Rental News from Realty TimesUpdated February 10, 2010Layaway Plans Lure Vacation Rental Guests - December 10, 2009 Vacation rental owners pinched by this summer's travel season squeeze, may want to consider a new option for attracting guests -- the Layaway Vacation Plan. FULL STORY-> Rental Competition Causing Landlords to Make Housing Rental-Friendly - December 4, 2009 As students returned to their schools this semester, many searched for the ideal home to rent. That's good news for homeowners-turned-landlords. When the housing crisis hit, many homeowners who couldn't sell their properties decided to rent them. But the rental market can be a tough market these days due to falling rents. FULL STORY-> Simplifying The Landlord Job - September 25, 2009 Becoming a landlord is often met with objections from the inexperienced. They see the difficulties and troubles that can unfold and maybe they’ve even heard horror stories from former landlords. But due to the current market conditions, some homeowners are becoming accidental landlords and that’s causing them to look for simplified avenues to navigate the process. FULL STORY-> As a Landlord You Cannot Afford to Ignore the Internet - September 9, 2009 The world has changed. There was a time when a landlord rented a vacancy by placing an advertisement in the local newspaper and waited for the phone to ring, or tenants to visit. The classified sections of the local newspapers were packed with ads. You had to be very creative to leap out of the pack of ads. FULL STORY-> Know Your Buyers; Better Their Lives - September 2, 2009 There's some new research that sheds light on why real estate consumers pick up and move. Not surprisingly, most do so to better their lives. According to Relocation.com, the a leading online consumer resource for moving services, 50 percent of people who recently moved did so to improve their living situation, whether to move into a bigger home or move to a better neighborhood. FULL STORY-> Investor Report: Renting Versus Flipping - August 7, 2009 An Oakland, California real estate investment fund is carving out a niche that might work in other areas with roughly similar demographics: Acquiring and turning around lower-cost single family houses in neighborhoods outside San Francisco with strong mass-transit connections to urban employment centers and good job-growth potentials. FULL STORY-> Plan Aims to Keep Those Foreclosed-On as Renters and Helps Preserve Neighborhood Values - July 24, 2009 A plan that first surfaced a couple of years ago, aimed at allowing foreclosed homeowners to remain in their homes as renters, is gaining greater attention today. "The basic point is you're recognizing an unusual situation so you're temporarily changing the rules on foreclosure," says co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, Dean Baker, who first proposed the plan. FULL STORY-> Concession Thoughts - July 14, 2009 Now is the time, in a recessionary economic cycle, when owners of investment properties begin to get calls from tenants about rent reductions, forbearance, assistance, desire to cancel their lease and a number of other requests for what amounts to financial assistance from their landlords. In these times it is hard for a landlord to know which way to turn given their own financial situation, the size of their mortgage and other variables. FULL STORY-> Internet Helps Rent Homes - July 10, 2009 Forbes.com has published its report on America’s Best and Worst Cities for Families. These are metros where people have enough money for everyday living and places where families’ daily budgets take a chunk out of their incomes. FULL STORY-> The Importance of the Tenant Selection Process - October 30, 2008 Why do most landlords have trouble finding quality tenants? All of that work upfront, does it pay off? These questions and more in this week's column from Peter L. Mosca. FULL STORY-> Storage Solutions at Home - October 28, 2008 With the growing popularity of lofts, flats and condos and many homeowners choosing to downsize, spaces are becoming smaller but that doesn't mean that people have less stuff. This leaves many folks searching for creative and inexpensive storage solutions for the home. FULL STORY-> Adding Value & Maximizing Revenue from Income Properties - October 23, 2008 What do you see in terms of multifamily and apartment living in today's American lifestyle? Toni Blake, an international speaker, author and comedienne with more than 28 years in multifamily housing answers just that. FULL STORY-> Real Estate Investment Finances Education - June 3, 2008 When your child heads off to university this fall, search out a real estate professional who concentrates on student rental properties. PJ Wade illustrates the many benefits to students of investing in one of those properties. FULL STORY-> Condo Trends: Vacationers Want No Mess, No Stress Experience - May 28, 2008 Vacation condo renters are looking for an easy experience during a week on the coast. Investment beach condos can be a good second home, providing income and fund for owners who want a rental they can relax in as well as build wealth. So what can make that little getaway a cash cow? FULL STORY-> Making Vacation Home Vacancies Vanish - May 21, 2008 Want to keep vacancies down and income up on your vacation home investment? Listen to this real estate investor, author and vacation home rental adviser. FULL STORY-> Apartment Owners Caught Sleeping? - April 1, 2008 In February of 2008, the Oregon Legislature overwhelmingly passed SB1080, a bill that prevents illegal immigrants from obtaining an Oregon driver's license. The Governor signed the bill into law on the 19th of February. This bill was passed to prevent driver's license fraud, as well as to comply with the first steps necessary for homeland security regulations. FULL STORY-> Condo Trends: Slow Housing Market Good for Rentals - March 19, 2008 As the 2008 condo market continues to unfold, one thing is for sure, skittish would-be buyers will remain renters for the time being. That one fact, has multi-family developers seeing green, as in higher retention rates for their condo dwellers. FULL STORY-> Condo Trends: Condo Living A Little Different Than Co-op - February 27, 2008 When you mention the word "condo" most buyers have a vision in their mind's eye of what that looks and feels like. It's a dwelling in an apartment-type building where the purchaser owns the walls in the unit, as well as the personal property within it and pays taxes on that bit of ownership. FULL STORY-> New Homes: All That Glitters Can Be Gold - February 19, 2008 With the housing crisis in full bloom, sometimes it's good to take comfort in ways builders and architects are defying the odds -- such as taking a 1930s Los Angeles theater district art-deco high rise building and turning it into loft condominiums. FULL STORY-> Renters Will Pay More For 'Sense of Community' - December 19, 2007 Build and manage a sense of community in an apartment complex and renters will pay rents that exceed market averages, according to two recent studies. FULL STORY-> Renters Without Insurance Risk Blowing Homeownership - November 6, 2007 Don't pinch pennies on renters insurance to quickly return to home ownership. It's important to protect yourself and your belongings no matter where you live. FULL STORY-> Renters Get A Breather - November 1, 2007 Renters may have a small window of opportunity to negotiate a better rental contract -- if the window is still open. FULL STORY-> Rents Inflated By Soft Owner-Occupied Market - October 18, 2007 Home price growth is rarer in many markets, but after a decade of appreciation, unaffordable home prices mean higher rents and tight apartment inventories. FULL STORY-> Environmental Psychology and Buying a Home - October 18, 2007 Many people often wonder what an environmental psychologist does and why one would want to study the field. Whether you know or not, if you're in the market to buy, you need to read this article. FULL STORY-> What Students Want in an Off-Campus Rental - September 27, 2007 Off-campus rentals are becoming a big business and a report based on student focus groups highlights their wants, needs and fears. FULL STORY-> When It's Not A Good Time To Buy - September 14, 2007 The popular refrain, "It's a good time to buy," may be good advice for most consumers some of the time, it's not good advice for all buyers all of the time. FULL STORY-> Apartment Industry Benefiting from Housing Downturn - September 13, 2007 Average rents increase in second quarter, reflecting downturn in for-sale housing, but higher costs take more of renters' income. FULL STORY-> Landlords Loving It, Renters Rueing It - August 30, 2007 As homeowners flee or are forced from homeownership, the number of renters and the cost of rent are rising leaving housing consumers with little wiggle room. FULL STORY-> Renters Lose More Ground - July 20, 2007 Landlords' are calling more of the shots in the rental market as rents move up and, for renters, the only major hedge against rental inflation is a long-term lease. FULL STORY-> How To Get Yourself Out Of Trouble When Your Investment Is Far Away - July 4, 2007 You have called local apartment brokers and property managers and discovered that the market occupancy rate is 90 percent, but your property's occupancy rate is 60 percent. What do you do? FULL STORY-> New Rental Market Survey Charts Western Economic Shift - July 3, 2007 According to a new recently-released housing survey, rental vacancy rates are lowest in the western provinces that are experiencing continued strong population growth. PJ Wade explore this new information resource which may help investors and renters plan ahead. FULL STORY-> Pitfalls Of Online Searching - June 19, 2007 An apartment search in any large U.S city can be an intimidating experience. Before you suit up and scour the Internet for your perfect urban oasis, let's consider some potential pitfalls. FULL STORY-> Tips on Finding a Great Apartment in Any Big City - June 5, 2007 Finding