1. The Importance of Convenience of Location

The first and most obvious benefits of housing located near your place of work are saving time and energy. Eliminating long commutes in the mornings and evenings allows you to focus on your work and personal life. Short distances between home and the clinic provide greater flexibility, especially if you may need to quickly return to work after a shift or in the event of an emergency.

2. Choosing the Type of Housing

Before you start searching, decide on the type of housing that suits you. This could be:

• A studio or one-bedroom apartment is a great option for one person.
• A two-bedroom apartment is a good idea if you plan to share a home with a co-worker or friend.
• Furnished apartments are ideal for those who don’t want to spend time setting up a new space.

3. Finding a place to live

Modern technology makes the search process easier. Here are some popular resources:

• Social networks: You can find offers from landlords and other medical professionals on Facebook or in specialized groups.
• Real estate agencies: If you prefer a personal approach, it is worth turning to professionals who will help you find housing that takes into account all your needs.

4. Pay attention to amenities

When choosing a place to live, it is important to consider the availability of amenities that will help you recover after a shift:

• Washer and dryer: Allow you to quickly tidy up your uniform and personal belongings.
• Kitchen: Being able to cook healthy meals will save you money and time.
• Parking: If you have a car, convenient parking will be a big plus.
• Sports or health centers: A great way to relieve stress and stay in shape after a hard day.

5. Location and safety

Make sure the area you plan to rent housing in is safe. Pay attention to the crime rate, as well as the proximity of shops, pharmacies and cafes, so that in an emergency you can quickly resolve any issues that arise. In addition, good transport accessibility will ensure that you can get to work even if you have problems with your car.

6. Consider your schedule

Working in healthcare may require a shift schedule. Consider finding housing that will allow you to adapt to working at night. For example, the absence of noisy neighbors or proximity to a park for quiet walks can be important factors in your choice.

Comfort and style:

Choosing the right uniform is an important aspect of the work of medical workers, and scrub tops for women play a key role here. These tops provide comfort and freedom of movement, which is especially important in a dynamic medical environment. Modern models are often distinguished not only by functionality, but also by a stylish design, allowing women to remain professional and attractive at the same time.

When choosing, it is important to consider not only the size and style, but also the material. Numerous manufacturers offer fabrics that are easy to wash and dry quickly, allowing medical workers to spend less time caring for their uniform. In addition, the presence of various pockets makes these tops convenient for storing necessary small items such as pens, notepads and medical instruments.

In modern collections of scrub tops for women, you can find a variety of prints and colors, which helps to create an individual style even within the framework of a strict uniform. The ability to choose models with different necklines and sleeve lengths allows each woman to find the perfect option that will suit her taste and needs in the workplace.

Conclusion: 

Finding comfortable housing near work is not an easy task, but with the right approach it is quite feasible. Consider your needs and wishes, and do not forget that comfortable housing is not only amenities, but also a place where you can relax after a long day at work. Take your time with the choice, explore different options and find what suits you best.

The post Off Duty – Rest: How to Find Comfortable Accommodation Near Work appeared first on A MeEn for You.

1. Tenant Health and Well-Being

Water purity plays a key role in maintaining the health of tenants. Contaminated water can become a source of various diseases, which makes its quality the main factor in choosing rental housing. Installing gravity filters ensures that the water entering the apartment will be clean and safe for consumption. This is especially important for families with children, the elderly, and tenants with special needs.

2. Increasing the attractiveness of real estate

Housing with gravity water filters installed becomes more competitive in the rental market. Potential tenants often pay attention to additional benefits that can make their lives more comfortable. Indicating the presence of filters in an advertisement can attract more clients, as it signals that the landlord cares about his tenants.

3. Convenience and savings

Non-pressure filters do not require a connection to the water supply, which makes their installation quick and easy. They also minimize the need to buy bottled water, which allows tenants to save money. Such filters can be a significant argument when negotiating rental terms, as tenants will be sure that they can enjoy clean and tasty water without unnecessary costs.

4. Realtor services

Realtors who offer housing with installed non-pressure filters can use this as part of their marketing strategy. Mentioning the installation of filters in property descriptions will create additional interest and demonstrate the professionalism of the agent. This will also allow realtors to stand out from the competition and attract more clients.

5. Compliance with regulations

Many regions have regulations regarding water quality in residential properties. Installing gravity filters can help landlords comply with these requirements and avoid fines. It can also be used as an argument in negotiations with potential tenants, emphasizing the landlord’s responsibility.

