landlords also require tenants to submit to a criminal background check. This is usually done through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If you have any felony convictions, you will likely be disqualified from renting an apartment. In some cases, misdemeanor convictions may also result in rejection.

Insufficient move-in funds are often cited as a reason for rejection. Most landlords require tenants to have enough money saved up to cover the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit (usually equal to one month’s rent). If you cannot provide proof of these funds, you may be rejected.

An extended move date can also be a disqualifying factor. Landlords typically want tenants to move in within 30 days of signing the lease. If you need more time than that, you may be required to sign a short-term rental or pay an additional fee.

Pets are another common reason for rejection. Many landlords do not allow pets of any kind, so it is important to check the rules before you apply. Even if the landlord does allow pets, they may require an additional deposit or fee.

False information on your rental application is grounds for immediate rejection. Be sure to double-check all of the information you provide, including your contact information, employment history, and previous addresses. Any discrepancies will likely result in a rejected application.

The rental agent may also be a reason for rejection. If the agent is difficult to work with or seems unprofessional, it may reflect poorly on you as an applicant. In some cases, you may be able to request a different agent.

Some landlords have very specific and unusual disqualifying factors for renting their apartments. For example, one landlord may reject an offer because the renters have eucalyptus plants in their home. This is because the landlord’s cat was killed by a eucalyptus plant in the past. Other landlords may disqualify potential renters based on their credit score, employment history, or even their criminal record. While these factors may seem unfair, it is important to remember that landlords have the right to choose who they rent to. They are not required to rent to anyone who does not meet their criteria.

Finally, bad references from previous landlords can disqualify you from renting an apartment. Be sure to provide the contact information for your current and previous landlords so that they can be easily reached if needed. If you have a history of late payments, damage to property, or other problems, it will likely be reflected in your references.

Keep these disqualifying factors in mind when applying for an apartment. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can increase your chances of being approved for the rental unit you want!

The post Disqualifying Factors for Renting an Apartment: How to Avoid Being Rejected appeared first on A MeEn for You.

First of all, you need to decide exactly how long you’re going to stay in this place. After all, if a few months another move is scheduled, is it worth spending a lot of money on repairs and living in the area if you can just find a better environment, let the pay per month will be a little higher? Rental housing, for example, is quite expensive, even if the apartment is not striking luxury. Do you need to invest extra money in their redecoration?

If you do decide to start construction work, the whole process and the terms of the deal should be documented! No matter how good and conscientious the old lady may seem, people are different, and you should always take this into account. As the saying goes, trust, but verify: everything should be documented, so no one from the side had reason to worry.

When you move in, first of all you have to check that all the mechanisms and appliances in the house work properly! After all, you can paint the windows, fix the walls, but a broken stove or plumbing will cost a lot more, both financially and psychologically. You should be especially careful when checking out the apartment, if the price is seductively low, because with such nice figures they may often try to hide some of the flaws that may come out at the most inconvenient time.

If you are satisfied with everything and it’s time to settle down and settle in, the easiest way is to adjust the walls, floor and furniture.

Walls

The easiest way to transform the walls is to make such a procedure in any weekend, buying the necessary materials and watching a few instructional videos on the Internet.

The most popular and traditional way to decorate the walls is wallpaper. This concept has long gone beyond the paper rolls in flower, left from the repair of times of grandmother’s youth. Now there are many kinds of wallpaper for every taste: liquid, 3D, vinyl or photo wallpaper. With the help of a few rolls and a day of spending time, the tenant can create a real masterpiece from his room, taking into account his wishes and tastes.

Drywall, for example, is quick to install and reliably hides pipes and wires. However, in this case, it is also better to contact a professional who will be able to implement your design solutions.

Painting the walls is a process that probably leaves the most room for creativity. In this kind of decorating, you can fully exercise your imagination and paint everything you have enough colors and imagination.

The floor

You can decorate the floor in many different ways: to draw beautiful patterns with stencils, make a mosaic or combine together a few interesting and unusual materials.

But the easiest decoration would be a carpet. After all, there are millions of them, in different shapes, sizes, colors, styles and pile lengths. Each room can be equipped in a different and quite original way, taking into account the taste of the tenant of a particular corner. However, in doing so, be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner a lot and often, and from time to time to walk around with all the carpets to wash and get rid of dust.

Furniture Furnishings.

Furniture is what is easiest to replace. However, before replacing a closet or nightstand, try to just give it a good scrubbing, because very often the moving out tenants, much less the landlord, don’t do such little things.