a quality, affordable apartment in any large U.S city can be a daunting task. However, there is no need to sift through a barrel of lemons to get to a gem. FULL STORY-> Apartment Rates Rise - June 5, 2007 After years of flat rents and increasing costs for apartment landlords, rents are finally increasing. What is driving the change? FULL STORY-> 'Either-Or' Apartment Projects - April 25, 2007 Many of today's apartment projects start out as "androgynous" in that it is not known whether the units will be rented or sold. Because the dynamics of the marketplace can change several times in the five or six years it takes to plan and build multi-family projects, developers are now waiting until the last possible moment to make the final marketing decision. Lew Sichelman has the details. FULL STORY-> Wanted To Rent: Technology-Friendly Apartments - February 28, 2007 Give them hot spots, a no-dropped calls zone, the freedom to choose technology services and your apartment sells itself to today's gadget-laden renter. FULL STORY-> Renters Retain Room To Ruminate - February 14, 2007 A fourth report in two months contains evidence the rental market hasn't been able to fully cash in on the slow-down in owner-occupied sector. FULL STORY-> Tenant Retention - January 24, 2007 Columnist Clifford A. Hockley gives some helped tips on how to improve the bottom line of the commercial buildings you own. FULL STORY-> Renters Strike Back - January 22, 2007 Renters, revolting over fast-rising rents, left higher levels of vacancies across a large swath of the nation at the end of 2006, according to a recent analysis. FULL STORY-> Double Digit Dance Swings Silicon Valley Rents - October 19, 2006 Silicon Valley rents are up more than 10 percent, as demand for longer term leases indicate more potential home buyers are sitting out flat and falling prices in the home-buying market. FULL STORY-> Security Deposits: Rules of the Road for Oregon (ORS 90.300) - October 18, 2006 One of the most contentious issues that tenants and landlords grapple with in their rental relationships is the final stage -- the move out -- especially the security deposit return portion of the move out process. FULL STORY-> Getting into Real Estate for the Long Haul - September 28, 2006 As the market slows, eager investors are looking for properties to rehab and offer for rent. FULL STORY-> Housing Counsel: Who Pays Rent if a Tenant Vacates - September 25, 2006 One renter leaves, the other stays. Is there legal language that should be included in the lease to insure that the full rent will continue when one of the tenants moves out? FULL STORY-> Make Your Real Estate Investment More Successful - July 18, 2006 For years we have been hearing the real estate mantra of "location, location, location," but is that really what drives the success of an investment? FULL STORY-> Coping With Real Estate Market Change - July 17, 2006 Preparing for real estate market change is not unlike preparing for disaster. Prepare for the worst and there's a better chance you'll survive from one cycle or season to the next. FULL STORY-> Priced-Out Buyers Push Occupancy Rates and Apartment Builders' Confidence Higher - July 5, 2006 With the price of residential properties continuing to rise in most markets across the U.S. and first time buyers now looking for rental homes as a fix until markets correct themselves, multifamily builder confidence in the rental apartment market soared to a new high in the first quarter of 2006. FULL STORY-> Rental Rates Rise Despite Protest - June 29, 2006 Rents are rising -- and no one is immune. But is affordability already out of the reach of many middle-income families? FULL STORY-> Most Renters Don't Bother with Insurance - June 1, 2006 A survey finds that renters don't have insurance that would cover their property or liability losses if problems arise. FULL STORY-> How To Develop A 'Rental Career' In New Landlords' Market - May 15, 2006 The growing ranks of renters who aren't prepared for the competition could end up paying top dollar for housing they hoped would be more affordable than buying. FULL STORY-> Ten Popular Vacation Home Features - April 5, 2006 Vacation home experts hash out the most popular features vacationers seek when they look for vacation home accommodations -- information investors can use to boost their bottom line. FULL STORY-> Nationwide Rents Rise, Vacancies Dwindle - March 3, 2006 What the owner-occupied housing market is losing the rental market is gaining with higher rents and tighter supplies. Renters who plan to stay put should lock in long-term contracts. FULL STORY-> Do We Really Know How Tenants Choose Their Apartments? - February 7, 2006 Every renter is looking for something special. But there are some commonalities between them all. Do you know what they are? FULL STORY-> Rents Rise In The West As Occupancy Rates Fall - January 27, 2006 Renters should consider negotiating longer term rental contracts, rather than month-to-month deals. Rising occupancy levels didn't slow the uphill climb of rents in Western markets last year. FULL STORY-> Hiccup In Slowly Improving Rental Market - January 19, 2006 An unexpected dip in apartment occupancy levels during the fourth quarter puts a damper on an otherwise slowly improving rental market and leaves experts perplexed. FULL STORY-> Resort Home Pre-sales Show Vacation Market Still Strong - January 19, 2006 Pre-sales at Intrawest's newest pedestrian-friendly village in Orlando shows that the slowing real estate market may be skirting resort homes. FULL STORY-> Texas Association Offers Tips For New Renters - September 29, 2005 An association of landlords and property owners is offering advice to help displaced Gulf Coast residents, who choose find their own shelter, make a smoother transition to rental housing in the open market. FULL STORY-> Eviction Notice Part of the Investment Process - August 5, 2005 Chris stroked his beard and shook his head, saying: "It's not fun." He was talking about having to walk up to the door of one of his rental properties recently with an armed sheriff and serve eviction papers to one of his tenants. FULL STORY-> Housing Counsel: Is My Lease Still Valid? - July 25, 2005 When during a rental contract can a tenant move out? Is the landlord allowed to evict the tenant for any reason? Benny Kass explains. FULL STORY-> Death At The Spring Bloom Apartments - April 19, 2005 It was 8:00 on an early September morning when Jen knocked on the manager's door. "Mrs. Righthouse, please come to the door," she called. Amanda Righthouse, the Spring Bloom Apartments on-site manager, answered the knock with a sleepy look. "How can I help you Jen...?" FULL STORY-> Only In California: Affordable Housing With Ocean Views - April 7, 2005 It's tough enough to put "California" and "affordable housing" in the same sentence, but when affordable housing in one of the Golden State's most affluent cities comes with ocean views and rents below $500, well, that's major news. FULL STORY-> First 2005 Look At Apartments: Landlords Gain Ground - February 17, 2005 Investors and landlords continue to gain the upper hand in the nation's rental market as 2005 begins. Renters who want the best deal, more and more often, still have time to get to the table well prepared, standing out as a tenant worthy of a good deal. FULL STORY-> Finding The Best Rental Markets - January 26, 2005 Nationwide, a growing numbers of landlords will continue to roll back concessions this year as others raise rents, but some markets remain the tenants' domain where bargains still rule. Broderick Perkins has the story. FULL STORY-> Moving To Save Aging Rural Rentals - January 13, 2005 The Department of Agriculture is working on a program to that would provide the funds apartment owners need to repair and upgrade nearly half-a-million aging rural rental units. Lew Sichelman has the details. FULL STORY-> Fair Housing: Everyone Is Part Of A Protected Class - December 10, 2004 Unfortunately there are still landlords/investors who just don't get fair housing laws. Before you eliminate any potential applicants, make sure you are rejecting them for all the right -- and legal -- reasons. M. Anthony Carr has the story. FULL STORY-> Meth Lab Blues - November 24, 2004 Owning rental properties can be a lucrative business, but it also comes with significant risks. If you wish to avoid the call stating that your tenants have been busted for producing illegal narcotics, Clifford A. Hockley advises you to be extra cautious when screening them. FULL STORY-> Where Can You Browse For Affordable Housing? - November 9, 2004 Online listings of affordable homes are scarce for moderate- and low-income buyers, and only a few efforts are attempting to bridge the digital divide with the same technological advantages enjoyed by market-rate shoppers. FULL STORY-> Renters Brace For Not-So-Happy New Year - November 3, 2004 National Multi Housing Council statistics on rental housing market conditions show that all indexes in the third quarter revealed improvements favorable to landlords. Renters who are losing their negotiating edge, also could be falling behind in the race to buy a home. FULL STORY-> Lease To Own One Of Several Bad Credit Options - October 29, 2004 For many buyers without cash or with credit problems, the solution to homeownership has been a lease-to-own contract. M. Anthony Carr takes an in-depth look at how this arrangement works, and how the agreement can be structured to benefit the buyer or seller. FULL STORY-> Silicon Valley Renters Losing Grip On Apartment Market - October 27, 2004 After almost four years of falling, rents have begun a small but noticeable upward rise in Silicon Valley. The market won't become as volatile as the home-for-sale market, but the increase is a signal for renters to hone their negotiating skills or consider buying. FULL STORY-> Feds Offer Housing Assistance To Renters - October 15, 2004 For those using HUD Section 8 housing choice vouchers, homeownership is not as far away as you may think. The Homeownership Voucher Program enables first-time homebuyers in low-income brackets to purchase a house using HUD Section 8. FULL STORY-> Rent, Home Price 'Disconnect' Another Bubble Inflator - October 6, 2004 As home prices soared in the last year, rents have remained flat and in some markets have done an about face. That difference could sharpen the pin many say will eventually prick the bubble in an already over-inflated home market. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Unique Disaster Planning Necessary For High-Density Housing - September 10, 2004 When disaster strikes high-density housing the impact can be multiplied by the number of homes under one roof. Planning for the worst reduces that impact and increases the opportunities to quickly return the community to its original state. FULL STORY-> Condomania: Prices Soar, Affordability Plummets - September 2, 2004 Condo prices are soaring and developers are rushing to convert more apartments to condos as the unique brand of higher-density housing loses its luster as the more affordable variety. Broderick Perkins has the details. FULL STORY-> Rental Obligations Do Not Stop For Change In Management - August 23, 2004 The owner of the rental house in which we currently reside fired the property manager. We have not signed any agreement since that time with the owner directly. Are we still under lease? Can we legally vacate now before the end of the lease term? Could the owner ask us to leave? FULL STORY-> Apartment Market Flush With Amenities - August 18, 2004 With nearly 70 million owner-occupied households, landlords who want to keep occupancies high in their apartment communities are offering a host of amenities to attract renters looking for a rental lifestyle they can live with. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Rent Vs. Sell: Weigh All The Facts Before You Make A Decision - August 9, 2004 My wife and I own a house in the suburbs and we are considering selling our home in the city. However, we have been leaning toward renting it -- at least for a few years. Do you have any suggestions? FULL STORY-> Landlords Gain, Renters Lose Ground - July 30, 2004 Waiting to make the decision to rent costs more each day as landlords in some markets begin to drop concessions, raise rents and take back the negotiating edge. Broderick Perkins reports on the effect rising occupancy rates may have on your rental search. FULL STORY-> 'Hidden Gems' In Mountain, Coastal Vacation Home Towns - July 28, 2004 NeighborhoodScout.Com is the latest website to offer a list of top vacation home towns. It's up to you to narrow the special list to fit the specifications you'll need for a vacation playhouse or vacation rental home. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Vacation Home Rental-By-Owner Tips - July 27, 2004 Cutting out the property management company can get you half way to profitability when you rent out your vacation home, but an expert in vacation property investments says you'll need to do more to traverse the other half. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Making Sense Of D.C.'s Strong Tenant Rights - July 26, 2004 I am a landlord and I currently own two properties in the District of Columbia -- one has four units and the other has 10 units. Do my tenants have any rights if I want to sell my properties? Benny L. Kass has the answer. FULL STORY-> Profitable Vacation Home Rentals - July 23, 2004 To make the most of a second-home investment, owners get vacationers to pay for them. But cutting out the property management company is half way to vacation property profitability. An expert from the growing ranks of vacation property investors tells why. FULL STORY-> Condo Craze Not Just A Fad - July 21, 2004 Only higher mortgage rates can stop the rush to buy condominiums, and even higher loan costs are not likely to derail the trend, according to experts at a recent industry conference. Lew Sichelman was there. FULL STORY-> Coordinating Tenant Rights With A Starker Exchange - July 19, 2004 I am a landlord in the District of Columbia. I plan to sell my house and do a Starker Exchange. I understand that tenants have certain rights, but also know that there are certain time restrictions associated with the Exchange. Is it possible to do a Starker when there are tenants in the property? Benny L. Kass has the details. FULL STORY-> Renting May Not Be Such A Bad Idea - June 24, 2004 Myths, says the National Multi Housing Council, can cause some households to make the wrong rent-vs-buy decision. Renting is an option households shouldn't overlook without examining those myths more closely. Broderick Perkins has the story. FULL STORY-> Lease May Not Require Clean Sweep - April 23, 2004 Most leases I've seen require tenants to leave the property "broom clean" when they move out. This has been a point of contention between many landlords and their renters because one person's "immaculate" is another person's "broom clean." FULL STORY-> Western Rents Join Home Prices In Upward Move - April 23, 2004 Rental rates in most Western Regions rose in the first quarter in what appears to be a growing trend that could put more pressure on home prices. Broderick Perkins explains how the changing economy may affect your decision to rent versus buy. FULL STORY-> California Creating Permanent Renters' Class - February 4, 2004 California's housing crisis has become an emergency of multi-alarm proportions that has spawned a growing class of renters. More Californian households are realizing each day that the American Dream is just a dream. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> 2004 Market Could Dull Renters' Negotiating Edge - January 28, 2004 If the economic boom emerges as forecast this year, renters could lose their current negotiating edge. If your housing plan includes rental housing for the next year or so, now's the time to negotiate a long-term lease that locks in today's concessions. Broderick Perkins has the story. FULL STORY-> Fair Housing Important Part Of Rental Process - January 23, 2004 So you got the foreclosure at a good price, fixed it up, and now you just need to get a good renter to start raking in the cash. Before you start eliminating applicants from your pool of tenants, make sure you are eliminating for all the right -- and legal -- reasons. FULL STORY-> Do You Have Enough Power Available For Your Tenants? - January 21, 2004 As landlords offer more amenities to tenants, most of these amenities require more power. Ensuring that your tenants have enough power to run all of their electronic devices will keep them happy, and keep them put. FULL STORY-> Resolutions For Housing Consumers - January 9, 2004 Resolve to get prequalified. Resolve to get financially educated. Resolve to stop renting. Real estate experts offer a round of resolutions for housing consumers in all walks of life. Broderick Perkins has the story. FULL STORY-> Rental Concessions Landlords May Consider - September 24, 2003 Here's an insider's look at what deals may be available if you are a renter looking to save cash on your next lease. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Work Three Jobs, Get Two Bedrooms - September 10, 2003 Minimum wage workers have to work two and sometimes three full-time jobs to put their families into a typical two-bedroom apartment, according to a new study which documents an ever-worsening housing situation for even middle-income renters. FULL STORY-> A Handy Guide To Understanding Lease Proposals - August 13, 2003 As a landlord or a tenant, it is critical to have a well-developed lease proposal that both sides can rely on in the negotiations that lead up to a signed lease. Clifford Hockley highlights a few of the major variables that should be addressed in any lease proposal. FULL STORY-> Higher Rents Could Follow Stabilizing Apartment Market - August 8, 2003 The economic pendulum may be about to swing back in favor of landlords. Renters need to examine their lease now for any possible negotiating points. FULL STORY-> Panel Boosts Limit On Apartment Loans - July 25, 2003 Despite objections from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a House committee has approved by voice vote legislation that would raise the ceiling on government-insured apartment mortgages in high-cost areas. Lew Sichelman has the details. FULL STORY-> Landlords Typically Reject Tenant Improvements - May 21, 2003 Proceed with caution or ask the landlord to do the work if you want to improve the home you rent. Broderick Perkins explains. FULL STORY-> More Renters Staying Put - May 9, 2003 Rising unemployment has forced more renters to sit tight, use their negotiating edge for lower rents and wait out the move to home ownership. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Apartment Markets Out of Kilter - April 2, 2003 The same record low mortgage rates that have boosted the for-sale side of the housing market has brought the apartment sector to its knees. With tenants moving into home ownership, vacancies are on the rise. At the same time, developers are putting up new apartments at a pace many experts question in the face of flagging fundamentals. Lew Sichelman has the details. FULL STORY-> It's A Renter's Market -- Haggle - March 12, 2003 Concessions are flying out of the door at rental communities in many metropolitan areas. Negotiate for an affordable long term contract and get financial room to save to buy a home later. FULL STORY-> Leasehold Condos/Coops: When The Lease Comes To An End - March 10, 2003 I own a cooperative apartment, and it has increased significantly in value in the past several years. This is a leasehold cooperative, and the lease on the land will expire in year 2052. What happens to a coop when the land lease expires? Do I lose my entire investment? Benny L. Kass has the answer. FULL STORY-> Apartment Groups Set Goals For 2003 - March 6, 2003 The nation’s apartment builders and managers have come up with a series of legislative goals for the year to encourage the development of multifamily housing. FULL STORY-> Apartment Burglary Rate Warrants Insurance Coverage - February 26, 2003 You are more likely to be robbed if you live in an apartment than if you own your own home and buying insurance is a lot cheaper than buying a home to reduce your financial risk. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Rent Loss Coverage - January 10, 2003 Do you want to be a landlord? Do you want to buy low and sell high? Make lots of money being a bigwig in the rental business? Recent changes in investment property underwriting may make for both a safer venture along with higher acquisition costs. FULL STORY-> Need Rent Money? Uncle Same Can Help - November 15, 2002 If you're trying to get on that first rung of the homeownership ladder -- I'm referring to renting your first house -- there are a couple of government programs that pack a powerful punch for low-income home shoppers. FULL STORY-> Site to See: Subsidized Housing 'Listings' - July 31, 2002 A new Web site takes much of the legwork out of finding affordable housing both for households and social service agencies that assist them. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Tenant Rights Backfire On Seller - July 19, 2002 Some tenant laws can be so obtuse as to be funny and make for sitcom fodder. In fact, the rush around to seize rental units from recently deceased tenants has humorously been played out on popular comedy shows such as Seinfeld, Friends and Fraser. FULL STORY-> A Clearly Written Lease Proposal Can Make You Wealthy - July 15, 2002 A clearly defined lease proposal that outlines all of the important issues involved with a deal will make it easier for a landlord to respond, will insure that the lessee will be able to conclude a successful lease, and enable the lessee to buy the real estate. All of this, in the long run, is what will make you wealthy. FULL STORY-> Rent Concessions Up In Major Metros - May 24, 2002 More and more landlords are lowering rents and offering free-rent periods to entice you to move in. Haggle now and pay even less later. FULL STORY-> Paying Rent With Plastic - April 19, 2002 Using credit cards to pay the rent can be a boon to both landlords and tenants alike, provided tenants are financially disciplined. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> How to Create the Illusion of Space - April 2, 2002 By positioning mirrors in the right places, you have the power to make any room appear larger. Whether you live in a loft, or a four bedroom house, you can follow these tips to make small areas more comfortable. FULL STORY-> Make Your New Apartment Less Lonely - March 28, 2002 Do you feel that your new apartment isn't home? Although many renters enjoy the carefree lifestyle of apartment living, some never get over a feeling of temporariness. Here are some tips on how to make your apartment into a home. FULL STORY-> Rental Tips For Any Market - March 22, 2002 Most markets enjoyed falling rents, but even when rents are rising there are preparations renters can take to move in within their budget. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> In The Short Term, Renovation Is The Name of The Game For Apartment Developers - March 19, 2002 The increase in population will increase demand for housing over the next few years, but developers will struggle to respond to the need because of the low wages, the high price of development, and the high cost of land. As wages continue to inch up, it will be easier to make new construction pencil out. This means that in the short term, renovation is the name of the game for apartment developers. FULL STORY-> Apartments.com's Leads Lead To Leases - March 18, 2002 A receding multi-housing market is bad for apartment owners but good for Apartments.com as leasing agents take to the Internet to fill vacancies. FULL STORY-> What Do Apartment Renters Want? The Same Amenities as Home Buyers - March 14, 2002 Apartment renters wants the same things as home buyers want, and the multifamily industry seems eager to accommodate them, Al Heavens reports. FULL STORY-> Landlords Ruled By Special Set of Laws - March 1, 2002 If you’re looking to become a real estate investor in rental properties, it would behoove you to understand there are a few rules to the game of landlording. M. Anthony Carr reports. FULL STORY-> First Time Renter? You Need Credit - February 12, 2002 Planning to move out of your parents' house and into an apartment is a difficult process. In order to avoid adding additional stress to that which inevitably comes along with planning, preparing and packing, you should consider establishing good credit. FULL STORY-> Renters: Application Rejection - February 7, 2002 If your rental application was rejected due to a black mark on your credit report, don't just ignore the situation out of embarrassment... get a copy of the report and see what you can do to tackle the problem. FULL STORY-> Small Landlords: Don't Ignore Credit Rules - February 6, 2002 Even if you rent just a few units, you may still be required to provide a "adverse action notice" if you reject someone because of credit issues. Lew Sichelman explains. FULL STORY-> How To Screen Tenants The Right Way - January 17, 2002 It's easy to get tenants -- but not always so easy to get tenants who pay their rent, take care of the property, and follow the rules. Clifford Hockley explains how to screen tenants. FULL STORY-> Is Condo Living Right For You? - January 15, 2002 Buying a condominium can provide you with an affordable, low-maintenance alternative to a detached home. But as Michele Dawson explains, you'll want to consider all the ramifications. FULL STORY-> Do You Have A Security Plan? - January 11, 2002 Something we learned after 9/11 is that we need to be prepared for the worst, just in case. The same is true with your house. Lack of planning for disaster can lead to even more problems than the initial emergency itself. M. Anthony Carr explains. FULL STORY-> Are Electronic Rental Payments In Your Future? - January 3, 2002 When the rent is due do you rush to the Post Office or rental agent? For a growing number of tenants electronic payments can be a better choice. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY-> Recruiting Successful On-Site Managers - December 27, 2001 If you own an apartment property your connection with tenants -- and your ability to maximize profits -- is powerfully influenced by your choice of on-site managers. So who do you choose? Clifford Hockley explains. FULL STORY-> Can Condo Rentals Be Banned? - December 17, 2001 So you want to rent your condo? Not a problem -- unless a lot of other unit owners also have the same idea. Benny Kass explains why. FULL STORY-> How Important Are Reserve Accounts? - November 12, 2001 Should every condo property have reserve funds? If so, how much is enough? Benny Kass looks at reserve funds and why they are important. FULL STORY-> Fly The American Flag! - October 22, 2001 Amazingly, community associations can prohibit members from flying the U.S. flag. Benny Kass explains why the rules are changing. FULL STORY-> Clubhouse Completions May Be Elusive for Canadians - September 4, 2001 The brochure shows a great new clubhouse, but the actual facility is not yet built. If you buy will the clubhouse soon be completed? Don't bet on it, reports P.J. Wade, who looks at the economics of clubhouse construction. FULL STORY-> Architectural Control Committees: Do They Serve A Need? - August 27, 2001 Architectural control committees and their decisions are a common source of HOA conflict. Rather than being dictatorial, suggests Benny Kass, such committees need both clear guidelines and a strong measure of common sense. FULL STORY-> Mold And Moisture -- So Perfect Together - August 23, 2001 Mold is everywhere, mold is evolving into a growing health concern, and mold has been the basis for a $32 million court judgment. But, explains Stuart Lieberman, in most cases excess mold can be readily controlled with a few easy steps. FULL STORY-> Rentals Emerge As Lifestyle Option - August 23, 2001 Renting is more and more often a matter of personal choice as those who could buy increasingly opt to rent. And calculators that say they are making a bad financial choice, reports Broderick Perkins, are often self-serving tools that don't objectively consider personal needs. FULL STORY-> Access Denied -- Telecoms Lose Property Rights Case - August 9, 2001 The right of telecoms firms to use commercial building space without owner permission has been set back under a Massachusetts ruling. Lesley Hensell explains how the case impacts commercial buildings, office parks, and other facilities. FULL STORY-> Are Landlords Always The Bad Guys? - August 3, 2001 The rents are rising, so is it fair to blame the landlord? Not so fast, says M. Anthony Carr, property owners also have their costs and expenses -- as well as a right to make a profit. FULL STORY-> A Landlord's Guide To Mold Eradication - August 1, 2001 The subject of mold has been increasingly in the media. What to do if your apartments have mold? Clifford Hockley looks at the steps landlords can take to resolve the problem. FULL STORY-> Canadians Intrigued But Puzzled By "Life Lease" Concept - July 31, 2001 It's call a "life lease" and yet it is a form of tenancy which may not be for life. P.J. Wade explains how life leases work and the questions you should ask. FULL STORY-> Affordable Housing Remains Unaffordable For Many - July 30, 2001 The goal of universal affordable housing has not been realized for millions of households. High rents combined with minimal incomes means that it is not possible for many working adults to afford reasonable housing, reports Lew Sichelman. FULL STORY-> West Leads With Density, Sprawl More Likely In Older Areas - July 25, 2001 The opposite of "sprawl" is "density" and it turns out that some of the most sprawl-free areas in the country are in heavily-populated California and Arizona. Lesley Hensell reports on a new study from the Brookings Institute. FULL STORY-> Changing Demographics Power