Ideal solution for renters

In New York City, where water quality can vary by neighborhood, installing a Tankless Filter is becoming an important consideration for renters. These filters provide clean and safe water without the need for tanks, which is especially important in urban settings where space is limited. Renters who choose an apartment with a Tankless Filter in NYC not only receive a health guarantee, but also save on bottled water. This makes such apartments more attractive, and for landlords, it is an opportunity to stand out in a competitive housing market by offering their clients additional amenities.

Why are Realtors important?

Realtors play a key role in the real estate market, providing many important functions for both buyers and sellers. Here are some reasons why their work is so important:

• Expertise and experience: Realtors have in-depth knowledge of the real estate market, including current trends, prices, and local conditions. Their experience helps clients make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

• Finding and accessing properties: Realtors have access to extensive databases and networks, allowing them to quickly find properties that meet clients’ requirements. This saves time and effort, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the market.

• Professional negotiation: Realtors are skilled negotiators, which allows them to protect the interests of their clients. They know how to get the best deal and fairly value the property.

• Legal support: Real estate transactions often involve many legal nuances. Realtors help their clients understand documents, contracts, and legal requirements, reducing the risk of legal problems.

• Support at all stages: Realtors accompany clients through all stages of the process, from the initial search and showing of properties to the closing of the transaction. Their support can greatly reduce the stress associated with buying or selling a property.

• Market valuation and analysis: Realtors can provide analytical data on market conditions, allowing clients to make more informed decisions. This is especially important in an environment of fluctuating prices and changing demand.

• Reliable contacts: Realtors often have extensive connections with other real estate professionals, including mortgage brokers, appraisers and contractors. This simplifies the process and helps clients find reliable professionals.

As such, Realtors are an important link in the process of buying, selling or renting a property, providing professional support and expertise, which ultimately leads to more successful transactions and satisfied clients.

Conclusion:

Installing gravity filters for water in rental properties is not only an improvement in the quality of life for tenants, but also a strategic step for landlords and realtors. Clean water increases the attractiveness of the property, promotes the health of tenants and creates a positive image of the landlord. In the conditions of increasing competition in the rental property market, such measures are becoming an important tool for attracting tenants and improving the level of service. By investing in gravity filters, landlords not only improve living conditions, but also create additional benefits that will help them stand out from the crowded offers on the market.

The post Clean Water in Rental Housing: How Gravity Filters Increase Property Attractiveness appeared first on A MeEn for You.

First of all, you need to decide exactly how long you’re going to stay in this place. After all, if a few months another move is scheduled, is it worth spending a lot of money on repairs and living in the area if you can just find a better environment, let the pay per month will be a little higher? Rental housing, for example, is quite expensive, even if the apartment is not striking luxury. Do you need to invest extra money in their redecoration?

If you do decide to start construction work, the whole process and the terms of the deal should be documented! No matter how good and conscientious the old lady may seem, people are different, and you should always take this into account. As the saying goes, trust, but verify: everything should be documented, so no one from the side had reason to worry.

When you move in, first of all you have to check that all the mechanisms and appliances in the house work properly! After all, you can paint the windows, fix the walls, but a broken stove or plumbing will cost a lot more, both financially and psychologically. You should be especially careful when checking out the apartment, if the price is seductively low, because with such nice figures they may often try to hide some of the flaws that may come out at the most inconvenient time.

If you are satisfied with everything and it’s time to settle down and settle in, the easiest way is to adjust the walls, floor and furniture.

Walls

The easiest way to transform the walls is to make such a procedure in any weekend, buying the necessary materials and watching a few instructional videos on the Internet.

The most popular and traditional way to decorate the walls is wallpaper. This concept has long gone beyond the paper rolls in flower, left from the repair of times of grandmother’s youth. Now there are many kinds of wallpaper for every taste: liquid, 3D, vinyl or photo wallpaper. With the help of a few rolls and a day of spending time, the tenant can create a real masterpiece from his room, taking into account his wishes and tastes.

Drywall, for example, is quick to install and reliably hides pipes and wires. However, in this case, it is also better to contact a professional who will be able to implement your design solutions.

Painting the walls is a process that probably leaves the most room for creativity. In this kind of decorating, you can fully exercise your imagination and paint everything you have enough colors and imagination.

The floor

You can decorate the floor in many different ways: to draw beautiful patterns with stencils, make a mosaic or combine together a few interesting and unusual materials.

But the easiest decoration would be a carpet. After all, there are millions of them, in different shapes, sizes, colors, styles and pile lengths. Each room can be equipped in a different and quite original way, taking into account the taste of the tenant of a particular corner. However, in doing so, be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner a lot and often, and from time to time to walk around with all the carpets to wash and get rid of dust.