With the consent of the landlords boring furnishings can be enlivened with drawings, paint or stickers. And old chairs and armchairs can easily be updated by simply changing the upholstery or covering damaged surfaces with lacquer.

Windows, ceiling and plumbing are probably the most difficult to adjust. You should pay more attention to these interior items when choosing an apartment, especially if you are going to rent an apartment from the owner. After all, then their repair can cost the renter a pretty penny. Of course, some external defects can be easily smoothed by a good wash, touch-up, or hang a bright curtain, but serious technical defects cannot be hidden in this way, and it is often impossible to remove them by yourself.

In any case, the main rule of repair – to discuss all changes with the tenants and together approve them. After all, you can make the situation perfectly stylish and comfortable, but if the changes do not like the landlord – money and effort will be thrown out. And again you will face the eternal problem: where and how to find an apartment for rent. Experiment wisely, and you will be comfortable.

The post Repair in a rented apartment appeared first on A MeEn for You.

The landlord is outside the country
One of the most popular methods of rental scams.

Scheme of the scam. A scammer has published ads on a bulletin board or in a Facebook group. You respond to his message and learn that the landlord is on a business trip or vacation. The key phrase is temporarily out of the country. So he won’t be able to show you the apartment. To balance these inconveniences the owner offers you nice bonuses:

Low rent.
Send the keys to the apartment by mail. Of course, you won’t know that they are fake.
How to protect yourself. The property owner is the person you will have to do business with: meet, resolve issues, possibly ask for help. Therefore, a live meeting is mandatory. There you should look at the landlord as a person and assess his adequacy.

Do not be fooled by cheap offers. There are no perfect options at a low price. A renovated apartment can’t cost pennies if it’s five minutes from the subway. If the rent is low, it means there are reasons for it. For example, fraud.

Important! If you find that you are a victim of rent fraud, report it to local law enforcement and the FTC. Also, contact the website where the ad was posted.

Landlord is willing to enter into a contract without additional tenant verification
People with a bad credit history or criminal record, newly arrived immigrants are the most vulnerable to this type of scam.

Scheme of Deception. A landlord or property manager asks you to sign a lease via email. He does not require information about your financial reputation. The main goal: to get a one-time payment.

How to protect yourself. Being a landlord in the US is a business. Therefore, a background check on the tenant, his creditworthiness is essential to keep the property safe from potential problems: non-payment of rent, damage to the apartment, etc.

Before depositing any amount for a home, make sure that:

The property is available for rent;
The landlord is connected to the property (has documents that show it is his property);
The contract makes you a legal tenant.
Important: Avoid filling out any rental application, credit checks, or sending money without first meeting in person with the real estate agent or landlord at the apartment you want to rent.

The description of the listing is not entirely clear
Not all landlords know how to form an ad correctly. Therefore, this scheme is often used by swindlers.

Scheme of fraud. Ads for rent looks vague. There are no pictures of the apartment, no details about utilities, repairs, furniture, etc. Such an ad is probably published by a person who has never been in the property.

Also an important element in the description is the exact address of the housing. Often scammers offer ridiculously low prices and ask for a deposit or rental fee before revealing the exact location of the apartment. They understand that if you know the address, you can Google the place, visit in person, or check on other sites.

How to protect yourself. If there is no information and photos are missing, then demand more details in the conversation. Be sure to inspect the apartment and see the owner in person.

Photos of the home have an MLS watermark
One of the creative methods in rental scams.

Scheme of Deception. The photos in the listing show MLS watermarks. Only realtors use such signs when selling real estate. Accordingly, the scammers copy the ad for sale. They change the contact information (e-mail and/or cell phone) in the description and publish the ad in real estate search services or themed groups on Facebook or Telegram.

You can even view the apartment and no one will suspect it’s a scam. Because realtors can confuse you with a potential buyer.

How to protect yourself. Demand the original photos from the owner. The scammer doesn’t have them because he or she isn’t actually connected to the property.

After viewing the apartment, don’t rush to make a transfer of funds. Back to fraud scheme #2. Check the property and its owner.

The owner requires you to sign a contract or pay a deposit before the first inspection of the home
This scheme is popular among people moving to a new city. Through work, they don’t have time to inspect their new home. This makes them an ideal target for scammers.

Scheme of Deception. Scammers put emotional pressure on you: they say that many tenants want to see the place. Fabulously describe the amenities and benefits of renting. Forcing you to sign a contract or transfer the deposit.