Apartment Growth - July 25, 2001 We're putting up more and more houses -- and yet apartment demand is also increasing. A new survey, says Lew Sichelman, shows that apartment demand has been impacted by increasing numbers of young renters and one-person households. FULL STORY-> Rent-Vs-Buy Calculators Miss The Mark, Says Study - July 23, 2001 Have you tried one of those online "rent-versus-buy" calculators and found that you could make big money purchasing? Not so fast, reports Kenneth R. Harney, a new study says such calculators are likely to greatly overstate the benefits of buying. FULL STORY-> More Apartment Funding Proposed On Capitol Hill - July 23, 2001 Legislation has now passed the Senate Appropriations Committee which would boost the size of FHA funding available for multi-family construction. The bill would also allow the FHA to offer "hybrid" loans for the first time. FULL STORY-> Condos, Co-ops, & PUDs: What's The Difference? - July 18, 2001 There are many ways to own property, but what are the basic differences between fee simple homes, condos and co-ops? The distinctions can be important, depending on how much control you want over your property. FULL STORY-> New Products Reduce Lead Paint Exposure - July 18, 2001 Millions of older U.S. homes contain lead-based paint, a potential health hazard, esepcially for children age 6 and below. But as Alan J. Heavens explains, in some cases it's not necessary to remove lead paint. Instead, there are now new and less expensive methods available to shield residents from old paint. FULL STORY-> What Happens When Association Control Shifts? - July 16, 2001 Your community is nearly finished and now the developer wants to turn over control of your association to the unit owners. What tricks and traps do you face? Benny Kass explains. FULL STORY-> Get The Lead Out, Take A Bite Out Of Crime - July 6, 2001 Did leaded gasoline and lead-based paint create a crime wave in the last Millennium? Perhaps so, reports Broderick Perkins, according to a study by one housing and community development researcher. FULL STORY-> Community Apathy: The Cost of Letting Others Do It! - July 2, 2001 There are many ways to run a community association, but without your personal involvement rules and decisions may well go against you. Benny Kass looks at community associations and the impact of apathy. FULL STORY-> How To Set The Right Rent - June 27, 2001 If you own investment property you need the right rent -- too much and you have vacancies, too little and your units generate less income than they should. What to do? Cliff Hockley explains how to set the best rate. FULL STORY-> Navigating The Rent Control Morass - June 18, 2001 Rent control is illegal in 31 states, and yet it is also practiced in more than 100 jurisdictions. Benny Kass looks at rent control in the Nation's Capital, and explains how the practice works in one major community. FULL STORY-> Eviction Etiquette: What To Do When Times Are Tough - June 12, 2001 Evictions happen, and in tough times they happen more frequently than usual. What to do if faced with an eviction notice? Courtney Ronan looks at the eviction process and how it works. FULL STORY-> HOA Rules Tangle With Flag Display - June 8, 2001 July 4th is coming up and that means the annual battle between some homeowner associations and those who want to display the U.S. flag is on. How should the flag be displayed? What rules should apply? M. Anthony Carr explains at HOA flag policies. FULL STORY-> Tenant Retention Strategies - June 7, 2001 If you're a landlord you want to keep tenants as long as possible to avoid vacancies and the costs and problems they represent. Courtney Ronan looks at useful strategies for owners and managers. FULL STORY-> How To Avoid Renters' Regret - June 6, 2001 When you need to move and the apartment market is tight will you make the wrong choice? Courtney Ronan reports that renter's regret is both real -- and preventable. FULL STORY-> Will Higher Utility Costs Increase Rents? - May 24, 2001 Will higher utility costs translate into higher rents? Not so, says one consultant, contradicting information presented at NAR's mid-year meeting in Washington. FULL STORY-> What Is A Tenant's Right to Privacy? - May 21, 2001 You have an apartment and expect privacy. So can your landlord enter without notice? Courtney Ronan looks at renting and privacy. FULL STORY-> How To Create Pet Policies For Rental Properties - May 16, 2001 More than 60 million people own pets, so how can apartment owners or condo associations accept the presence of such animals while maintaining units which are clean, quiet and safe? Clifford Hockley looks at pet policies for rental units. FULL STORY-> Tenant Appreciation Is A Key To Investment Profits - May 9, 2001 There's more to landlording than collecting the rent. Clifford Hockley explains that to maximize profits tenants deserve more than new paint and better appliances. FULL STORY-> Does It Ever Make Sense To Delay Ownership? - May 8, 2001 Even tenants who like renting most often want to own homes, reports Courtney Ronan. But are there cases where buying is not the best choice at the moment? FULL STORY-> The Rental Game: What Are The Rules? - May 4, 2001 Landlord/tenant rules vary around the country -- and yet there are some basics which seem to apply everywhere, reports M. Anthony Carr. FULL STORY-> Investors Need To Combat The Litigation Monster - May 2, 2001 Owning investment real estate means more than collecting rent checks each month. You need to operate properties with care, because an assortment of liabilities comes with each rental unit. FULL STORY-> How To Choose Condo Management - April 30, 2001 Condo associations should have professional management, says Benny Kass. But how do you pick the management that's right for your property? FULL STORY-> New Rules Designed To Quell Pet Disputes - April 27, 2001 The Community Associations Institute has developed a fair-minded, rule-making guide for homeowner associations. The book, explains Broderick Perkins, helps community associations develop pet policies for both traditional and exotic pets. FULL STORY-> Making Apartments More Secure - April 25, 2001 Crime is a constant threat no matter where people live, but what can property managers do to make apartments and condos safer? Clifford Hockley explains. FULL STORY-> How To Reduce Commercial Utility Bills - April 18, 2001 Virtually every form of energy is becoming more expensive, but both usage and costs can be reduced. Clifford Hockley outlines the steps commercial property owners can take to cut utility bills. FULL STORY-> Protecting Investments With Quality Control - April 11, 2001 How do you know if a property is well-run? There are a number of strategies that can help owners better understand their investments, says Clifford Hockley, and one of the best is a regular survey of tenant opinions. FULL STORY-> Roommates and Rent: How To Protect Yourself - April 10, 2001 Having a roommate can help you cut monthly housing expenses -- but what happens if your roommate doesn't pay? Courtney Ronan looks at this frequent problem, and what can be done about it. FULL STORY-> Rent vs. Buy: Do Calculators Have Your Number? - April 9, 2001 Lots of sites have rent-vs-buy calculators, so what results can you get with a financing "test drive?" Julie Garton-Good checks the numbers with some leading sites. FULL STORY-> Making Money With Turn-Around Properties - March 28, 2001 There are some properties in this world which need a make-over. Tough times and poor maintenance may make them an eye-sore today, but with a little work such properties can evolve into a profitable investment for tomorrow. FULL STORY-> More Money Sought For Multi-Family Housing - March 26, 2001 For nearly a decade FHA loan limits for multi-family home construction have been unchanged. One result has been little and sometimes no affordable multi-family construction in major cities. But now, reports Lew Sichelman, an effort in Washington is underway to increase the limits by 25 percent. FULL STORY-> Why Invest in Apartments? - March 21, 2001 Changing demographic trends suggest that the coming decade will require an increased number of rental units, reports Clifford Hockley. Owners who offer properties most attuned to the needs of echo-boomers will be the most likely to succeed. FULL STORY-> Renters Offered Security Deposit Options - March 16, 2001 If a security deposit is a barrier to renting, then you may want to consider some of the new alternatives now available, says Broderick Perkins. Both insurance and bond programs can help would-be tenants get the apartment they want. FULL STORY-> Rental Demand Increases Even As Ownership Rises - March 12, 2001 The number of people who own homes is at record levels, so what has happened with rental units? They're in such demand, reports Lew Sichelman, that they too are at record levels. Why? Both ownership and rentals have benefited from a growing population and changing ownership preferences. FULL STORY-> Boomers Increasingly Opt For Apartments, Delay Ownership - March 9, 2001 While homeownership remains the American dream, a growing number of well-paid baby boomers are opting to rent, reports Courtney Ronan. Why defer buying? For many boomers, it's not the money, it's just not the right time. FULL STORY-> Storage Units: When Enough Isn't Enough - March 1, 2001 If your volume of possessions is outrunning the space available, it may be time to consider a temporary storage facility. Courtney Ronan reports that today's storage facilities are locked, heated, air conditioned and available when closets and basements overflow. FULL STORY-> Should You Hire Pros For Short-Distance Moves? - February 27, 2001 If you're moving long-distance than professionals and big trucks are a must. But what about a move across town? Courtney Ronan says sometimes you're best off doing it yourself with a little help from your friends. FULL STORY-> Are You Haunted By Carpet Ghosts? - February 22, 2001 You have a new carpet and yet it seems oddly