Now that you are married and moved out of your parents home, it’s time to start getting settled in your new apartment. Here are some things you should know to make your renting experience an enjoyable one.
Have fun with it
This is your home! Add personal touches and decorate to make your apartment feel warm and homey. Don’t be afraid to hang pictures on the wall (unless your landlord doesn’t allow it) and enjoy setting everything up how YOU want it 🙂
When you first move in
Take pictures/video of your apartment when you first move in. Save this for when you move out in case your landlord charges for damages done to the property. This way you will be able to look back and see if a noted damage was there before you moved in.
Try to maintain a positive relationship with your landlord
This may seem obvious, but it is probably the most valuable piece of advice you will get.
When you have a good relationship with your landlord, they will be nicer to you. This will be very beneficial when issues arise. If you are a good tenant, the landlord will want you to stay, and therefore try to keep you happy.
How you ask makes a big difference
Do you have a leaky faucet that is taking a long time to get fixed? Or did you get a renewal offer with a huge increase in rent? Got charged a late fee and want it to be waived?
There are a few ways to approach situations like these, and the psychology is simple. How you ask will affect how your landlord responds. If you address the issue with your landlord in a negative tone, you will get a negative response. Even if your request is addressed right away, you can be sure that they will not want to help you out the next time you have an issue.
“But shouldn’t they know how upset I am? I have a right to complain and this issue needs to be completed right now!” Yes, you are correct. As a tenant, you have a right to request that maintenance issues be addressed. However, you need to keep in mind that there is the short-term issue at hand and the longer-term relationship that you want to keep up.
If you have tried asking for help multiple times with no response, change your method of communication. Try sending an official email or give a call to someone higher up in the management company. Start with something positive, and let the landlord know how great of a tenant you are. Address the issue and include any documentation you have proving how long the issue has been going on.
Know your rights
Read the lease and any agreement you may have signed. As a renter, you will have plenty of rights, but also be aware of rights that the landlord has.
Example: Late fees may be charged if you do not pay your rent on time.
Example: Your landlord may charge you for maintenance repairs for damage you caused. This can be while you are still living in the apartment or even after you move out.
To prevent any unwanted fees, try to keep your rental in good condition and return it in a similar state as to when you first moved in. Things like holes in a wall, stains in a carpet and leaving junk can add up to a big bill when you move out.
Renewal Increases
You should expect your landlord to increase your rent every year by a small percentage (typically up to 6%). But, this does not mean that you have to settle for the amount they want. You can try to negotiate a lower rate before signing the new lease, but keep in mind that it is likely that the offer won’t change.
To Sum it Up
No apartment is perfect, but you can (and should!) make yours into a wonderful home! Organize the space how YOU like it and customize it to fit your needs. When things come up, remember that your landlord is human too, and maintaining a positive relationship will reap many benefits.