Monthly Archives: May 2011

Before You Rent An Apartment



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As you search for or take a tour around an apartment, you may be tempted to look quickly, decide you like it, then go ahead and rent the place. However, there are some important questions you should ask first before you make your final decision.

What features do you want or need?

This is a broad question and can be broken down further:

  • What floor is the apartment on? Will stairs be a problem for you?
  • Is there a private entrance or will you be sharing a front door with other tenants?
  • Does the bathroom have only a shower or is there also a bathtub?
  • Can you control the heating and air conditioning yourself?
  • What appliances does the apartment come with?
  • Is the outside area well lit at night?

2. Can you afford the apartment?

In addition to the monthly rent, there may be other expenses.

  • Are utilities and basic cable service included in the rent?
  • Do you have to pay a security deposit prior to moving in?

3. Do you want to live in a private home divided into apartments or an apartment complex?

You may get your own private entrance with the former. On the other hand, if you live in a building in an apartment complex, you will be using a communal front door with the other tenants on your floor. In this case, you’ll probably hear noises from the shared hallway outside your apartment as other people come and go.

4. Do you have to sign a one-year lease or is it just a month-to-month oral agreement?

This is an important question to ask if you’re not sure whether you’ll be occupying the apartment for an entire year. While you can always sublet the apartment to someone else, doing so may end up being a hassle.

5. Does the landlord reside on site?

If the landlord does not live in the building, does he live nearby? How easy or difficult will it be to contact him in case you need him?

6. Where will you park your car?

7. Who will be moving your things and furniture into the apartment?

How easy or difficult will it be to move in? Will you need professional movers or just a few friends?

8. Do you like the apartment’s atmosphere and view?

9. Is there extra storage space outside the apartment?

Some apartments offer a storage locker in the basement or an outdoor shed. If you have too much stuff, you may need additional storage space.

10. Are pets allowed? Are there any restrictions?

You may not be able to afford or find an apartment that has everything you want. Decide what you can do without and which features are must-haves. Choose wisely, as this will be the place that you will soon call home.

Corporate Rentals Makes Sense



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Why are more and more landlords becoming interested in offering corporate housing? The fact is, it’s not only business travelers and vacationers who benefit from this type of temporary housing – landlords have many reasons to take a liking to it as well.

*Less damage to the property. Ninety percent of all damage to an apartment occurs while moving furniture. Because a corporate term is five times longer than the average tenant’s lease, furniture stays put, thereby extending the lifespan of the apartment.

*More caring tenants. When an occupant stays in an apartment longer than a normal hotel stay, they are more inclined to look after the place as it gradually becomes home to them, whereas they might do the opposite in an impersonal, cramped hotel room. For the landlord, this means the least amount of effort during the turnover process and minimum damage over time.

*Thirty percent of corporate housing tenants are hard workers and spend little time in their apartments – they only use it for sleeping. Again, this lengthens the good condition of the property.

*Corporate housing is a lucrative source of income for landlords.

*When a corporate housing provider expands, several landlords find them offering to absorb vacancies as soon as they are available.

Corporate housing is still a young industry so many are hesitant about getting their feet wet. However, it is a setup that can be very rewarding to everyone, from occupants and temporary housing providers to landlords and the travel industry in general.

Business Travel with Pets



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A dog or a cat makes an excellent companion on lonely business trips, and fortunately, pets are allowed by most corporate housing providers. Some properties implement breed restrictions and others require pet interviews, though. Attending obedience classes with your dog will be beneficial, especially for a pet interview.

 

If you own a more aggressive breed of dog, you may find it easier to rent a private furnished property rather than renting corporate housing at an apartment complex. Your provider should be able to assist you in such situations.

 

Finding a space that will accommodate a pet is only part of the challenge; there’s also the move itself. Here are some tips to help you get your pet from one place to another without stressing him out unnecessarily:
*If you’ll be traveling by car, take your dog or cat on shorter trips first to gauge his anxiety. You can then speak with your vet if you feel that your pet will have to be tranquilized.

 

*Never leave your pet alone in a parked car – it can heat up to 160 degrees in a minute. The heat can cause brain damage, stroke, or even death.

 

*Make sure your dog remains in the backseat at all times (but never in the bed of a pickup truck) as passenger side airbags can harm him. Additionally, don’t let your dog stick his head out the window – he can be injured by debris particles or get sick from having cold air forced into his lungs.

 

*To help a pet with motion sickness, bring ice cubes. These are easier on the stomach than water.

 

*If flying, see to it that your pet’s crate is clearly marked with all your contact information, and that the animal is wearing a collar with a tag and rabies tag.

 

*Ask your current vet for a reference of a good animal clinic near your new home. Always carry both clinics’ numbers so you’ll be prepared for emergencies.

 

*Ensure your dog or cat has all the necessary vaccinations and that you have their documentations. Most hotels and some corporate housing providers require a certificate of health from your vet.

Why Do You Want To Own A Corporate Home?



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Why are more and more landlords becoming interested in offering corporate housing? The fact is, it’s not only business travelers and vacationers who benefit from this type of temporary housing – landlords have many reasons to take a liking to it as well.

  • Less damage to the property. Ninety percent of all damage to an apartment occurs while moving furniture. Because a corporate term is five times longer than the average tenant’s lease, furniture stays put, thereby extending the lifespan of the apartment.
  • More caring tenants. When an occupant stays in an apartment longer than a normal hotel stay, they are more inclined to look after the place as it gradually becomes home to them, whereas they might do the opposite in an impersonal, cramped hotel room. For the landlord, this means the least amount of effort during the turnover process and minimum damage over time.
  • Thirty percent of corporate housing tenants are hard workers and spend little time in their apartments – they only use it for sleeping. Again, this lengthens the good condition of the property.
  • Corporate housing is a lucrative source of income for landlords.
  • When a corporate housing provider expands, several landlords find them offering to absorb vacancies as soon as they are available.

Corporate housing is still a young industry so many are hesitant about getting their feet wet. However, it is a setup that can be very rewarding to everyone, from occupants and temporary housing providers to landlords and the travel industry in general.