colored. You clean and clean but the problem remains. Do you have a carpet ghost? If yes, how to you make such goblins take flight? FULL STORY-> How To Set The Rules For On-Site Managers - February 21, 2001 You have a written lease with tenants, but do you also have a written agreement with your on-site managers? If not, says Clifford Hockley, you could be at a serious disadvantage in the event of a dispute. FULL STORY-> Does Your Pet Need A Resume? - February 16, 2001 While some rental units ban anything with fur and claws, many property owners are open to pets -- if they (the pets, that is) can be shown to be safe and clean. Courtney Ronan explains how building a pet "resume" can help make the case for your pet. FULL STORY-> How To Handle A Deadbeat Roommate - February 15, 2001 What happens when you have a lease for two but your roommate is no longer paying? Unless you're careful, you could not only be evicted, you could also have credit problems for years ahead. FULL STORY-> Is Your Landlord Responsible For Your Safety? - February 14, 2001 If you live in an apartment complex and a crime is committed, is your landlord responsible? In certain cases the answer may well be " yes" reports Courtney Ronan. But landlords can cut their potential liability and make properties safer by taking just a few basic steps. FULL STORY-> How To Reduce Vacancy Losses - February 7, 2001 Vacancies are part of the investment game, says management expert Clifford Hockley. But even in tough markets, there are steps owners can take to cut vacancy rates and make properties more competitive. FULL STORY-> Friday Night Sewage Spill - January 31, 2001 Investment real estate is subject to a variety of hazards, but a sewer back-up may be among the most disconcerting for both tenants and owners. Quick reaction by managers can cut repair bills and help tenants, while specialized valves may even be able to limit damage and perhaps even prevent the problem. FULL STORY-> New Rules Enhance Lead Disclosures - January 25, 2001 Before leaving office, President Clinton established several "Right to Know" rules relating to the presence of lead. Are these rules useful and will the new President revoke them? FULL STORY-> Rent Collections Via The Internet? They're Not Far Away - January 22, 2001 In the near-future we're likely to see a new trend in rental management: No trips to the rental office with monthly payments and no checks lost in the mail. Instead we'll enter the era of tenant screening and rent collections. FULL STORY-> The Triple Play: How To Tackle Tough Vacancy Problems - January 17, 2001 Property vacancies are a major headache for landlords, but owners and managers can take steps to reduce vacancies by adopting a series of progressively more-aggresive incentives. FULL STORY-> Making Room for Two: How to Adjust to Life with a Roommate - January 17, 2001 Adding a roomate can be a challenge. What happens with furnature and space once yours alone, and who does which chores? FULL STORY-> No Dogs or Cats Allowed! - January 12, 2001 The lease says specifically that no dogs or cats are allowed in your apartment, but animal lovers can find it difficult to live without a faithful companion. Don't think that dogs and cats are your only options for pets. There are many small, apartment friendly pets that will provide you with just as much love as any dog or cat. FULL STORY-> Fire Safety in Multifamily Properties: Is Your Building Safe? - December 29, 2000 Consider this scenario: You're in the middle of a deep sleep when the sound of an alarm rouses you to a state of semi-wakefulness. "Car alarm," you tell yourself as you roll over. Are you sure? Do you even know what the fire alarm sounds like in your apartment building? If not, it's time to find out. FULL STORY-> Fire Safety Begins in Your Own Apartment - December 28, 2000 The risks associated with fire should be one of the chief concerns of any apartment-dweller. You can be as responsible as ever, but who's to say your neighbor is as conscientious as you are? FULL STORY-> Rental Maintenance and Repairs: Who Pays The Bills? - December 12, 2000 You say the sink is stopped up and you need a plumber right away? That's great, but who pays the bill? FULL STORY-> Federal Assistance Would Help Renters Buy Under Proposed Legislation - December 11, 2000 Legislation passed by the Congress and presented to the President would allow those receiving federal rental assistance to save such money for a downpayment. The proposed rules also update manufactured housing standards. FULL STORY-> Rent Late? Don't Jump to Conclusions - December 8, 2000 Not getting a rent payment can be frustrating, but before taking legal action you need to evaluate the situation and not jump to conclusions. Instead, find out why the rent is late. FULL STORY-> Renters: Application Rejection - December 7, 2000 If a landlord rejects your rental application due to some black marks on your credit report, it's a good idea to get a copy of the report and make sure that it is up to date. FULL STORY-> The Case For Renting - December 6, 2000 The case for renting. Homeownership is great, but more than 80 million people rent -- in some cases as a matter of choice and for good reason. FULL STORY-> Renters: Make Sure Your Carpet's Clean! - November 9, 2000 If you're living in an apartment, and you don't get the stains out of your carpets before your lease is up, your landlord could see this as grounds to replace it rather than having it cleaned. Follow these tips to keep your carpet clean and in great condition. FULL STORY-> How to Find a Roommate ... Safely - November 8, 2000 You're new to a city, and you can't afford to live alone. An extremely tight renters' market has forced monthly rents through the roof, so living solo is simply out of the question. So how are you supposed to find a roommate? FULL STORY-> Subletting Your Apartment - November 2, 2000 If you're interested in subleasing your apartment, you should follow the steps outlined below, which help to protect your rights as a tenant. Ideally, you should have a tenant in mind who will sublet your apartment - someone whom you know and trust, or with whom you have at least been acquainted. FULL STORY-> Property Managers: Protect Your Tenants and Yourself - October 31, 2000 An organized, efficient key management system is imperative in a multi-family housing unit. Now there’s a computerized system which simplifies the key management process and protects you from possible premises liability cases. FULL STORY-> Keeping Your Apartment Safe - October 10, 2000 Apartment managers are responsible for maintaining a few security items i.e. locks on doors, adequate lighting , but tenants are expected to learn and practice the majority of the crime prevention techniques on their own. FULL STORY-> Is Your Apartment Safe? - October 5, 2000 You may be living in an apartment that violates several safety codes. The law of habitability requires that you and your landlord take certain precautions. FULL STORY-> Apartment Safety Dos and Don'ts - October 4, 2000 Just because the complex you've moved in to seems safe, doesn't mean you shouldn't follow extra safety precautions. The following is a list of safety do's and don'ts to help you keep your apartment extra safe. FULL STORY-> Tired of Missing Deliveries - October 2, 2000 ShopperBox offers a system that allows apartment complexes, condominium communities, gated neighborhoods and commercial complexes to accept packages without being home. FULL STORY-> Moving? Follow these Cleaning Tips - September 19, 2000 In order to get your security deposit back, you'll need to leave your rental unit in good condition. You'll also want to straighten up your new place before unpacking your things. Here are a few tips to help you clean up. FULL STORY-> Apartment Living: The Need for Fire Insurance - September 14, 2000 If your apartment catches on fire due to the negligence of a neighbor, it could cost you thousands of dollars. It doesn’t seem fair that someone else’s carelessness could cost you your prized possessions - but without fire insurance, it can. FULL STORY-> Finding a Safe Apartment - September 13, 2000 Apartment hunting in a new city was difficult. You searched high and low, and finally, you find "the one". It's big, it's beautiful, it's not too expensive... but is it safe? Here's how to find out more about an unfamiliar area before you move. FULL STORY-> Virtual Office for Rental Property Managers - August 30, 2000 Paperless offices are becoming more common thanks to cable modems and faster computers. Now, property managers and owners can enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free workspace through the Rentals.com on-line property management system. FULL STORY-> Rejecting Tenant Applications - August 29, 2000 You've done the background check on your new tenant and you see it's a no-go. As long as the reason isn't discriminatory you'll be okay, right? Not necessarily. FULL STORY-> Hiring a Letting Agent - August 15, 2000 You may be interested in finding tenants to occupy your property while you're temporarily away from your home. Many people feel more comfortable hiring letting agents to manage their property for them. By hiring a professional to take care of their home, the homeowners don't have to handle typical tenant dilemmas. FULL STORY-> Apartment Living: You Break it, You Buy it. - August 11, 2000 Some tenants are under the impression that anything needing repairs is the landlord’s responsibility. Be advised that the landlord is responsible for repairing problems affecting habitability--not your toilet paper holder. FULL STORY-> Apartment Claims Gains Against Home Ownership - August 8, 2000 The nation's apartment owners are quietly celebrating what they say are a couple of recent victories - one at the Republican convention and the other in the nation's newspapers as the issue of "rent vs. buy" is being reopened. FULL STORY-> The Minefields in Your Lease - August 2, 2000 In some markets across the country the renters' market is so hot that properties