How to protect yourself. Make it a strict rule to personally check out a potential landlord.

If you feel uncomfortable talking through emotional pressure – think about whether the real landlord is willing to talk to a potential client that way. Is there probably a scammer on the other side?

Landlord instructs how to transfer money
The scam is popular among millennials, who often use Venmo, PayPal or Google Wallet payment services in their households. Such systems offer no fraud protection, which thieves take advantage of.

Scheme of Deception. The landlord asks you to transfer the deposit or rent through an outside service. Once the scammer receives the money, you have no way to get it back. Transferring money through PayPal, Venmo, or Western Union is essentially the same as transferring cash.

How to protect yourself. It’s safer to pay rent/deposit by check or credit card. You can mail a check, but it’s better to give it to someone in person. If it turns out that you have been scammed, you will have a name to start a lawsuit with.

Pro tips to remember if you’re going to rent a place to live
Don’t send money in advance.
Pay the deposit for the accommodation after you have inspected the apartment and signed the rental agreement. It is advisable to pay the full amount on the first day of the rental.

Remember, if the landlord asks to transfer money through Moneygram or Western Union – it’s a signal that you are a fraud.

Do not share personal information.
You don’t have to send the landlord photos of your passport, SSN, or tax number. Especially if you’ve never looked at the house.

It’s common for scammers to demand personal information. They need them to use in identification scams.

Research the property you plan to rent.
Look online to see if the listing has been posted on other sites. If so, note the contacts: are they the same or different?

Additionally, do a photo search of the property by running a Google image search. This will allow you to see where the image was uploaded, as well as find related content.

If you find that these images have already been used in old listings or in a similar ad, it’s probably a scam.

Check the landlord.
Find out who owns the property. Try to contact him/her directly. Tenants who are looking for an apartment in New York City can check the landlord on the Who Owns What website.

Talk to current tenants.
This will help you confirm the information provided by the landlord. They can also provide additional information about the lease. For example, letting you know if there are any problems, such as a broken unit and more.

Beware of fake social media pages or real estate company profiles.
Do an online account check if you are contacted through a personal page or company profile.

Company Profile. Be sure to find out if the page is official. Also look at the date it was created, how many posts, followers and reactions it has, etc.
Personal page. Look through lists of friends, check if they are marked in posts and photos. At the same time, look online for their name and location.
Also, this check is necessary when you communicate with a landlord or someone claiming to be a realtor/representative of a rental property firm through an ad you found on social media or bulletin boards.

Do home viewings.
If you don’t have the opportunity to visit the property in person or if you are moving to a new city, we still recommend asking a friend, relative or colleague to visit the apartment. In addition, more and more landlords are offering virtual tours, which is a good solution.

Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive guide to help you avoid rental scams. But researching the property and the landlord thoroughly and following these tips greatly reduces the likelihood of being scammed.

The post How to recognize scammers in rental housing appeared first on A MeEn for You.

“My home is my fortress”. And it does not matter whether it is our own home or a rented apartment, the house is a place where everyone wants to feel comfortable and safe, in a word – as at home. Here begins the most interesting part. The matter is that the renting/renting of the apartment is the case, when the business relations are built on “your own” home. Hence are the numerous mishaps, accompanying the relations of the tenant and the landlord.

To avoid that the owners of the rent apartment have not to “assault” and the tenants have not to “defend” their fortress, both parties should define ashore where is theirs and where is someone else’s.

Personal space
Every person tends to “adapt” their homes to fit himself. For some people, it is important “content” of the apartment, for example, parents want to install a Swedish wall for their child to develop physically, and some people are more interested in “form”. Here again, everything is heterogeneous – to one person it is enough to change the curtains and feel at home, while the other will not stop at wallpaper repainting …

The place where we live is our personal space, which is why we need it so much to make it as “our” as possible. Our things are an extension of ourselves: they reflect our habits and preferences. This applies to clothing, personal belongings, as well as the interior. Remember, as in Gogol: “Every thing seemed to shout: “And I, too, am a Sobakevich.” Now remember how the schoolteacher pointed out the satirical effect the author was trying to achieve. Do you remember? We are happy to report that the same “satirical effect” can also arise when renting/renting an apartment, and the consequences can be quite comical or tragic. In order to avoid apartment “dramas”, it is important to understand what surprises can happen when renting and how to minimize them.

Conflicts .
Naturally, the owners of the rent apartment want to keep their property safe and sound, and the new tenants want to feel “like at home”, that may lead to disagreements between the owner and the tenant. In order to avoid misunderstandings you should agree in writing on all questions, which concern the property as well as some other details of your relationship, for instance visits to the landlord.