Furniture Furnishings.

Furniture is what is easiest to replace. However, before replacing a closet or nightstand, try to just give it a good scrubbing, because very often the moving out tenants, much less the landlord, don’t do such little things.

With the consent of the landlords boring furnishings can be enlivened with drawings, paint or stickers. And old chairs and armchairs can easily be updated by simply changing the upholstery or covering damaged surfaces with lacquer.

Windows, ceiling and plumbing are probably the most difficult to adjust. You should pay more attention to these interior items when choosing an apartment, especially if you are going to rent an apartment from the owner. After all, then their repair can cost the renter a pretty penny. Of course, some external defects can be easily smoothed by a good wash, touch-up, or hang a bright curtain, but serious technical defects cannot be hidden in this way, and it is often impossible to remove them by yourself.

In any case, the main rule of repair – to discuss all changes with the tenants and together approve them. After all, you can make the situation perfectly stylish and comfortable, but if the changes do not like the landlord – money and effort will be thrown out. And again you will face the eternal problem: where and how to find an apartment for rent. Experiment wisely, and you will be comfortable.

The post Repair in a rented apartment appeared first on A MeEn for You.

The landlord is outside the country
One of the most popular methods of rental scams.

Scheme of the scam. A scammer has published ads on a bulletin board or in a Facebook group. You respond to his message and learn that the landlord is on a business trip or vacation. The key phrase is temporarily out of the country. So he won’t be able to show you the apartment. To balance these inconveniences the owner offers you nice bonuses:

Low rent.
Send the keys to the apartment by mail. Of course, you won’t know that they are fake.
How to protect yourself. The property owner is the person you will have to do business with: meet, resolve issues, possibly ask for help. Therefore, a live meeting is mandatory. There you should look at the landlord as a person and assess his adequacy.

Do not be fooled by cheap offers. There are no perfect options at a low price. A renovated apartment can’t cost pennies if it’s five minutes from the subway. If the rent is low, it means there are reasons for it. For example, fraud.

Important! If you find that you are a victim of rent fraud, report it to local law enforcement and the FTC. Also, contact the website where the ad was posted.

Landlord is willing to enter into a contract without additional tenant verification
People with a bad credit history or criminal record, newly arrived immigrants are the most vulnerable to this type of scam.

Scheme of Deception. A landlord or property manager asks you to sign a lease via email. He does not require information about your financial reputation. The main goal: to get a one-time payment.

How to protect yourself. Being a landlord in the US is a business. Therefore, a background check on the tenant, his creditworthiness is essential to keep the property safe from potential problems: non-payment of rent, damage to the apartment, etc.

Before depositing any amount for a home, make sure that:

The property is available for rent;
The landlord is connected to the property (has documents that show it is his property);
The contract makes you a legal tenant.
Important: Avoid filling out any rental application, credit checks, or sending money without first meeting in person with the real estate agent or landlord at the apartment you want to rent.

The description of the listing is not entirely clear
Not all landlords know how to form an ad correctly. Therefore, this scheme is often used by swindlers.

Scheme of fraud. Ads for rent looks vague. There are no pictures of the apartment, no details about utilities, repairs, furniture, etc. Such an ad is probably published by a person who has never been in the property.

Also an important element in the description is the exact address of the housing. Often scammers offer ridiculously low prices and ask for a deposit or rental fee before revealing the exact location of the apartment. They understand that if you know the address, you can Google the place, visit in person, or check on other sites.

How to protect yourself. If there is no information and photos are missing, then demand more details in the conversation. Be sure to inspect the apartment and see the owner in person.

Photos of the home have an MLS watermark
One of the creative methods in rental scams.

Scheme of Deception. The photos in the listing show MLS watermarks. Only realtors use such signs when selling real estate. Accordingly, the scammers copy the ad for sale. They change the contact information (e-mail and/or cell phone) in the description and publish the ad in real estate search services or themed groups on Facebook or Telegram.

You can even view the apartment and no one will suspect it’s a scam. Because realtors can confuse you with a potential buyer.

How to protect yourself. Demand the original photos from the owner. The scammer doesn’t have them because he or she isn’t actually connected to the property.

After viewing the apartment, don’t rush to make a transfer of funds. Back to fraud scheme #2. Check the property and its owner.

The owner requires you to sign a contract or pay a deposit before the first inspection of the home
This scheme is popular among people moving to a new city. Through work, they don’t have time to inspect their new home. This makes them an ideal target for scammers.

