Simple Rules to Help You Enjoy Your Tenancy
By: Deaner | Posted: 10th June 2009
Renting a home can be a challenge for the tenant and the owner. It is nice to enjoy more living space, a private yard, and separation from neighbors. Single family home neighborhoods are generally safer and more enjoyable than apartment complexes. If indeed living in a nice home is so wonderful, why do so many renters find it to be a challenging and often damaging experience to rent a house? There are some basic rules that Brewer Caldwell would like to share with you to keep in mind while make your stay in some one else's home a pleasurable experience.
1. Remember, renting a house is a much bigger deal than renting an apartment. Your responsibilities are far greater and your landlord is far less available and less willing to "take care of" small issues that seem to show up on a regular basis. Read and understand your lease and all addendums thoroughly. Just remember, renting a home is not like renting an apartment.
2. No matter what the circumstances, pay your rent on time. Always pay before rent is due, not a few days after. Always pay the full amount, not a discounted figure that you think is appropriate for some reason. Priorities are simple. Food and shelter are more important that your phone bill, your huge flat screen TV, or a new iPod.
3. Never delay paying your rent or pay less than the full rent because you "spoke with someone at the property management office" about the cost of a new sprinkler head or a new light bulb. Paying your rent in full and on time is not a negotiation. Late fees are expensive and almost always avoidable. If you wish to receive a credit for something, get the owner's or his/her representative's agreement in writing before you take it off of your rent.
4. Home Owner Associations were designed to remind residents to maintain their yards and homes properly. They can be your friend or cost you dearly. Keep your yard, front and back, very clean, weed free, well trimmed, watered and fertilized. Buy the tools you need to do the job easily and properly. Do not let plants die or you will be replacing them with your own money. Make sure the drip system is working properly. Notice when it comes on and how long it stays on. If the timer needs to be adjusted, do it or ask the management company for instructions on how to do it.
5. Keep the interior of your home clean and well maintained. Vacuum the carpets at least once each week and have them professionally cleaned when they get soiled or stained. Do not use bleach or harsh cleaning products to clean up a spill. Replace the return air vent filter every month like clockwork. Failing to do so, will cost you dearly in increased electric bills and repair bills. Buy an inexpensive ladder to reach the vent and buy the filters in packages of 4 or six at the home improvement store. Keep your appliances clean and well maintained. They are very expensive to repair and you may well end up paying that bill.
These five simple rules, if followed, will make your stay much more enjoyable and much less expensive. Your credit will be maintained or improved, your credibility and acceptability as a tenant will improve, and the next step toward home ownership will be much easier.
This article is free for republishing
Printed From: http://www.a1articles.com/simple-rules-to-help-you-enjoy-your-tenancy-924559.html
Back to the original article
Tags: negotiation, single family, landlord, light bulb, late fees, living space, apartment complexes, pleasurable experience, renting a home, simple food, flat screen tv, new ipod, renting an apartment