Repairs
Here it is important to take into account the following points: the condition of the apartment, the term of the lease, the rent.

Often owners lease an apartment for a “long term” (over 5 years) and are in no hurry to move in the future. For example, the apartment was inherited or bought “for the future” until the children grow up and go to kindergarten. Tenants who plan to live in the apartment for a long time, want to “live” as much as possible, to make the rented housing “their own”. Then you may agree to make a cosmetic repair. If the condition of the apartment requires it, it is advisable to discuss the financial issue, too; if the tenants invest in improvement of the rented apartment, the landlord may render financial support, or deduct the renter’s fee from the rent for a certain period.

However, in everything you should stick to the “golden mean”, especially in the case of repairing “someone else’s” apartment. For example, if you replace the old, “in flower” wallpaper in the bedroom with avant-garde with “skulls” (referring to the fact that you have a 13-year-old son who needs the freedom of expression), most likely the owners will be impressed, but not pleased, and the term of your lease may suddenly expire, with a claim for compensation for material (and even moral) damage.

If you did decide to renovate and get the agreement of the landlords, hedge your bets and consult with the owners of the apartment about the “transformation”. Do not be naive, believing that “it will please everybody,” even the most innocuous things can be perceived as “hostile. The optimal solution would be a neutral style: a monochrome wallpaper of a calm palette (and also with the consent of the owner).

Personal belongings
As a rule, apartments are rented with already existing furniture. But it also happens that the owners leave some of their “nonfunctional” things. This may be a piano, books, or a tea set. And although this situation is hardly called the most correct or convenient, the tenant should be sensitive: perhaps people simply do not have nowhere to put their valuable things. If you are not happy with such a situation at all, you should immediately tell the owners about your wishes and solve the problem: either the owners of the apartment will move their belongings, or you will have to look for other housing. However, in no case you should not get rid of “other people’s” belongings arbitrarily, assuming that the owners simply forgot about them. Be no less sensitive and prudent owners of the apartment and try not to force the tenants to live in a museum of your personal belongings, in addition, such accommodation is unlikely to be long-term.

Rent
The rent is probably the key issue in the relationship between landlord and tenant, all points of which must be spelled out in the contract, otherwise… It is not uncommon for “qualitative” changes in living conditions (cosmetic repairs, replacement of old plumbing, etc.) to lead to “quantitative” changes: in the form of variations in the amount of rent. And everyone is “good” – both the owners and the tenants. Sometimes the owners of housing after the repair work of the tenants suddenly raise the rent instead of “thank you”: you understand – the commodity look, the market relations, and if you do not like it, we will find others for the same price. Absurd? Unfortunately – the reality. Sometimes it is the opposite situation, when the tenants renovate the apartment at their own expense, without informing the landlords, and then demand a reduction in rents. Are there still doubts about the need to not only discuss, but also “prescribe” in the contract issues of property and liability?

Landlord visits
Landlord visits are a very sensitive issue that should also be discussed at the shore. Some landlords are convinced that they can come “to their” apartment whenever they want: take your things, check the condition of the apartment, water the flowers… We assure you it is not so! When you rent your apartment, you give it not only for temporary “use” but also “possession” of the new (pay attention) “owners”. By coming in unannounced, you are invading the personal space of strangers (and those who owe you nothing).

Not only that you can appear on the doorstep openly “not in time” and so on the doorstep and stay, but even catching people at home, you run the risk of putting yourself and them in an awkward situation: a mess, arranged the child, general cleaning, family celebrations. Take care of your nerves and those of your guests! Make an appointment in advance, and better – choose a specific date of each month, so to speak – “open house”, when your visit is expected.

Summing up all of the above, we would like to offer both temporary and permanent hosts some tips to help settle your relationship.

Tenant Tips

• Find out what’s yours and what’s someone else’s.

As you know, you should know that you do not go to another’s house with your own rules. If you decided to rent an apartment from the owner, remember that you are the one who came to the house that belongs to other people. Do not consider such things as using the left utensils as self-evident. It is better to be too sensitive than to find out later. Make sure that the apartment has everything you need: the kitchen, dining room, sleeping area, work space, necessary appliances, etc. If you are missing some “basic” components of comfortable living, do not hesitate to raise the issue of purchasing by the owners of the apartment, for example, a washing machine.