Scheme of Deception. Scammers put emotional pressure on you: they say that many tenants want to see the place. Fabulously describe the amenities and benefits of renting. Forcing you to sign a contract or transfer the deposit.

How to protect yourself. Make it a strict rule to personally check out a potential landlord.

If you feel uncomfortable talking through emotional pressure – think about whether the real landlord is willing to talk to a potential client that way. Is there probably a scammer on the other side?

Landlord instructs how to transfer money
The scam is popular among millennials, who often use Venmo, PayPal or Google Wallet payment services in their households. Such systems offer no fraud protection, which thieves take advantage of.

Scheme of Deception. The landlord asks you to transfer the deposit or rent through an outside service. Once the scammer receives the money, you have no way to get it back. Transferring money through PayPal, Venmo, or Western Union is essentially the same as transferring cash.

How to protect yourself. It’s safer to pay rent/deposit by check or credit card. You can mail a check, but it’s better to give it to someone in person. If it turns out that you have been scammed, you will have a name to start a lawsuit with.

Pro tips to remember if you’re going to rent a place to live
Don’t send money in advance.
Pay the deposit for the accommodation after you have inspected the apartment and signed the rental agreement. It is advisable to pay the full amount on the first day of the rental.

Remember, if the landlord asks to transfer money through Moneygram or Western Union – it’s a signal that you are a fraud.

Do not share personal information.
You don’t have to send the landlord photos of your passport, SSN, or tax number. Especially if you’ve never looked at the house.

It’s common for scammers to demand personal information. They need them to use in identification scams.

Research the property you plan to rent.
Look online to see if the listing has been posted on other sites. If so, note the contacts: are they the same or different?

Additionally, do a photo search of the property by running a Google image search. This will allow you to see where the image was uploaded, as well as find related content.

If you find that these images have already been used in old listings or in a similar ad, it’s probably a scam.

Check the landlord.
Find out who owns the property. Try to contact him/her directly. Tenants who are looking for an apartment in New York City can check the landlord on the Who Owns What website.

Talk to current tenants.
This will help you confirm the information provided by the landlord. They can also provide additional information about the lease. For example, letting you know if there are any problems, such as a broken unit and more.

Beware of fake social media pages or real estate company profiles.
Do an online account check if you are contacted through a personal page or company profile.

Company Profile. Be sure to find out if the page is official. Also look at the date it was created, how many posts, followers and reactions it has, etc.
Personal page. Look through lists of friends, check if they are marked in posts and photos. At the same time, look online for their name and location.
Also, this check is necessary when you communicate with a landlord or someone claiming to be a realtor/representative of a rental property firm through an ad you found on social media or bulletin boards.

Do home viewings.
If you don’t have the opportunity to visit the property in person or if you are moving to a new city, we still recommend asking a friend, relative or colleague to visit the apartment. In addition, more and more landlords are offering virtual tours, which is a good solution.

Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive guide to help you avoid rental scams. But researching the property and the landlord thoroughly and following these tips greatly reduces the likelihood of being scammed.

The post How to recognize scammers in rental housing appeared first on A MeEn for You.

“My home is my fortress”. And it does not matter whether it is our own home or a rented apartment, the house is a place where everyone wants to feel comfortable and safe, in a word – as at home. Here begins the most interesting part. The matter is that the renting/renting of the apartment is the case, when the business relations are built on “your own” home. Hence are the numerous mishaps, accompanying the relations of the tenant and the landlord.

To avoid that the owners of the rent apartment have not to “assault” and the tenants have not to “defend” their fortress, both parties should define ashore where is theirs and where is someone else’s.

Personal space
Every person tends to “adapt” their homes to fit himself. For some people, it is important “content” of the apartment, for example, parents want to install a Swedish wall for their child to develop physically, and some people are more interested in “form”. Here again, everything is heterogeneous – to one person it is enough to change the curtains and feel at home, while the other will not stop at wallpaper repainting …

The place where we live is our personal space, which is why we need it so much to make it as “our” as possible. Our things are an extension of ourselves: they reflect our habits and preferences. This applies to clothing, personal belongings, as well as the interior. Remember, as in Gogol: “Every thing seemed to shout: “And I, too, am a Sobakevich.” Now remember how the schoolteacher pointed out the satirical effect the author was trying to achieve. Do you remember? We are happy to report that the same “satirical effect” can also arise when renting/renting an apartment, and the consequences can be quite comical or tragic. In order to avoid apartment “dramas”, it is important to understand what surprises can happen when renting and how to minimize them.

