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Arguing About Afghanistan?

Political Disagreements

There's nothing wrong with a friendly debate between roommates about which political party has the best ideas for dealing with Afghanistan. Here's how to make sure your thoughtful discussions don't heat up into bitter arguments.

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Ron's Apartment Living Blog

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Sunday December 6, 2009

If you're evicted from an apartment, you're expected to take your things and leave. But one tenant who was just evicted from a Kaisertown, New York rental decided to help himself to a number of furnishings and other things that weren't his to take.

The landlord reported that over the weekend the tenant made off with an array of items, including rugs, smoke detectors, sink pipes, lighting fixtures, landscaping, and even trees, according to today's police blotter in The Buffalo News.

The total bill for the theft is estimated at over $3,100.

Get Your Landlord to Pay Attention to Your Heat Problem

Saturday December 5, 2009

If it's cold outside and your apartment just isn't getting enough heat, you don't want to have to spend weeks, or even days, waiting for your landlord or super to respond to the problem.

Nor should you. Landlords have a duty to keep your apartment habitable, and many cities, such as New York, have laws specifying exactly how much heat tenants are due.

If you have trouble getting through to your landlord about a heat problem, here are some communication tips you can use to help ou get the prompt attention you need from your landlord.

(Photo © Tom Grill / Getty Images)

Does Best Friend Equal Best Roommate?

Friday December 4, 2009

When it comes to finding the perfect roommate, many renters assume that their closest friends would automatically make the best candidates.

But likeability isn't the same thing as compatibility, which is the key to a successful roommate relationship. Rooming with a friend can work, but only if you're both on the same page about issues such as paying your rent on time, sharing expenses, cleaning your apartment, how often you'll invite guests over, and how quiet or noisy you'll agree to be during the day and night.

What types of people, then, generally make the best roommate candidates? Find out with this handy guide.

Got a story to tell on how you went about finding the right roommate? Share it here!

(Photo © Image Source / Getty Images)

Holiday Tipping in an Apartment Building

Wednesday December 2, 2009

If you live in an apartment, you may have one or even a few people to consider tipping this holiday season. The most common candidates include your mail carrier plus your doorman and super, if you have them.

Of course, these people are paid to do their jobs, but the point of giving a tip is to show that you appreciate what these folks do for you, and you're happy to help spread holiday cheer. Also, your token of appreciation and generosity will hopefully encourage the recipients to show you the prompt attention you deserve when an issue with a package or a repair inevitably arises.

Rent.com notes that holiday tips can range from $30 to $100, depending on your building and city and how often you interact with the recipients or utilize their services.

Whom do you tip for the holidays, and how do you decide how much to tip? Have you asked neighbors what they do?

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(Photo © Carlos Davila / Getty Images)

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