• Fix material responsibility

If you are a temperamental couple, and in order not to let the feelings cool down, and from time to time need a grand scandal with breaking dishes, it is not superfluous to know how much it will cost scratches on the tiles or flooring. Or if you have a growing young artist, who prefers an album for drawing wallpaper, discuss the issue with the owners. You may be required to re-paper/paint the walls when you move out.

• All investments on your part are prescribed.

If you invest in better living conditions, keep in mind that any changes (replacement of old plumbing, cosmetic repairs) must be agreed with the owners and recorded in writing, and supported by the signature of the landlord.

Landlord Tips

• Determine in advance what you can and can’t do

If you value Italian tiles in the kitchen and Dutch wallpaper in the living room, warn the tenants that damaging the property will result in financial compensation, the same applies to your other belongings such as the kitchen set, the sofa, etc.

• Respect the privacy of your tenants by not being an “uninvited guest.

Plan your visit in advance and be sure to coordinate it with the current owners. Remember that you are going to your “own apartment,” but to visit strangers. A fixed date of your visits will greatly simplify the task and reduce “awkward moments” to a minimum.

• Determine the purpose of the visits

It’s worth bearing in mind that any visits from strangers to our home are quite stressful. Obviously if at the initial stage of renting such format of relationship is acceptable, in case of long-term cooperation, when the apartment owner and the guest know each other, you should think about reducing the visits to the minimum. As for the collection of rents, modern technology allows you to transfer this operation into the online mode.

The post Who is in charge – the one who rents, or the one who rents appeared first on A MeEn for You.

For example, we had a situation: we moved into an apartment, where they put new carpets, there was a very strong smell from them. We did not pay much attention, we thought the walls, because in America, every time new tenants move in, they repaint the walls. The smell did not go away, so we figured out by experience that it was the carpet. It was absolutely impossible to stay in the apartment, I felt dizzy and nauseous. We, of course, went to see the manager and wanted to move out. No one just wanted to let us go. The contract had already been signed and under it we were obliged to pay a fine of 2 months’ rent if we prematurely terminated. The alternative was to move to another apartment, which they were willing to give us. We didn’t want to stay there any longer and we insisted that we would register our complaints with the doctor, call the air quality measuring service, we were ready to go to court. They were not too afraid of our threats. In the end, everything was resolved in the best way because we were given a better apartment, but at the same price and they didn’t charge us for 2 days of rent when we lived in a hotel while the issue was resolved.

You may be interested: top New York news, our immigrant stories and helpful tips about living in the Big Apple – read it all on ForumDaily New York

Where I’m going with this. Our contract did not include a security clause. This is the kind of clause in the contract that allows you to terminate it within a certain period of time without penalty if you are not satisfied with the living conditions. Large landlords often exclude this point in the contract to protect yourself, but you should be careful when reading the contract. Some apartments, for example, have a rule of 48 hours, when you can evict without penalty, if for any reason, you realized that the housing is not suitable for you. Unfortunately, such leniency occurs infrequently, you should discuss this issue with the manager.

Study Landlord Tenant Law. This is the law that regulates the relationship between tenant and landlord. It is different for each city/county (county) (google city/county name Landlord Tenant Law).

Refer to this document and refer to it directly in your letters and conversations with management/owner in case of disputes. Litigation is common here, including landlord-tenant disputes. Know your rights. Seeing that you are a newcomer and don’t yet know the local cuisine, the management/owner may be tempted to take advantage of it.

Read reviews on apartmentratings.com, Yelp and Google. Of course, all can not please everyone, but if a few people write the same thing, it is worth thinking. We, for example, refused to rent one apartment, because several tenants in one voice said that when evicted they were fined for cleaning, repairs, etc. and were sent to them without any proceedings collectors. We gave up on the other apartment because the tenants there complained strongly about the management and the fact that they often steal parcels.

Do not hesitate to ask the management about the problems mentioned in the reviews, see how they react and whether they solve the issue. For example, in reviews for one complex in droves wrote that the elevators regularly do not work long. I asked this question to the manager, he said that, yes, this problem existed before because the complex was served by two companies that could not decide who was to blame and who to fix if the elevator was broken. Now they work with one company and if there are breakdowns, they fix them quickly.

It is useful to read reviews not only about the apartments, but also about the management company, as it will influence the quality of management, the practice of interaction with the tenants and is also important, the charge for the eviction.

All communication with the management / owner only in writing. If you spoke on the phone or in person, and agreed on something, then write a letter, where you list the main points of the conversation and ask for confirmation of the information. This is the norm of business communication in America. People try to have a written confirmation, so that in case of something easier to identify those responsible and to prove that the event / conversation took place.