Conflicts .
Naturally, the owners of the rent apartment want to keep their property safe and sound, and the new tenants want to feel “like at home”, that may lead to disagreements between the owner and the tenant. In order to avoid misunderstandings you should agree in writing on all questions, which concern the property as well as some other details of your relationship, for instance visits to the landlord.

Repairs
Here it is important to take into account the following points: the condition of the apartment, the term of the lease, the rent.

Often owners lease an apartment for a “long term” (over 5 years) and are in no hurry to move in the future. For example, the apartment was inherited or bought “for the future” until the children grow up and go to kindergarten. Tenants who plan to live in the apartment for a long time, want to “live” as much as possible, to make the rented housing “their own”. Then you may agree to make a cosmetic repair. If the condition of the apartment requires it, it is advisable to discuss the financial issue, too; if the tenants invest in improvement of the rented apartment, the landlord may render financial support, or deduct the renter’s fee from the rent for a certain period.

However, in everything you should stick to the “golden mean”, especially in the case of repairing “someone else’s” apartment. For example, if you replace the old, “in flower” wallpaper in the bedroom with avant-garde with “skulls” (referring to the fact that you have a 13-year-old son who needs the freedom of expression), most likely the owners will be impressed, but not pleased, and the term of your lease may suddenly expire, with a claim for compensation for material (and even moral) damage.

If you did decide to renovate and get the agreement of the landlords, hedge your bets and consult with the owners of the apartment about the “transformation”. Do not be naive, believing that “it will please everybody,” even the most innocuous things can be perceived as “hostile. The optimal solution would be a neutral style: a monochrome wallpaper of a calm palette (and also with the consent of the owner).

Personal belongings
As a rule, apartments are rented with already existing furniture. But it also happens that the owners leave some of their “nonfunctional” things. This may be a piano, books, or a tea set. And although this situation is hardly called the most correct or convenient, the tenant should be sensitive: perhaps people simply do not have nowhere to put their valuable things. If you are not happy with such a situation at all, you should immediately tell the owners about your wishes and solve the problem: either the owners of the apartment will move their belongings, or you will have to look for other housing. However, in no case you should not get rid of “other people’s” belongings arbitrarily, assuming that the owners simply forgot about them. Be no less sensitive and prudent owners of the apartment and try not to force the tenants to live in a museum of your personal belongings, in addition, such accommodation is unlikely to be long-term.

Rent
The rent is probably the key issue in the relationship between landlord and tenant, all points of which must be spelled out in the contract, otherwise… It is not uncommon for “qualitative” changes in living conditions (cosmetic repairs, replacement of old plumbing, etc.) to lead to “quantitative” changes: in the form of variations in the amount of rent. And everyone is “good” – both the owners and the tenants. Sometimes the owners of housing after the repair work of the tenants suddenly raise the rent instead of “thank you”: you understand – the commodity look, the market relations, and if you do not like it, we will find others for the same price. Absurd? Unfortunately – the reality. Sometimes it is the opposite situation, when the tenants renovate the apartment at their own expense, without informing the landlords, and then demand a reduction in rents. Are there still doubts about the need to not only discuss, but also “prescribe” in the contract issues of property and liability?

Landlord visits
Landlord visits are a very sensitive issue that should also be discussed at the shore. Some landlords are convinced that they can come “to their” apartment whenever they want: take your things, check the condition of the apartment, water the flowers… We assure you it is not so! When you rent your apartment, you give it not only for temporary “use” but also “possession” of the new (pay attention) “owners”. By coming in unannounced, you are invading the personal space of strangers (and those who owe you nothing).

Not only that you can appear on the doorstep openly “not in time” and so on the doorstep and stay, but even catching people at home, you run the risk of putting yourself and them in an awkward situation: a mess, arranged the child, general cleaning, family celebrations. Take care of your nerves and those of your guests! Make an appointment in advance, and better – choose a specific date of each month, so to speak – “open house”, when your visit is expected.

Summing up all of the above, we would like to offer both temporary and permanent hosts some tips to help settle your relationship.

Tenant Tips

• Find out what’s yours and what’s someone else’s.

As you know, you should know that you do not go to another’s house with your own rules. If you decided to rent an apartment from the owner, remember that you are the one who came to the house that belongs to other people. Do not consider such things as using the left utensils as self-evident. It is better to be too sensitive than to find out later. Make sure that the apartment has everything you need: the kitchen, dining room, sleeping area, work space, necessary appliances, etc. If you are missing some “basic” components of comfortable living, do not hesitate to raise the issue of purchasing by the owners of the apartment, for example, a washing machine.

