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Apartment Living / Rental: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Sample Letter of Employment
More landlords are getting smart about cracking down on this type of fraud by taking the simple step of asking tenants to verify the employment information they include in their rental application. If your employer isn't used to complying with this type of request, it can be helpful to give your employer sample language to adapt and use.
How to Break a Lease
People often have valid reasons for breaching a contract, and you may have a good excuse for wanting to get out of your lease. If you must break your lease, the key is to avoid -- or at least limit -- a penalty from your landlord.
Letter of Employment Requests
Many landlords require a letter of employment from prospective tenants. Here's how to get this handled promptly.
Letter of Employment
What is a letter of employment and how do you get one?
Can you use coupons for online purchases at bedbathandbeyond.com?
Can you use coupons for online purchases at bedbathandbeyond.com
Guarantors FAQ
Guarantors FAQ
Money to Rent Apartment
Here's an overview of the items apartment dwellers typically pay, organized by when each item needs to be paid.
Deal With a Bad Neighbor
When you live in an apartment, you're almost sure to have many people living around you. A neighbor can turn out to be a big help or even become your friend. But if a neighbor starts causing problems, it doesn't mean you need to pack up and move to a house in the suburbs.
Breaking Lease to Buy Home
Many renters who are looking to buy a home feel as if they're in a bind when it comes to coordinating the end of their apartment lease with the move into their new home. But there may be other options available to you in this situation.
Renter's insurance cost
How much does renter's insurance cost
Find Apartments at Lower Rents
If you earn below HUD's income limits, you may qualify for apartments at privately owned buildings at lower rents. But how do you find these apartment buildings? Thanks to an online government database, your new home may be just a few mouse clicks away.
Cover Letter for Employment
Taking this small step ensures that a landlord understands she now has the verification she requested from you, and it helps build your image of being a responsible tenant.
How to Create a Budget
Nearly everyone can benefit from a budget. Whether you're trying to climb out of debt or deciding how to enjoy a surplus, a budget puts you in control.
Pay at Lease Signing
Here's a description of the items you might expect at or around the time you sign the lease for your rental.
To Live With Roommates or Not?
If you need help deciding whether to live with a roommate, consider the common reasons why people choose one route over the other.
Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons FAQ
Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons FAQ
Federal law protected classes
What are the protected classes under federal law
Payments Before Lease
Here's a description of the payment items you might expect to encounter even before you sign a lease for a rental.
When to Prorate Rent
If you don't move into your new apartment until the middle of a month, you may be entitled to owe rent for just part of that month. Find out when your landlord should prorate your first month's rent.
Roommates Who Don't Pay Rent
Many tenants who split rent with roommates think they're okay as long as they pay the landlord their own share of the rent each month. The thinking is that if a roommate comes up short, then only the roommate would be liable to the landlord and possibly face eviction. If this is how you've been thinking, read on.
Tax Credit Housing FAQ
Read answers to commonly asked questions about the federal low-income housing tax credit program.
Which Apartment Floor
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to which floor is best in an apartment building. You must weigh the factors and decide what's important to you as you go looking for the perfect apartment.
Protected Classes FAQ
Read answers to commonly asked questions about the types of people housing discrimination laws protect.
Renter's Insurance FAQ
Renter's Insurance FAQ
Zero-Cost Ways to Stay Cool
If your apartment becomes uncomfortable or unbearable when it gets hot outside, there are certain things you can do to help maintain a pleasant environment in your home with no cost to you.
Fixed-Term or Month-to-Month
The type of rental arrangement you choose is a key component to consider when looking for an apartment.
What's a guarantor?
What's a guarantor
How to Prorate Apartment Rent
If an apartment you wish to rent will be ready before the first of the month, you and your landlord may
Studio or One-Bedroom
Here's how to decide whether a studio or a one-bedroom apartment is the best solution for you.
Adjust Your Air-Conditioners
Many apartment dwellers don't use all the features of their air-conditioning units. But adjusting settings can let you stay as cool as you need to be while also saving money.
Who is usually a guarantor?
Who usually signs a lease as a guarantor
Find Apartments Without Stress
For your apartment search to be as effective as possible, you need to try your best to keep stress out of the picture. Fortunately, this isn't as tough as it sounds.
Download Budget Templates
If you own Microsoft Word or Excel, free budget templates are just a click away!