Before you move in, ask about moving out fees (payments upon eviction). Managers are not very fond of this subject and will never start it themselves. But there may be surprises waiting for you here, too. The standard is that you should leave the apartment the same way you left it when you move in, i.e. it should be clean (after professional cleaning, as they like to say here). Simply vacuuming the carpet and wiping the shelves will not be enough. Chances are, you’ll either have to hire your own people to professionally clean it, or take out a sum from the deposit, and management will arrange everything themselves.

The first way is bad in that your cleaning may not satisfy the management, and they will demand additional cleaning for your money, of course. In addition, they should conduct a minimum disinfection after the eviction of tenants, for which you may also be charged.

The second way is simple and convenient. You just pay the money and don’t bother. The approximate amount should be announced in advance and not be astronomical. Separately determined by the cost of general cleaning and carpet cleaning, if there is one. Prices for such services, ask the manager. He should also give you all the receipts for cleaning, if you suddenly doubt his honesty.

Some apartments may charge you for repainting the walls. They explain it this way: for example, it costs $600 to paint the walls, and we amortize that amount over 3 years. This means that if you live in the apartment only a year, we will take off 2/3 of the amount, $ 400 (1/3 of the amount has already depreciated), if 2 – $ 200, if 3 – nothing. It will be unpleasant, though, to find out about this at eviction. Fortunately, this does not happen often.

Do not forget to also carefully fill in the holes in the walls before you leave, if you made them. They may also charge extra for this work ($10-$20 per hole).

Fill out the check list responsibly. They give it when you check in. There you should write down all the faults and breakages you find in the apartment. You need to be very careful and thoroughly check everything, because if you do not put something there, when you move out the cost of fixing this problem may hang on you.

I took pictures of all the scratches, cracks, minor breakages, checked all the corners. I put everything on the check list. If something is dirty (we had a window, for example), also write, the management should fix it. And even the smell coming from the fridge, noted. In this case, better more than less. All the photos I have saved on my phone as proof that all this existed at the time of entry.

You can write a letter to the manager and attach a copy of the check list and photos, so you have a written confirmation that the management of the complex alerted to the problems. When you give the original check list to the manager, he should give you a copy.

Always look at the apartments you are going to rent before you sign a contract. Do not agree to similar and special beautiful furnished models to show. You should see what you are paying for, so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises later.

Look for housing close to work, daycare, or school. The commute can really take up a considerable amount of time and energy.

Look at the rating of neighborhoods: how safe, how clean, what kind of contingent lives.

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In this article we will go over the basics of renting, how to look for a place to live, and focus on the rental agreement and organizational aspects of moving to the U.S.

Understanding the types and sizes of housing
Before you look for a place to live, you need to figure out the right size of apartment. The golden rule of “The more – the more expensive” no one has canceled. The location, condition, furnishings, and length of stay also affect the price.

What are the different sizes of accommodations?
Renting in America involves a fixed cost, and housing is one of them. The average size is considered to be an apartment of about 150 square feet. Understandably, there are smaller options, such as the same studio, which does not exceed 100 m². And bigger, such as a two-story apartment or a house with more than 200 square meters. Here you should understand that the apartment, room, house or apartment is valued at its own rate, and the final monthly payment for the average size of housing can exceed $ 1,000.

What should I know about the types of housing in America?
There are several types of housing that landlords offer to their tenants:

Houses (small families or large lots).
Apartments (1-3 rooms or even duplexes).
Apartments (located in company complexes).
Condos (the same apartments, but from a private landlord).
Studios (small apartments of up to 100 square meters).
Renting rooms (both apartments and private houses).
Of course, renting a house involves renting a cottage, a country villa or a luxury mansion, but it costs a lot. The options on this list are the most popular types of housing in America, which can be rented without much trouble if you comply with a number of requirements, which depends directly on state law or the needs of the landlord.

Find out what goes into the total cost of renting
When renting a home in America, you should understand that locals prefer to spend no more than 30% of their income directly on rent. And if you exceed that amount, they won’t understand you, and in some cases they might even refuse to rent to you. That’s why it’s important to properly assess your budget and apply for a home that will not steadily empty your purse.

The main costs that are included in the cost of renting:

• Application fees.
• Management fees.
• Security deposit.
• First (and last) month’s rent.
• Key card or remote fee.
• Deposit/pet fee.