• Fix material responsibility

If you are a temperamental couple, and in order not to let the feelings cool down, and from time to time need a grand scandal with breaking dishes, it is not superfluous to know how much it will cost scratches on the tiles or flooring. Or if you have a growing young artist, who prefers an album for drawing wallpaper, discuss the issue with the owners. You may be required to re-paper/paint the walls when you move out.

• All investments on your part are prescribed.

If you invest in better living conditions, keep in mind that any changes (replacement of old plumbing, cosmetic repairs) must be agreed with the owners and recorded in writing, and supported by the signature of the landlord.

Landlord Tips

• Determine in advance what you can and can’t do

If you value Italian tiles in the kitchen and Dutch wallpaper in the living room, warn the tenants that damaging the property will result in financial compensation, the same applies to your other belongings such as the kitchen set, the sofa, etc.

• Respect the privacy of your tenants by not being an “uninvited guest.

Plan your visit in advance and be sure to coordinate it with the current owners. Remember that you are going to your “own apartment,” but to visit strangers. A fixed date of your visits will greatly simplify the task and reduce “awkward moments” to a minimum.

• Determine the purpose of the visits

It’s worth bearing in mind that any visits from strangers to our home are quite stressful. Obviously if at the initial stage of renting such format of relationship is acceptable, in case of long-term cooperation, when the apartment owner and the guest know each other, you should think about reducing the visits to the minimum. As for the collection of rents, modern technology allows you to transfer this operation into the online mode.

The post Who is in charge – the one who rents, or the one who rents appeared first on A MeEn for You.

And indeed there is a lot to think about – you need to find an apartment close to work, in a good area, with renovation, and at a reasonable price (oh these magic numbers, making us sigh and skip the pictures of cozy apartments you liked at first sight!)

And finally the apartment of your dreams is found, all conditions are satisfied, the price is agreed, the meeting is arranged… The end of pains and sleepless nights – you rejoice!

But there is no way.

But what if you are cheated?

Popular wisdom – measure 7 times – cut once, also applies to renting accommodation. With one correction: check the documents 7 times, and re-read the contract (paying special attention to the sentence in small print at the bottom of the document, it is not superfluous to be equipped with a magnifying glass), and only then put your signature and open the wallet.

So it turns out that the search for a suitable option is only the initial, the most harmless stage of the housing question – a sensitive and demanding from the tenant thorough erudition.

If you decide to rent an apartment from the owner, you should take into account the possible risks. So what should be kept in mind when renting an apartment?

Improperly drawn up contract
The contract should take into account all the key provisions of the deal: rental period, the amount of rent, and the time of its collection, utilities, the terms of breaking the contract, and so on. Otherwise you risk to live on a powder keg, and “surprises”, such as an exorbitant increase in rent, will not keep you waiting long.

Scammers
Unfortunately, “swindlers”, who rent other people’s apartments to several tenants at a time, are active today. As soon as you strike your hands, these pseudo- realtors will immediately disappear, as if they disappeared in the air, like the characters of Bulgakov, and the only thing left to say is: “Damn it! If you are going to rent an apartment without an intermediary, be on your guard, because the capitals, where the rent is always actual, are the ideal place for swindlers. In order to protect yourself from these citizens, you should know how to check the documents, or, in other words, what to ask and what for. Well, do not forget the magnifying glass – look at the contract!

Prepayment
Often at the check-up between the landlord and the tenant very warm relations are established. As if both the landlord and the tenant become participants of some mysterious game of relatives. How else could it be? After all, it is important for both of them to close the deal with decent, reliable people, so how can we take a receipt from them? After all, by doing so, we will question their honesty. But we should not forget that to demand a receipt for money from a stranger with whom you have business relations is your right and you’re not insulting anyone, on the contrary – you are showing your legal literacy. If, however, the landlord (or the intermediary) is for some reason confused by this quite logical action, it is a reason to think about the relevance of the transaction.

Another common case, when you should doubt the honesty of the landlord’s intentions is the demand for a few (more than 2) months rent in advance.

Frequent visits from the landlord
As a rule, this point is almost never stipulated in the contract as something “for granted”. And in vain. Unfortunately, often “housekeepers” become “house torturers,” trying your patience with very frequent visits. One is tempted to say, “as at home. But it’s true – “at home” – many people will argue. But renting a house is nothing more than the landlord’s transfer of the house property to the tenant for temporary possession. According to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, “fruits, products and incomes received by the lessee as a result of the usage of the rented property in accordance with the agreement are the property of the lessee. In this case, “fruits of the lease” is appropriate to mean the right to rest in your own (albeit temporary) home.

