Free-Rentals Vacation Rentals

          Professional property managers always put the terms of rental agreements or leases in writing.  While oral rental agreements may be legal, renters should avoid them.  When rental agreements aren’t put in writing, the chance of misunderstanding or abuse rises.
          Even if the rental agreement is not in writing, renters must be provided certain information.  For example, renters must receive the names, phone numbers and addresses of the property manager, the owner or another person authorized to accept legal documents on the owner’s behalf, and the person authorized to receive payment of rent.
          Keep this information in a location where you can find it quickly.

          Finding a new place to live usually takes a lot of time and effort. Streamline the process by making a list of questions to ask the manager before you visit their property. Asking the right questions could save you time because you might change your mind after hearing the answers.
          Here are some typical questions to ask. When will you have a vacancy? How much is the monthly rent? How much is the security deposit? Do you offer any move-in specials? What other charges, such as utilities, are tenants responsible for? Can I rent month-to-month, or do you require a lease for a longer term? What is the size (in square feet) of the rental unit? What amenities, such as a laundry room or swimming pool, does the property offer? Is there assigned parking, and are the spaces enclosed or covered? Do you accept pets, and what is the deposit? Think of other questions that are important to you.

     If you are decorating for the holidays, here are some safety tips to prevent a fire in your rental home:

• When decorating a tree with lights, be aware that light bulbs get can get very hot. Keep the bulbs away from wrapped packages and out of reach of small children.
• Be sure your lights are in good condition without any cuts in the wiring that might spark a fire. Keep light cords and extension cords out of the way of pets that might chew on them.
• Avoid plugging too many lights and other appliances into your extension cords or wall sockets. Otherwise, you may blow a fuse or, even worse, cause a fire.
• Remember to keep water in the tree stand to avoid drying out your tree.
• Always turn off the tree lights before going to bed.
• Once the holiday season is over, do not dispose of your tree by burning it in your fireplace.  The tree will burn so fast that your fireplace cannot contain the fire, which may spread into your home or onto your roof.
• Apartment communities may provide a bin for disposing of your tree.
• For renters of single-family homes, call your local trash collection service. Some communities or non-profit groups pick up trees on a specific day or provide a place you can bring your tree for recycling.

          Follow these tips and your holidays will be safe.

          Any agreement between a renter and a property manager should be put in writing. The standard rental agreement form may not include everything agreed upon by both parties. In such cases, do not rely upon a verbal agreement.
          Suppose a renter gets a new job with paydays on the 10^th and 25^th of the month. The renter contacts the property manager, who agrees to change the rent due date from the 1^st to the 10^th of each month, but never puts this verbal agreement in writing. What happens one year later when the property manager changes and the new manager demands rent on the first of each month as stated in the rental agreement?  Now you have a problem.
          If you and your property manager reach an agreement on something that is not included in your rental agreement, ask that it be put in writing. Once this is done, it becomes an addendum to the rental agreement. Carefully read whatever is put in writing.  Make sure both of you sign, date and receive your own copy of the document. This will reduce the possibility of future misunderstandings, while building a good relationship between you and your property manager.

          Unfortunately, fires in apartments and other rentals are a serious problem. As a renter, here are some tips that will ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

• Make sure all smoke detectors are working. Check if the light is on or push the test button. If the dead battery warning indicator beeps, do not disconnect the smoke detector. Replace the dead battery immediately or call your property manager.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher. Extinguishers that cost less than $20 may prevent small fires from spreading and destroying all of your possessions.
• Be careful. Common causes of fires in rental properties are candles left unattended, falling asleep while smoking, and leaving a stovetop burner on.

          Following these tips could save someones life.

         Check with your apartment manager before placing or hanging anything on the balcony, ledge or window of your unit. Most apartment communities have restrictions to ensure the safety, maintenance and overall appearance of the property.
          For instance, you should not place potted plants on your balcony railing. Most railings are only a few inches wide and cannot support heavy objects. A strong breeze or an unintentional bump may cause the pot to fall and cause injury or damage to someone or something below.
          Installing sunshades, wind chimes or satellite TV dishes may affect the exterior of the building. If you screw or nail something to the exterior of your unit, the hole you create may allow water to leak into the walls of the building, especially during the rainy season. You may be held liable for any damage, which could be thousands of dollars.
          Do not hang clothes to dry on your balcony, and keep other unsightly items out of view. Your property manager and fellow residents will appreciate your consideration.

         While looking for a new place to rent, you want to make a good first impression whenever you meet the property owner or manager. Likewise, the rental owner or manager should desire to make the best possible first impression on you. Here are some questions to consider when formulating your opinion.
          How does the rental property look? Is the exterior of the rental unit attractive and properly maintained or messy and in need of repairs? Is the interior clean or dirty? Is everything in good condition or does anything need to be repaired?
          What is your impression of the rental owner or manager? Does he or she act in a friendly, professional manner or seem rude and disorganized? Are all of your questions answered to your satisfaction or do you get vague or incomplete information?
          Your first impressions usually are very accurate. If your first impression isnt very good, thats not a good sign. Things probably are not going to get much better while you are renting. Trust your instincts and keep looking until you are impressed with what you see and hear.

         Once you and the owner or manager have entered into a rental agreement and the keys have been delivered, the law places limitations on the owners or managers right to enter the home. Current law allows entry under the following circumstances:

• In case of an emergency.
• To make necessary or agreed services, repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements.
• To show the unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, residents, workers or contractors.
• To repair, test, and/or maintain smoke detectors.
• To inspect a waterbed for installation compliance.
• When the resident has abandoned or surrendered the unit.
• Pursuant to a court order.

            In case of emergency, you may need to contact the manager or owner of your rental home immediately.  Keep the name and phone number of this person in a convenient location, such as your address book or next to your phone.
            California law requires that the name and phone number of the rental owner or property manager be included in the rental agreement or lease. You should have received a copy of this document when you signed it or within 15 days of doing so.  If not, you have a legal right to request a copy.
            Sometimes the person you should call regarding an emergency is not the same person listed in the rental document.  Many property management companies will provide you with an after-hours emergency phone number.  If you are uncertain who to call, especially in the middle of the night, ask your property owner or manager.
            If you live in an apartment community with 16 or more units, a person who is responsible for the property must reside at the community.  Usually this person is the apartment manager, but a maintenance employee or another person may also perform this duty.  If this person is not the same person on the rental document you signed, ask how to reach him or her in case of an emergency.
            Quick action during an emergency can save lives and property, and both you and your rental manager or owner should be prepared to respond.    

With little or less than perfect credit history, you may not qualify for the rental of your choice. Here are two ways to convince a rental owner or manager to rent to you.
            Offer to pay a higher security deposit or find someone with good credit to serve as a co-signer on the rental agreement.  Not every owner or manager will say yes, but some will.