Guarantor Documentation
What documentation do landlords require from guarantors
Tax credit property
Definition of tax credit property
What's the tax credit program?
What's the tax credit program
How to Find a Good Roommate
Many people prefer living with a roommate, and indeed there are compelling reasons for doing so. However, if you're not careful, roommates can also create problems.
Disability Rights
Read a handy summary of what a landlord must and mustn't do when it comes to dealing with prospects or tenants who have a disability.
Bath Towels or Bath Sheets?
Find out whether bath towels or bath sheets are best for you by answering two simple questions.
Find an Apartment
Here are essential tools, resources, and information that will help you find an apartment you can happily and proudly call home.
Getting Landlord Results
If you find yourself needing your landlord's attention, the last thing you want is to wait weeks for a response.
Say No to Self-Help Evictions
Landlords who want to evict a tenant are often anxious to do so. After all, if a tenant stops paying
Children Sharing Bedrooms
As long as your bedroom-sharing plans don't violate occupancy requirements, your landlord should have no right to tell you that your children can't share a room with you -- or each other.
Pay Rent by Credit or Check
Many landlords now offer tenants the option of paying their rent by credit card. However, it's not the right choice for everyone. Read about the reasons why you should pay your rent with a credit card versus a check.
How to Make Your Apartment Look and Feel Bigger
If you're decorating for small spaces, some smart planning and careful decor decisions can help you make your apartment look and feel bigger.
Pay During Lease Term
You'll have many bills, large and small, to pay in order to keep using and enjoying your rental each month as an apartment dweller.
Find Roommates Fast
If you need to find a roommate fast and don't have any leads, several websites have sprouted up that can help renters like you achieve your goal.
Sublessor
Definition of sublessor
Negotiate Rent
Although it probably never hurts to try talking a landlord into lowering the rent, there are certain situations in which you're most likely to be successful.
What's 'Broom Clean'?
The term broom clean has become the standard real estate lingo for the condition in which a landlord should expect a tenant to leave her apartment. Read some guidance on what this term means.
Best Roommates
Find out which types of current relationships are most likely to make for good roommate relationships, and which ones may be more challenging.
Singling Out Children
Given the law's protection for families with children, you might wonder why so many landlords appear to get away with adopting and enforcing rules that single out children.
Choosing Lease Terms
Before you commit to a one-year or two-year lease term, take a moment to consider the pros and cons of each option.
What is "familial status"?
What does familial status cover
Have Post Office Hold Mail
Whether you have to leave your apartment for business, pleasure, or even an emergency, make sure your mail stays secure and that you won't be greeted with an overflowing mailbox upon your return by having your post office hold your mail.
Pursue a Fair Housing Claim
If you decide to proceed with filing a complaint against your landlord or other housing professional with HUD, here are the steps you'll need to take.
Fair Housing Act
Definition of Fair Housing Act
New York Roommate Law FAQ
Read answers to commonly asked questions about how the Roommate Law may apply to your New York rental.
Lower Your Heating Bill
There are many things you can do as an apartment dweller to lower your heating bill. Here are some that require little time and effort, and that won't cost you a penny.
Use Roommate-Matching Services
Whether you already have an apartment or you're just starting to look for one, take your roommate search to the Web by signing up for one of several online roommate-matching services.
What to tell guarantors?
What should I tell someone who's considering being my guarantor
What's a co-signer?
Is a co-signer the same thing as a guarantor
Save Money on Apartment Living
Here's how to keep more of your hard-earned money so you can make your apartment experience more affordable.
Do Bed Bath & Beyond coupons expire?
Do Bed Bath & Beyond coupons expire
Avoid Apartment Rental Scams
Lower the chances of falling victim to a rental scam when looking for your next apartment.
Types of Mouse Traps
Which type of mouse trap is the best one to buy? Read about each major type of mouse trap on the market, and then make your own decision.
Your Rights After Foreclosure
If your landlord can't pay the mortgage and your apartment building goes into foreclosure, a federal law ensures that you won't be on the street tomorrow.
Precautions With Fumigators
If you rush to use a fumigator without taking the right precautions, you may solve your pest problem at the heavy price of health issues and property damage.
Which is better, the 20% off coupon or the \$5 off \$15 coupon?