What should you check?

The landlord’s identification papers
There’s little point in stressing that you should know who you’re dealing with. Be sure you know who the landlord is in order to avoid misunderstandings.

Documents for the apartment
The person renting the apartment should have the title to it. The document, which confirms the fact of ownership, is the “Certificate of State Registration of Title”. If the first two points are not met, the contract is not valid.

Presence of other owners
You need to make sure that there is only one owner of the apartment, and, of course, the same one who showed you the passport and the documents for the housing. If it turns out that there are “other” owners, you can be sure that there is an additional headache, since their consent is required in order to rent out the apartment. Otherwise, any of them may demand that you leave the apartment immediately. And the fact that you have paid two months in advance (to another owner), alas, does not cause any sympathy from the suddenly appeared “owner”.

Condition of the apartment
If you have reached this point and did not lose the desire to rent your own place – no one can reproach you for lack of courage.

So your documents are in order, and you are almost there. Once again you should make a thorough inspection of the apartment before you sign the agreement. Forget about the beautiful view of your future bedroom, you will have time to enjoy it. For now make sure that the plumbing, electronics, and wiring are in good working order. It is also good to ask the owners to read the meter in front of you. You should also pay attention to the interior: the availability of necessary furniture (bedding, work space, comfortable kitchen and dining areas), the state of wallpaper, parquet or linoleum, tile in the kitchen and bathroom. Agree on all this should be on the shore, or look for another option.

Neighbors
A Soviet cartoon shows a curious case. A regular clerk and a conscientious citizen all of a sudden one fine morning took off his human face and nearly killed an innocent janitor. And the reason for such strange behavior – the neighbors – all night clamoring, humming, making noise and, in the end, brought the unhappy hero.In order not to repeat the sad fate of the character of the Soviet cartoon, it is not bad to know what kind of people will live next to you. Is it possible? – You will object, – the neighbors have been known for years. This is ideal. But, unfortunately, sometimes they make themselves known on the day of housewarming: with a grandiose scandal with breaking dishes from above, a rock-concert from below and crying sounds of five children through the wall. It’s better to ask the landlord directly what kind of people live in the neighborhood, and if they are too noisy or dysfunctional, it may be worth looking for another apartment. Also, it is better to make home inspections in the evening when all the people have returned from work. Noisy neighbors may discover themselves.

Location of the apartment
Of course the area and how far it is from your work/study are of utmost importance when searching for an apartment. But it is also important to ask the owner about the infrastructure of the area, or study it yourself: it is important to consider the proximity of kindergartens, schools, stores, bus stops, subway stations, parking spaces. And if you decide to save on rent costs, remember that your efforts can be offset by additional costs, such as tolls.

The post What to keep in mind when renting an apartment appeared first on A MeEn for You.

Renting an apartment is not so much a business as a personal matter, because you have to deal with the owner. What kind of landlords are there and how to deal with them? We show you 6 types of landlords and tell you what to expect from them and how to “recognize” them.

The skilled businessman

The motto: “You to me, I for you, nothing personal.
Perhaps one of the most comfortable options for both parties. Renting an apartment is a transaction in which everyone gets what they want: a rented place and a fixed fee on time. Such an owner will hardly invite you for a cup of tea and will not bring souvenirs from the vacation, but with him you can constructively solve business and household issues, such as fixing plumbing or replacing furniture. Renting an apartment is necessarily accompanied by an agreement, which fixes all the key points of the transaction.

Advice: “The landlord is not trying to impress you (i.e. to dust your eyes), and believe me – it is better for you. All you need to do is to be legally literate, to make sure all the documents are in order and the agreement is correct.

Pathfinder

Motto: “No bank cards, I will come by myself every month for the money”.
Usually it is a lady (however, a pathfinder can also be a man), to call whom suspicious is to show extraordinary tactfulness. “Sure I won’t get in trouble?” – he or she asks you at the first meeting. The peculiarity of people of this type is the absolute conviction that their apartment will certainly be a hostel for illegal immigrants, a brothel or a drug den. By the way, “detectives” are often neighbors, or rather – female neighbors – inquisitive old ladies, looking closely (sometimes through the keyhole) and listening (with an ear to the wall) to the new tenants. Afterwards, the owners are told in detail and in color: “what’s going on over there!”. However, to “secure” yourself from these “helpers” is not difficult, most likely, the owners of the apartment know the temperament of the neighbors and perceive their stories in the series of “didn’t sleep a wink all night” and “made orgies here” respectively. It’s harder if Miss Marple or Mr. Sherlock are your landlords. In order to “please” you will have to become a paragon of piety. But even here you can find the pluses: for people with this character, the change of tenant – a disaster, so if you still manage to establish itself in the eyes of the “detective” on the favorable side, to extend the lease will not be difficult.

