Credit reports are used by rental owners and property managers to evaluate prospective renters. Unfortunately, credit reports may contain errors. According to a national consumer organization, one in four credit reports contain errors serious enough to cause someone to be denied approval for a loan or possibly the opportunity to rent an apartment.
      In response […]

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. […]

 Dont waste money applying for a rental if you do not meet the minimum application requirements. The typical application screening fee is $30 per adult. Before paying this fee, request the screening criteria from the rental owner or manager. Although not required by law, owners should put the screening criteria in writing to avoid confusion.

 If you are a first-time renter, dont forget to include the cost of utilities when planning your rent budget. Most apartments do not charge for water, sewer and trash pickup, while renters pay the cost of gas and electricity. If you rent a house or duplex, you should expect to pay for all utilities.
          When […]

Rental owners and managers who do a thorough job of screening prospective renters always require one or more credit reports. When you sign the typical rental application, you give them permission to obtain such reports.
         There are three major credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Sometimes reports from all three are used to evaluate […]

When you move into a rental home, pay attention to its level of cleanliness. You will be expected to leave the premises in the same condition when you eventually move out,
          According to state law, the property manager or rental owner may deduct from your security deposit the cost of cleaning necessary to return the […]

Before you accept the keys to your new rental home, ask the property manager or rental owner whether the door locks have been changed. They should be concerned about your safety and have taken the precaution of changing the locks on all doors that provide access to the rental unit.
          If former residents or their […]

When you move out of a rental home, you want to receive a refund of your security deposit as soon as possible. Within 21 calendar days of when you move out, the property manager or owner must send you a written statement explaining each specific item deducted from your security deposit and a check for […]

The typical rental arrangement is a month-to-month agreement. However, some renters and rental owners prefer a lease for a fixed length of time, such as six months or one year. Leases offer several advantages for renters. Your rent cannot be raised during the term of the lease. You cannot be asked to move out unless […]

Before installing that bookshelf or closet system, check your rental agreement. Most include a clause prohibiting alterations or improvements of the unit unless the owner or manager first provides their written consent. Without this permission and depending on the modification, it could result in a reduction from the security deposit after move-out. Your modification request […]