Situation
It is getting warmer outside and I want to open my windows to let the air circulate. My Landlord doesn't want to supply them. What should I do?
Response
It is only required that a Landlord supply 1 screened window per room. Anything more than that is a "gift" from your Landlord.
You might let the Landlord know that you will be OK with 1 screen per room but you would really appreciate an extra screen in one or two of your rooms. Or you could offer to pay for the extra ones. Or you could offer to go and have them made at the local hardware store, saving the Landlord time, in exchange for the extra screens.
See what you can negotiate.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I am short on my rent. How do I work this out with the Landlord?
Situation
You are short on your rent by 50%. You owe $1,200 and you only have $600.
Response
Most Landlords understand that this is a rough economy. Most will be willing to work with you by making an arrangement.
I suggest that you write out a check or a money order for $600 and take it to the Landlord. Explain your situation. Offer to make specific payments on specific dates to catch up. It does little to no good to offer to make payments unless you specify the amount and dates you will make those payments.
Whatever you do, don't over promise and under pay. Make your payment schedule realistic and doable.
If you fall short or late on one of the payments, let the Landlord know before the due date. Adjust the payment schedule with new specific amounts and dates. Keep the Landlord informed.
This isn't to say that you can put off these payments indefinitely or that you can make late payments every month. If you find that you continue to fall behind, you should seriously consider moving to a less expensive place as soon as possible.
If you decide that you should move, contact your Landlord and work out an arrangement. Even if you are on a lease you can make changes as long as your Landlord agrees. You may have to remind the Landlord that allowing you out of your lease early is better than having to evict you.
The most important thing is to communicate with your Landlord. Most are understanding and will work with you.
You are short on your rent by 50%. You owe $1,200 and you only have $600.
Response
Most Landlords understand that this is a rough economy. Most will be willing to work with you by making an arrangement.
I suggest that you write out a check or a money order for $600 and take it to the Landlord. Explain your situation. Offer to make specific payments on specific dates to catch up. It does little to no good to offer to make payments unless you specify the amount and dates you will make those payments.
Whatever you do, don't over promise and under pay. Make your payment schedule realistic and doable.
If you fall short or late on one of the payments, let the Landlord know before the due date. Adjust the payment schedule with new specific amounts and dates. Keep the Landlord informed.
This isn't to say that you can put off these payments indefinitely or that you can make late payments every month. If you find that you continue to fall behind, you should seriously consider moving to a less expensive place as soon as possible.
If you decide that you should move, contact your Landlord and work out an arrangement. Even if you are on a lease you can make changes as long as your Landlord agrees. You may have to remind the Landlord that allowing you out of your lease early is better than having to evict you.
The most important thing is to communicate with your Landlord. Most are understanding and will work with you.
My oven isn't working and it is Thanksgiving Eve
SituationIt was late the night before Thanksgiving and my oven won't work. The landlord doesn't consider this an emergency and tells me I will have to wait until Monday!
Response
Unfortunately, a non-functioning oven is not normally considered an emergency. It is an inconvenience but not life threatening nor will it damage your property. Most appliance repair people do not work on Thanksgiving or the day after. There are no "emergency appliance repair services" like they have for plumbing or heating problems. The parts stores are also closed for the holiday so even if the landlord knew how to make the repair, he will probalby need a part and that won't be available.
Response
Unfortunately, a non-functioning oven is not normally considered an emergency. It is an inconvenience but not life threatening nor will it damage your property. Most appliance repair people do not work on Thanksgiving or the day after. There are no "emergency appliance repair services" like they have for plumbing or heating problems. The parts stores are also closed for the holiday so even if the landlord knew how to make the repair, he will probalby need a part and that won't be available.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
How can I rent a property when I have a pet?
Situation
I have a medium sized dog and it seems like nobody wants to rent to me.
Response
Having a dog and trying to rent is a challenge. Many Landlords have allowed pets only to have them tear up the property. Or their tenant brought in an unapproved pet and experienced damage. Or they have heard a horror story about pets. It's no wonder that Landlords are skeptical, at best, about pets.
Yet there are many great pet owners that want to rent property. The challenge is to convince the Landlord that you are one of those great pet owners.
Here are a couple of suggestions to help you convince the Landlord:
1. Take pictures of your pet. Get them cleaned up and take some electronic pictures in the dog's home.
2. Take pictures of the screens, door frames, doors and furniture that show no damage.
3. Get a letter from your current, and better yet, your previous Landlord regarding your pet
4. Make copies of the disposition of your security deposit at your last home that shows no deductions for your pet.
5. Check with your insurance agent to see if they provide pet insurance for you as a tenant. If they do, provide that info to your Landlord and advise him that you will purchase the insurance policy.
This is not a guarantee that your new Landlord will allow your pet but it will increase your chances.
You should also expect to pay a higher security deposit.
I have a medium sized dog and it seems like nobody wants to rent to me.
Response
Having a dog and trying to rent is a challenge. Many Landlords have allowed pets only to have them tear up the property. Or their tenant brought in an unapproved pet and experienced damage. Or they have heard a horror story about pets. It's no wonder that Landlords are skeptical, at best, about pets.
Yet there are many great pet owners that want to rent property. The challenge is to convince the Landlord that you are one of those great pet owners.
Here are a couple of suggestions to help you convince the Landlord:
1. Take pictures of your pet. Get them cleaned up and take some electronic pictures in the dog's home.
2. Take pictures of the screens, door frames, doors and furniture that show no damage.
3. Get a letter from your current, and better yet, your previous Landlord regarding your pet
4. Make copies of the disposition of your security deposit at your last home that shows no deductions for your pet.
5. Check with your insurance agent to see if they provide pet insurance for you as a tenant. If they do, provide that info to your Landlord and advise him that you will purchase the insurance policy.
This is not a guarantee that your new Landlord will allow your pet but it will increase your chances.
You should also expect to pay a higher security deposit.
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