But that’s not a complete list either. Renting an apartment in America involves utilities as well:

• Water.
• Gas.
• Electricity.
• Sewage.
• Garbage collection.
• Internet/cable.
• Pest control.

Depending on your situation, you may also need to incur additional costs for:

• Pet admission.
• Storage fees.
• Parking/garage fees.
• Renter’s insurance.

So, to rent an apartment in the U.S., you need $300 – $1000 per month for normal conditions and $1500 + for furnishings, additional household items, electronics, and so on. Also separately take into account location and cosmetic condition, neighborhood, neighbors and other factors. Add logistics, food, and other basic necessities, and you get an approximate monthly rent.

Write a detailed “what’s in your new home” plan.
To get the most out of your options for long-term housing in America, compare and contrast the key costs, features, and other features. A clear comparison will help you choose the best option. The table can include items such as cost, area, availability of this or that equipment, visual condition and even the cost of logistics to the place of work, store, etc.

This approach allows you to prioritize and choose not just a good house or apartment, but also to plan your own budget.

Ask the right questions during the inspection of the apartment
Renting from owners implies communication with the landlord about the contract with him to rent an apartment. Make a list of questions to the landlord or the realtor in advance, and do not hesitate to ask them during the visit. The more nuances you find out before concluding the agreement, the fewer unpleasant surprises will be waiting for you later. Use the following examples as a guide when planning your questions:

• How much does it cost to rent an apartment?
• Are utilities included? If not, how much do they usually cost?
• How much is the security deposit?
• How do I pay rent and utilities?
• Do parking fees apply?
• Are pets allowed, and if so, what are the appropriate fees?
• Are there any deposits or fees refundable at the end of the rental?
• Do I need proof of renter’s insurance?
• What is the application process and is there a fee?
• What is the term of the lease?
• How often does the rent increase and by how much?
• What changes can I make to my apartment?
• How are repairs done to the apartment?
• Is there a property manager?
• Am I responsible for maintenance?
• What amenities are available nearby?
• Are there any special rules that I should know about?
• Is there a parking space and how is it divided, for example, for two tenants?
• Is parking included in the price or do I have to rent separately?

Believe me, to rent an apartment in America for the long term, it is important to ask the right questions. This will avoid problems in the future, especially if you have contacted an unscrupulous landlord.

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What is the convenience of such apartment complexes, other than the nice additional benefits listed above? If your washing machine breaks, for example, the socket does not work or there are any other problems, you can easily tell the management, and the problem is solved quickly and easily. For example, our microwave broke down. So we got a new one the same day. A key jammed – in a couple of hours an employee of the complex came and fixed everything. But then again, complexes are different and their management, too.

Condos. This is essentially the same apartments, but each condo has a private owner, and the territory of the complex owners own jointly. Therefore, most renting condos, you conclude a contract with the owner. Less commonly, condos are rented out by managers of management companies. The price of housing is usually lower here. In condos, too, there are amenities. But if you have a breakdown, you will probably have to wait longer (depending on the conscientiousness of the owner).

Houses. Also rented out, but only by private individuals.

Rooms (in the house/apartment). The most affordable option that is great for students, for example. They also rent by private individuals.

Now about the types of apartments. It counts not the number of rooms, but the number of bedrooms (bedroom). Ie allocate studio, 1 (2, 3) bedroom apartment. Thus, a 1 bedroom apartment is essentially a two-room apartment: there is a bedroom, living room, usually connected with the kitchen, and a combined bathroom. Accordingly, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments add bedrooms and possibly a bathroom.

Traditional (classic) one bedroom apartment assumes that all rooms will have at least one window (yes, there are often rooms without windows!) And the walls between these rooms will, firstly, to the ceiling, and secondly, it will really be walls.

The fact is that you often find this type of apartment, such as, for example, open (urban) 1 bedroom. This means that the wall between the bedroom and living room will not reach the ceiling, the bedroom itself often does not have a window, and it is very small in size.

You may also come across an apartment where one wall is replaced by a slide door. The bedroom in such an apartment is also usually smaller and may not have a window.

Why is this the case? Some of the apartments have been converted from studios to 1 BD, where they have tried as much as possible to create a sense of a second room. Now they are building entire complexes with this type of design. For example, in Seattle, where we live, there is a law that says that a bedroom cannot be called a bedroom if it doesn’t have a window and a walk-in closet, so they called it an urban (open) 1 bedroom. This is a more budget version of housing, which is great for a person who rents alone. And you can cram more apartments into the building.