are snatched up the same day they become available. In climates like these, propsective tenants often feel pressured to sign on the dotted line. Here is what you should watch for. FULL STORY-> Landlord Q&A - July 26, 2000 In hot renters' markets throughout the country, people often feel pressured to sign quickly for fear they'll lose out on the apartment they want. For that reason, we sometimes fail to ask the questions that could determine whether your residency will be pleasant or not. FULL STORY-> Fighting For The Perfect Apartment - July 12, 2000 It's perfect, a loft Downtown with everything you've ever dreamed of having, but you aren't the only one who dreams of living here. Here's what you should do to increase your chances of calling that loft home. FULL STORY-> Warranties Offered to Help Pet-Owners Lease Properties - July 12, 2000 A pet-loving Internet entrepreneur has launched a new Web site that he hopes will help pet owners have an easier time renting apartments by providing them a warranty against property damage. The site is leaseswithpets.com. FULL STORY-> Census Bureau, Apartment Owners Reach Agreement on Cooperation - July 10, 2000 The U.S. Census Bureau and the National Apartment Association appear to have reached agreement on the nature and extent of cooperation required between a building owner and census takers regarding who and how many people live in a particular building's apartments. FULL STORY-> High-income Earners Consider Renting Chic Again - July 7, 2000 The pendulum is swinging back to the early 1900s when apartment living was considered chic. Changing demographics, evolving lifestyles, new public policy initiatives and changes in the apartment industry are all working together to increase apartment demand. FULL STORY-> Dealing With Noisy Neighbors the Pacifist Way - June 29, 2000 Whether you prefer to fight for your right to silence or to adjust your environment to fit with those around you, either way will lead you to having a less noisy and happier home. FULL STORY-> Checking Out Potential Tenants - June 27, 2000 If you're the landlord of a complex in high demand, you have to have high standards for your tenants. In order to avoid any complications with your new tenants, the background check you perform should be extensive. FULL STORY-> Understanding Your Lease - June 22, 2000 Who wants to read all of that fine print of your lease? You've been through the process before. Do you really have to take out your magnifying glass and analyze the text line by line? FULL STORY-> E-Screening Helps Property Managers - June 22, 2000 Need some property management relief? The National Tenant Network recently released a new product called e-screening. In five seconds, landlords can view and print out tenant performance reports (lease violations), eviction records, retail credit and criminal background checks. FULL STORY-> Study Finds Housing Shift To Central City Apartments - June 20, 2000 The nation's apartment builders are out with a new report showing that while housing construction in suburban America has grown at an amazing pace over the past decade, it is nothing compared to the growth of residential construction in the nation's central cities. FULL STORY-> Evicted With Nowhere to Go - June 16, 2000 You've come home to find a bright yellow Eviction notice taped to your front door. If you can't afford to make the rent payment on your own, you may qualify for government assistance. FULL STORY-> SafeRent Makes Background Checking Easy - June 12, 2000 Want to save time performing lengthy background checks on potential tenants? Well, if you know how to use a mouse and have about thirty seconds, there’s a simple solution. FULL STORY-> Apartment Decorating Advice - June 8, 2000 Everything in your apartment is a big, ugly, cluttered mess. You hate coming home to this boring place and you're going insane trying to figure out what to do. Have no fear... decorating advice is here! FULL STORY-> Landlords: Checking out Potential Tenants - June 5, 2000 If you're the landlord of a complex in high demand, you have to have high standards for your tenants. In order to avoid any complications with your new tenants, the background check you perform should be extensive. FULL STORY-> Lease Up? Here's How To Leave - May 25, 2000 When leases end, landlords typically continue to rent the home or apartment on a month to month basis until one of the parties indicates otherwise. If you want to end the lease and you want to keep most of your security deposit, you will need to make the transition easy on your landlord. FULL STORY-> Quiz: Are You Ready for a Roommate? - May 19, 2000 Yes, folks... it's time to leave your parent's house. Now you must determine whether or not living with a roommate will work for you. The following quiz will help you see if you can handle sharing your living space. FULL STORY-> Choosing Between Apartments? Consider Maintenance & Security - May 12, 2000 When trying to decide which apartment will be best for you, it's important to consider the amount of support each landlord is willing to provide for his or her tenants. First, you should find out how potential apartments handle maintenance as well as security issues. FULL STORY-> Are You Responsible For The Appliances in Your New Apartment? - May 9, 2000 Realize that just because the model apartment you toured with your landlord displayed the lovely washer/dryer 2000 unit doesn't mean you'll have one in your apartment. FULL STORY-> What Are Your Landlord's Responsibilities? - April 24, 2000 Curious about what exactly your landlord is responsible for? Here's a list of things your landlord can and cannot do. FULL STORY-> What Are The Responsibilities of a Tenant? - April 21, 2000 As a tenant, you have many advantages over homeowners... you don't have to mow the lawn, paint the house, or repave the driveway. It may seem like you haven't any responsibilities above and beyond getting the rent check in on time... but you do. FULL STORY-> Software To Help Property Managers - April 14, 2000 Property managers have an extremely important and stressful job. In order to help lower the stress level a few notches, there are several property management programs dedicated to helping managers keep everything organized and easily accessible. FULL STORY-> Renting Versus Buying: Pros and Cons - April 6, 2000 Thanks to the success of the multifamily housing industry, renters no longer have to resign themselves to cookie-cutter accommodations until the dream of homeownership is within their reach -- that is, if they ever choose to reach for it. FULL STORY-> Summer Sublease Perfect for College Students - March 31, 2000 Whether you're spending your summer working or playing, the thought of moving out of those smelly dorms and into an apartment has probably crossed your mind more than once. If so, you'll need to learn a little about subleasing. FULL STORY-> New Apartment: What Do You Owe? - March 23, 2000 When you move in to a new apartment, the landlord may charge you more than the first month's rent. Before you sign the lease, make sure you understand exactly what you're going to be charged, and get it in writing. FULL STORY-> Organizing a Tenant Association - March 21, 2000 You may live in a great apartment under not-so-great circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with an unprofessional landlord, a disruptive tenant, parking or security problems, tenant associations can help you out. FULL STORY-> Four Rules For Renters - March 15, 2000 Whether you're renting for three months or three years; these rules apply to anyone wanting to be a responsible renter. FULL STORY-> Landlord's Right to Enter - March 14, 2000 When you move in to a rental property, you agree to let your landlord handle many of the repair and maintenance problems. You also agree to lose some of your privacy rights. FULL STORY-> First Time Landlord? You'll Need Insurance - March 10, 2000 First time Mom and Pop landlords commonly overlook the importance of changing insurance policies before renting their homes to tenants. What protected you as a homeowner will not protect you as a landlord. Failing to change your insurance could result in costly damages. FULL STORY-> The 'Talk' All Roommates Must Have - March 9, 2000 Sit down with your prospective roommate, and draw up the ground rules. It doesn't matter if you've been friends for years or if you've just met. Even the best of friends can become raging enemies after a few months of communal living. FULL STORY-> Renters: Making Repair Requests - March 2, 2000 One of the advantages to living in a rental unit is the presence of a landlord. It's a nice treat not to have to worry about finding a reliable handyman to make the needed repairs. However, you are responsible for turning in a proper repair request in a timely fashion. FULL STORY-> Your Responsibility To Promptly Submit Repair Requests To Your Landlord - February 23, 2000 As a tenant in a rental community, submitting repair requests to your landlord in a timely fashion is required. If you wait too long, YOU could be responsible for costly repairs. FULL STORY-> Why Landlords Shouldn't Let Tenants Make Their Own Repairs - February 21, 2000 If you're a landlord, the repair requests can pile up quickly. That leaky faucet might seem trivial once you learn about the hole in the ceiling in apartment 244. If your tenant doesn't know what their doing, that leaky faucet could easily turn into a flooded apartment. FULL STORY-> When You're The Noisy Neighbor - February 14, 2000 If you live in an apartment or condominium community, you share most of your walls with neighbors. If neighbors have made complaints about the noise coming from your apartment, there are certain things you can do to avoid that eviction notice. FULL STORY-> Water Damage In A Rental Unit - February 10, 2000 Some landlords state specifically that they will keep all electrical and plumbing systems in good, working condition, but others only claim responsibility for the exterior upkeep of the complex. FULL STORY-> Help For