Which is better, the 20 percent off coupon or the $5 off $15 coupon
How exactly is rent calculated
How exactly is my rent calculated
Roommate Agreements
The time to think about and agree on issues with your roommate is before you sign a lease.
iPhone Apps for Apartments
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, take advantage of the growing number of free and low-cost apps available to help you find an apartment.
Rent based on income?
Is the rent based on my income
How do you get Bed Bath & Beyond coupons?
How do you get Bed Bath & Beyond coupons
Amenities
Definition of amenities
What's a Disability?
What Kind of Disability Is Protected Against Discrimination?
Temporary Mail Forwarding
The U.S. Postal Service offers two options for having your mail forwarded to a different address on a temporary basis while you're away from your apartment. Find out about each one.
Rodent Control for Squeamish
Many renters get grossed out at the thought of having to deal with trapped mice and rat remains. Here are some options.
Paying Rent in Cash
Whenever you pay your rent in cash, be sure to protect yourself by taking certain precautions.
Save money
How can I save money on renter's insurance
EasyRoommate.com Profile
Information about EasyRoommate.com, an online roommate-matching service.
Excuses for Breaking Rules
You may have both logic and the law on your side when it comes to the validity of an apartment rule. Find out why some rules are unfair and what you can do to argue your way out of a violation.
Handle Roommate Problems
When you choose to share an apartment with another person, there's a chance that a conflict may arise. Here are some tips for handling common problems between apartment roommates.
Living With Children
Learn about how to protect your rights and fulfill your responsibilities as a parent or guardian of children living in an apartment building.
No guarantor?
What if I can't find a guarantor
Choose to Have a Roommate
Before you jump on the roommate bandwagon, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons and that it's what you want.
Apartment Wall Decor
Wall decor is central to any apartment-decorating effort, and it's a large part of what makes your apartment look and feel like it's yours. When it comes to finding good wall decor ideas, you have several options to consider.
What about sexual orientation?
What about sexual orientation - Is that a protected class
The Bedbug Registry Profile
Information about Bedbugregistry.com, a free online service to discover and report bedbug infestations.
State Fair Housing Laws
Many states have their own fair housing law that goes beyond the Fair Housing Act, offering protection to a wide range of people who wouldn't have a claim under federal law.
Market-rate apartment
Definition of market-rate apartment
Landlord has insurance
Do I need renter's insurance even if my landlord has insurance
Sublessee
Definition of sublessee
Apartment Meaning
Many people say they live in an apartment, and just about everyone claims to know what one is. But how,
Can a landlord restrict where guarantors live?
Can a landlord accept only guarantors who live in the same area
Why renter's insurance?
Why do I need renter's insurance
Evicted for Too Much Income?
Can I get evicted if my income goes way up after I move in
Online Apartment Searching Guide
Find out what you need to know if you want to use the Internet to find the perfect apartment.
What is a "protected class"?
What is a protected class
Month-to-month rental?
Can I rent on a month-to-month basis
What types of coupons does Bed Bath & Beyond offer?
What types of coupons does Bed Bath & Beyond offer
Deal With Messy Roommate
If you and your roommate want to stay together and you're both willing to compromise, you can reach an understanding that will let you tolerate each other's differences and, with any luck, enjoy the roommate relationship you signed up for.
Making Accommodation Requests
Federal anti-discrimination laws require landlords to grant tenants and prospective tenants reasonable accommodations if needed for a disability. If you're considering asking for an accommodation, find out what you need to know.
Avoid Illegal Steering
Some landlords practice a form of discrimination known as steering, which refers to when a landlord tries to limit a renter's housing choices by guiding or encouraging the person to look elsewhere, based on a protected characteristic.
Use Fan to Keep Warm
Did you know that ceiling fans can also help you keep warm in the winter
Glue Traps
Glue traps work by capturing a mouse after it steps onto a sticky board or tray.
Students okay?
Can I live at a tax credit property if I'm a student
NYC Heat and Hot Water FAQ
Read answers to commonly asked questions about your landlord's responsibilities when it comes to providing heat and hot water for your New York City rental.
Be a Neighbor-Friendly Apartment Pianist
There's a middle ground when it comes to playing piano in your apartment and dealing with neighbors. Here are some points to consider before tickling the ivories.
Fair Housing Claim Issues
Here are issues to consider before you file a fair housing complaint, so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed.
Need a guarantor?