A little more about the strangeness of local housing: Our bedroom, for example, has no light, not at all. There is no room for a light bulb in the ceiling. I didn’t notice at first, because it hadn’t occurred to me that this could happen. But then it was explained to me that this is not uncommon in older homes. I had to buy the light fixtures.

Of course, very beautiful and wonderful look photos from the sites of apartment complexes. In real life, everything is a bit easier, without Photoshop.

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Online search. The most popular online resources for finding accommodation are Zillow. Com, apartments.com, hotpads.com, craigslist.com. Here you should keep in mind that the information will not always be up to date, so if you like something, call, clarify and be prepared for the fact that housing may already be available. The most up-to-date information is on craigslist. There you will also find the widest selection of places to live from private individuals.

The standard rental period is usually 12 months (sometimes 9-24 months); if you want to rent a house for a shorter period, it’s better to go on craigslist and negotiate with private owners.

Also, you can look at apartments directly on the sites of apartment complexes, whose names will pop up on Google maps, if you type in a search “apartments”. Often the site already offers an overview of apartments available, with information about the floor plan, floor space and price.

Offline search. Oddly enough, not always all of the current housing can be viewed online, so we go to the fields. Often beautiful photos of apartments on the website may not match the reality, so you need to double-check everything and see for yourself. Decide on the area, google apartment complexes, and go ahead to the leasing offices. Often the apartment complexes themselves advertise on the streets about the availability of apartments for rent.

Requirements for the tenant
Proof of income (income proof). Landlords want to be sure that you are paying your rent. So they will want proof that you are working, stating your level of income. This can be a letter from your manager, a copy of an offer, or a certificate of employment (they make those here, too). Even if you work remotely, it’s still better than nothing.

If you don’t work, the process of finding a place to live can get complicated. In this case, landlords ask for a statement of your bank account, so it is better to put more money there if possible. You should have enough money in your account to cover several months’ rent (how much exactly depends on the landlords’ appetite).

In such a situation another possible solution is to rent a house from a private person, with whom you can negotiate. Do not write an e-mail to the apartment managers with the information that you do not have a job, but you are looking for one, most likely you will be immediately rejected. You need to come in person, look at the house and explain the situation, so you increase your chances.

Landlords may ask for a higher security deposit when you move in than they usually charge. For example, it may be the amount of the rent payment for one or more months. By the way, the deposit is refundable. It is charged to ensure that, for example, if you break something in the apartment, you could simply deduct the amount of repairs from the deposit.

Credit history. Landlords will check your credit history. If you have just moved in, you certainly do not have it yet. In large cities with a high influx of immigrants this is calm, and as a guarantee of your solvency is the same deposit.

Rent history. This is like credit history, but with a rental history. Your potential landlord will need to have information about you – if you have had delinquencies in previous places, if you have been evicted, if there are any problems with you, if the landlord has sued you, etc. It’s clear that if you’ve just arrived, you have no rental history. But you’re used to that by now.

I know cases where guys who came to work for Microsoft or Amazon, went looking for housing, the landlord saw where they were working, and only asked to pay the standard deposit of a few hundred dollars. But that’s true of the big well-known companies, and it’s not always and everywhere.

Checking your credit and rental history is called a background check, which the manager/owner performs when you have already made a positive decision about renting a particular home and apply for it. For processing the application, including background check, you pay, usually 35-45 dollars per person (the price for apartments in apartment complexes). Even if you just crossed the U.S. border for the first time a week ago, and you do not and cannot have any credit or rental history, still do a background check, it is standard practice.

It is also necessary to understand that the size of housing depends on the number of people living. For example, a family of 3 to a 1-bedroom apartment will settle, and the 4th is unlikely.

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Parking, if you need it. In Seattle, prices range from $100 to $300 per month for a single parking space.

Internet. From $35 to $80 to $90 per month, depending on the provider. Ask the staff at the complex which provider is best. It will not always be the most expensive.

Utilities. We pay about $110 a month for water for two people (Seattle).

The light bill comes every three months for about $120. In the winter, the bill goes up because you have to heat the apartment, the concept of central heating is not here (on the West Coast, at least). Dry hot air comes into the room from the vent in the wall.

Garbage collection is $10-$15 a month.

Pets. You will also need to pay for them. First, a deposit of $200-350 per month at move-in. He, too, return, but a full refund is not too much, because be sure to stick to something when you leave, that your pet is spoiled, scratched, broken, etc.. You will also have to pay $35-50 per month for each pet.

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