🙏Your landlord prays you never call them.

They don’t want to hear “the kitchen sink is leaking!!!” All they want is to collect rent on the 1st and hit you with a late fee if you ever miss the day.

But f*k that! Make them work for it.

If your new to renting, understand this: you don’t own the space, so your responsibility is upkeep to the best of your ability. If something breaks or you find faulty wiring somewhere, it’s not time to put on your hardhat.

Your rent check is partially going to any repairs, so its okay to leave it to the owner.

In today’s email:

• Maintenance Requests: Your ticket to a well-maintained rental

• Move-In Costs: Rent is not the only thing you’re paying for

• Apartment Need to Knows: Quick tips for first-time renters

Pick of the week: This little robot vacuum is your new best friend for 24/7 cleaning. It picks up debris on all surfaces and its sensors keep it from tumbling down stairs or bumping into your furniture. Better make use of it now before the robots take over!

APARTMENT 101

Yes, renting does have its perks.

One being that when something breaks, you don’t have to find a DIY tutorial or buy any tools to fix it.

Because your landlord owns the space, they’re usually responsible for repairs. In order to start the process, you’ll need to submit a maintenance request.

Yes, it’s all very formal.
No, you can’t just shoot them a text.

You’ll want to keep a record of everything that breaks and is fixed (or not fixed) in your apartment to protect yourself after your lease is up.

What Is a Maintenance Request?

A maintenance request is a formal notice to your landlord or property manager about an issue in your apartment that needs repair. They protect tenants from losing out on security deposits or potential legal action against them.

Common problems include:

• Plumbing Issues (ex. leaky faucets or pipes, clogged toilets, low water pressure, no hot water)

• Heating and Cooling Issues (broken HVAC system, no heat in the winter, no air conditioning in the summer, or thermostat issues)

• Appliance Problems (malfunctioning refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, oven, or microwave)

• Electrical Problems (flickering or burnt-out lights, outlets not working, electrical shocks, or tripping circuit breakers

• Pest Control Issues (roaches, ants, mice, or signs of an infestation like droppings and damage)

• Water Damage (leaky ceilings or walls, mold or mildew growth, water stains, or flooding)

• Safety Hazards (carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, smoke detector malfunctions, or fire hazards)

Submitting a maintenance request ensures the problem is documented and at the very least on schedule to be addressed. It establishes a clear communication channel between you and your landlord, which is essential for timely repairs.

Report everything that goes wrong in your apartment so landlords can’t blame you for their neglect.

When and How to Submit a Maintenance Request

Timing:

Submit a maintenance request as soon as you notice an issue. Delaying can worsen the problem, potentially leading to more extensive damage and inconvenience.

Methods:

• Phone Call: Direct and effective, especially for urgent issues. Always note the date, time, issue and person you speak with.

• Online Portal: Many properties offer online systems for submitting requests, allowing you to track progress and maintain records.

• Email: Suitable for non-urgent issues. Include detailed descriptions, photos, and your contact information.

Handling Non-Responsive Landlords

If your landlord doesn’t respond within a reasonable timeframe (24-48 hours for urgent issues, 1-3 business days for non-urgent ones), follow these steps:

1. Follow Up: Resubmit your request or call again to ensure it hasn’t been overlooked.

2. Formal Notice: Send a written notice or email if follow-ups fail. This serves as an official record of your attempts to resolve the issue.

3. Seek External Help: If necessary, contact local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups for assistance.

BUDGETING & FINANCE

🏦How Much Should You Save Before Getting an Apartment?

Getting your rent paid every month is a BIG thing… but it isn’t the only thing.

The hidden costs of renting an apartment can quickly add up and catch you off guard. It’s important to understand all potential expenses before signing a lease.

Initial Move-In Costs

When moving into a new place, there are several upfront costs to consider:

• Application Fee: This is a one-time payment that covers the cost of processing your rental application, including background and credit checks. Fees typically range from $35 to $75.

• Administrative Fee: Similar to the application fee but often higher, administrative fees cover paperwork and property holding costs. These can range from $50 to $200 and are usually non-refundable.

• Security Deposit: Typically equivalent to one or two months' rent, this deposit serves as insurance for potential damages. It may be refundable depending on the condition of the apartment when you move-out.

• Move-In Fee: Sometimes required instead of a security deposit, this covers general wear and tear prep for new tenants like repainting and re-keying locks.

Monthly Living Expenses

Beyond the initial costs, you should consider ongoing monthly expenses:

• Utilities: These can include electricity, gas, water, and trash services. Whether these are included in your rent or billed separately can significantly impact your budget. Ask about average utility costs in advance.

• Parking Fees: In densely populated areas, parking fees for a reserved spot can add $50 to $150 to your monthly expenses.

• Pet Fees: If you have pets, expect additional costs such as pet deposits or monthly pet rent. These fees vary depending on property policies.

Additional Services and Amenities

Modern apartment complexes often offer various amenities that come with extra costs:

• Media Packages: Some properties require tenants to pay for bundled services like internet and cable TV, which can increase monthly expenses.

• Maintenance Fees: These cover shared space upkeep and can range from $50 to $1,000 per month, depending on the property size and amenities offered.

• Lifestyle Fees: Access to facilities like gyms or pools may have additional charges. These fees can be monthly or annual and should be factored into your overall renting budget.

Rent is just the beginning of your financial obligations when it comes to apartment living.

By being aware of these additional costs—whether they’re upfront fees, monthly bills, or unexpected extras—you can plan and budget more effectively. Just remember to budget for more than just rent, and you’ll be in the clear.

Apartment Need to Knows

Over and out for this week, roomies!

Let us know what topics you wanna see in the next email. 

Turn Your First Place Into Your Happy Place

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