Tip: “It all depends on the severity of the “diagnosis. If the mistrust of the landlord is limited to a monthly procession with raised eyebrows on the apartment rooms, and everything else in the lease is fine with you – perhaps it is worth discounting the peculiarities of the character. However, if the “symptoms of the detective” progresses, and you are bombarded with unwarranted accusations, you should consider a change of home.

Auntie

Motto: “Still, not strangers!”
Most often this is an elderly (and usually) single lady who treats her tenants as her own children, grandchildren, or at least – nephews who came to conquer the city from the provinces. Her peculiarity is a genuine interest in the matters concerning your life (family, work, relations) and a constant readiness to take an active part in settling your problems. Conversations on the phone about rent or minor household problems invariably end with a discussion of your recent date or getting a new job.

Tip: “If you lack attention and care, consider that now you have one less problem. If the idea of renting came just from an overabundance of such custody, you should settle the degree of “kinship” with your landlord on shore.”

Pick-up

The motto: “One does not prevent the other.

“Rent a room for a girl-student, in the apartment lives an unmarried man of pleasant appearance, without bad habits. Of course, we are exaggerating, but ads of this kind are not uncommon. I would like to believe that those same college girls do not respond to such “offers. But in life another thing happens – when a solid gray-haired gentleman comes once or twice to his lodger: the first time – to pick up a vase, the second – to help with the rearrangement, and clean up, and suddenly he’s got a bottle of wine with him. As you know, marriages are made in heaven, and who knows, maybe the landlord is that soulmate, but in most cases, such a “turn” – a thing very unpleasant.

Advice: “If you notice in the behavior of the owner “strange”, more like a “hint”, delicately but firmly tell him that he does not share his intentions. If there is an adequate person in front of you, such a response will put everything in its place, but if not: hands at your feet and run!

Lord of the Palace

Motto: “You’re lucky!”
This gentleman considers himself a resident of the 19th century and must be sighing that serfdom was abolished, that everyone became “equal” and even “flocked” to the capital, so there’s nowhere to live and there are “immigrants” all around. Appropriate format of the relationship (from the perspective of the “lord of the palace”) between him and you about the following: he – the lord, you – a serf, the rent – the tribute. And, of course, do not forget that “you’re still lucky”, “yes at that price …”.

Of course, there are not such “tragic” cases, but this type of landlord is always recognizable by the master’s tone and warnings like: “Just try to ruin something!” Of course, it’s okay to pay for damaged property, but is it really worth it to mess with such a landlord?

Advice: “If the blue blood of the landlord showed up at the first meeting, as if casually thrown in the phrase about the “queue” of “people like you,” you should think about giving your turn to the “next” …”.

Always away

Motto: “Don’t call, I’ll probably be gone.”
You saw him only once, at the conclusion of the deal. The only confirmation of his existence – the monthly payments, which safely go to his card. It would seem – what could be better? But in addition to the fact that such a landlord does not “cause problems”, he prefers not to deal with them at all, including avoiding their decisions.

You can wait for a month to check the meter readings or investments after a flood, tripled by the neighbors from above – and not wait. Most likely, the apartment owner will either text you (or you?) back occasionally with promises to “get it done next week,” or simply not pick up the phone. But there’s an upside: Most of the time, people who are unconcerned about what’s going on in their apartment aren’t in a hurry to raise their rent (or more often, they’re just unaware that the rent has gone up).

Advice: “If you are convinced that the relationship with the landlord is limited to a monthly transfer of money to his card – you have found your ideal! But if you are against such an approach, an extended contract stipulating the responsibilities of both parties can help to prevent misunderstandings (especially financial ones).

We have listed some typical portraits of landlords and shared ideas on how to behave with a particular landlord.

As a rule, there are “mixed” types in life. Perhaps you might benefit from an approach in which you discount (within reason) your landlord’s personality and try to resolve all issues within the framework of business communication. And remember, renting is pretty much an “Everyday Thing!” and any issue can be solved, the main thing is to find an approach…

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