How will I know if I need a guarantor
What if my guarantor changes his mind after the lease begins?
What if my guarantor changes his mind after the lease begins
Does Bed Bath & Beyond accept manufacturers' coupons?
Does Bed Bath & Beyond accept manufacturers' coupons
Alabama Security Deposits FAQ
Read answers to commonly asked questions about apartment security deposits in Alabama.
Stay Cool in Your Apartment
If you succeed in keeping your apartment as cool as you need it to be, then your home can become your summer oasis.
Playground Safety Book
Playgrounds are fun, but they also can be dangerous, which is why it's so important for kids to learn about playground safety at a young age.
Pay Sublease Rent to Tenant
If you're subletting an apartment, always pay your share of the rent to the tenant -- not to the landlord.
Children in Hallways
The key is whether the rule applies to everyone or just attempts to single out children -- both on paper and in practice.
Not much property
What if I don't have much personal property
Multiple Apartment Searches
A handy Web service lets you enter your search criteria just once for several popular apartment search sites.
Live in a Certain Building
If you check out a potential neighborhood and come across a building or two that interests you, there are ways you can find out if an apartment is available.
Apartment Lease Basics
Find out what every tenant needs to know about apartment leases.
Arizona Security Deposits FAQ
Read answers to commonly asked questions about apartment security deposits in Arizona.
Apartment Tricks
Learn some tricks to enhancing your apartment living that you can perform at little or no cost.
Roommate Compatibility
When it comes to finding the right roommate, don't forget that compatibility is more important than likeability.
Roommate Candidate Questions
Getting the answers to your questions will help you feel completely comfortable about living with a roommate candidate before you decide to sign a lease.
Check Lease Before Pets
Tenants who never intended to own a pet sometimes change their mind in the middle of the lease term and suddenly have the desire for canine or feline companionship. If you find yourself in this situation, don't let your enthusiasm get in the way of checking whether your landlord allows pets and, if so, what rules tenants who own pets must follow.
Before You Sign a Lease
Avoid putting yourself in a difficult position by taking a moment to go over top considerations for renters before lease signing.
New York Crime and Safety
Learn about ten key provisions of state law that every New York apartment dweller should be aware of.
Florida Protected Classes
Find out what classes of people are protected against illegal housing discrimination in the state of Florida.
Market-rate tenants, too?
Will there be market-rate tenants in the building
Rent Payment Basics
Find out what every apartment tenant needs to know about paying rent and avoiding problems with landlords.
Prospect
Definition of prospect
Will my guarantor get a copy of my credit report?
Will my guarantor get a copy of my credit report
Discrimination laws?
Must tax credit properties comply with discrimination laws
Deal With Neat Roommate
If your roommate thinks you're messy and wants you to change, there may be ways to work around your differences.
3 Steps to Finding the Perfect Roommate
Instead of rushing or settling, follow this three-step plan to find the perfect apartment roommate for you.
California Protected Classes
Find out what classes of people are protected against illegal housing discrimination in the state of California.
How to Be on Good Terms With Your Apartment Neighbors
Find out exactly what you need to do when it comes to interacting with neighbors, and just how friendly you should be.
Renter's Insurance When Moving
What happens to my renter's insurance policy if I move
Who Qualifies for Familial Status Protection
Find out if you and your children qualify for protection against familial status discrimination under federal law.
Apartment Rental Scams - What to Do
Learn your options for taking action if you've lost money to an apartment rental scam.
Tenant
Definition of tenant
How to Approach Neighbors
If you treat your neighbor like an enemy, you certainly can't expect a positive response.
Entertaining and Neighbors
When planning and hosting a party, have fun but don't forget that other people live in your building, too.
Roommate Candidate Meetings
When you go to meet a roommate candidate, you should be focused on making sure the meeting is effective while prioritizing your personal safety.
Not Disabled
Apartment dwellers who used to have disabilities and even some who never had a disability may be protected by the federal ban on disability discrimination.
Budget Motivation
Many people who think about creating a budget never get around to doing it. If this sounds familiar, here's some motivation to get you started.
Drug or Alcohol Addiction
If you're an alcoholic or have a drug addiction, you may be concerned that this will cause you problems in your apartment search. Here's what you need to know about how the law protects you.
Can I suggest a guarantor?
Can I suggest to a landlord that I get a guarantor

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