The Handicapped Renter - February 3, 2000 Looking for a place to live when you suffer from any type of physical disability can be incredibly frustrating. Not only must you go through all the typical stresses of finding a safe, comfortable home, but you must also look for handicap accessibilty. FULL STORY-> Renting With Pets - February 2, 2000 It's disappointing when the only thing holding someone back from that perfect apartment is a "no pets allowed" clause. The Humane Society (HSUS) has created a web site dedicated to easing the difficulties of finding a great apartment that will welcome both you and your pet. FULL STORY-> Redirecting Your Mail When You Move - January 20, 2000 Have you recently moved into a new apartment? Wonder why your mailbox is always empty? mMke sure you don't forget to notify everyone about your change of address. FULL STORY-> How to Deal with a Noisy Neighbor - January 14, 2000 Your heart starts pounding... breathing becomes labored, and your head starts to ache. You wipe the sweat from your forehead and try to gather your thoughts. This is your body's reaction to excessive noise. FULL STORY-> The Security Deposit: Your Rights - January 6, 2000 What if you cleaned your apartment thoroughly before you moved out, and you haven't received your deposit in the mail yet? What exactly is a security deposit, and what are your rights as a tenant in relation to the payment and return of the deposit? FULL STORY-> Moving Out: A Renter's Obligations - January 5, 2000 In the rush to wrap things up and move into their new residences, people occasionally forget their obligations as a tenant, and those obligations later come back to haunt them. FULL STORY-> Recovering Your Security Deposit - December 31, 1999 By law, the landlord cannot refuse to return your deposit without reason. Unfortunately, sometimes there is a dispute over how much the tenant should be refunded. If this is the case, and you feel you have legal grounds to argue, you must follow certain steps. FULL STORY-> The Legal Process of an Eviction - December 21, 1999 In the event that a landlord decides to evict their tenant, he or she must follow certain guidelines. Hopefully, you'll never receive an eviction notice, but if you do, here's what you should expect. FULL STORY-> How to Write Appropriate Letters to Your Landlord - December 16, 1999 If you need to contact your landlord about problems during your tenancy, the best, most effective way to do this is by sending him or her a letter requesting the changes. Just make sure that the letter you submit to your landlord will be taken seriously. FULL STORY-> The Implied Law of Habitability - December 14, 1999 Tenants and landlords are expected to fulfill certain duties, but what are they? It's sometimes hard to distribute the chores and responsibilities between landlords and tenants. Typically, these things are mutually agreed on once the lease is signed. FULL STORY-> Are Roommate Locator Services Safe? - December 10, 1999 Roommate locating services make it easy to find someone who shares the same interests and goals as you do. These services are guaranteed to be fast, easy, and convenient... but are they guaranteed to be safe? FULL STORY-> Is That Apartment Hazardous to Your Health? - December 9, 1999 When you sign a lease committing yourself to a unit in an apartment complex or building, you're agreeing to live in close quarters with strangers. As a tenant, you have rights, but some of the most serious threats to your health are ones you can't even see or smell. FULL STORY-> Salvation For Renters: Self-help Legal Guide Book - December 2, 1999 Every Tenant's Rental Guide is the latest in a best-selling line of self-help legal guides. The hefty rental tome is a thorough, relevant, objective and interactive renters' manual no tenant should be without. FULL STORY-> Common Misunderstandings About Evictions - December 1, 1999 The eviction process is difficult to understand, and in order to help provide clarification, Lane County Legal Aid Services put together a list of common misunderstandings. FULL STORY-> What To Do If You Can't Pay Rent On Time - November 30, 1999 The appearance of the holidays usually means the disappearance of money, and sometimes, even the most frugal and responsible renters are faced with the inability to pay rent. If this happens to you, don't panic. FULL STORY-> High-Rise Safety Tips for Women - November 26, 1999 If you're selective about which high-rise you choose and take several proactive measures to protect yourself, you'll find that high-rises are probably the safest form of housing available to you in the big city. FULL STORY-> High-Rise Apartment Safety - November 24, 1999 High-rise apartment buildings are generally considered to be safer residences when compared to other varieties of multifamily housing. Regardless of how much money you shell out in rent to move into a respected high-rise property, the fact remains that everyone is vulnerable to crime. FULL STORY-> Naked Walls - November 19, 1999 Some landlords forbid tenants from attaching permanent fixtures to the walls. According to decorating guru Cia Clinton, this doesn't mean you've run out of options. FULL STORY-> When to Fight for Tenant's Rights to Repairs - November 16, 1999 Once you sign the lease to a rental unit, you are automatically entitled to certain privileges. Landlords are required by the Landlord-Tenant law to keep things a "fit and habitable condition" during your residency. If the landlord fails to do this, you may have to get a bit aggressive. FULL STORY-> Making Sense of Your Lease - November 11, 1999 You have to scrutinize every clause in order to make sure you will be comfortable in your apartment, but how can you do that when it seems like it's written in another language? FULL STORY-> Fire Safety in the Home - November 9, 1999 Eighty percent of fire accidents occur at home, and most of them could've been prevented with proper education. By learning how you can protect your home in the event of a fire, and taking precautions to prevent any potential fire hazards, you can save yourself and your neighbors. FULL STORY-> Making Rent Payments With Roommates - November 5, 1999 Once you have decided to move into an apartment with one or more roommates, you will need to determine how the rental payments will be handled. There are two ways you can set up the lease and determine how the rent will be paid: FULL STORY-> Competing For Space With an Unwanted Roommate - October 29, 1999 Living on campus in a student apartment is an excellent way to avoid commuter costs. Unfortunately you might have to room with someone you either don't know, don't get along with, or both and the competition for space in an already cramped living area can be gruesome... especially around mid-term season. FULL STORY-> Last-Minute Cleaning Shortcuts - October 27, 1999 The hardest part of a quick house - clean is figuring out what's most important, what can be overlooked, and how to preserve your sanity while you're scrambling to prepare for the arrival of unexpected guests. FULL STORY-> Understanding Your Lease - October 26, 1999 Maybe you'll sign the lease, move in to your new apartment, and everything will go as you desired. There's a chance that you will never have any lease problems. However, there's also a chance that by signing the lease without scrutinizing it, you will be evicted. FULL STORY-> Secure Your Apartment With An Alarm - October 22, 1999 Unfortunately, crime is a part of human life. We cannot stop it, but we can try to slow it down. By protecting your apartment with an alarm - or at least make a burglar think you have one, you will be able to rest more easily. FULL STORY-> Apartment Living Challenging Homeownership - October 18, 1999 Apartment industry executives are cheering the news that, despite increasing levels of homeownership in America, the number of renter households appears to be increasing even faster. The increases are most significantly being noted among people who could afford homes, but choose not to. FULL STORY-> Apartment Greenery for the Lazy Gardener - October 13, 1999 If you're constantly on the run, chances are you don't want to add gardening to your list of things to do. However, plants do add a lot of character to any small space... especially an apartment. Here is a descriptive list of plants for the lazy apartment gardener. FULL STORY-> Did Your Landlord Re-Key Your Apartment? - October 11, 1999 Most landlords consider it routine to re-key the locks before renting an apartment to a new tenant. However, this isn't always the case. Maybe the landlord insists that all the keys to the apartment were turned in... but how can you be sure? FULL STORY-> Space Out! - October 7, 1999 Since there are no set boundaries in a one room space, it's hard to distinguish one area from the next. Here are some tips on creating the illusion of rooms within a room. FULL STORY-> Are You Giving Your Plants Enough Light? - October 6, 1999 Your plants say 'Let There Be Light'....but how much, and what kind are they really getting? If you live in an apartment, chances are that the amount of natural light available is limited. Consider investing in a Light Intensity meter. FULL STORY-> Budgeting For Your First Apartment - October 5, 1999 Are you thinking about moving into your first apartment? Are you worried you won't have enough money? Financial advisor Nancy Dunnan and MetLife came up with the following guidelines to help you create a reasonable balance of expenses. FULL STORY-> Noises Off! - October 1, 1999 While examining a potential apartment, it's important to listen while you look. You don't want to discover your noisy environment after you've already signed the lease. Follow this advice to make sure the apartment is the right one. FULL STORY-> Do I Need Renter's Insurance? - September 30, 1999 If you are moving into an apartment you may want to consider investing in insurance. Along with the first month's rent, chances are you will be asked to pay a security deposit. This is a type of insurance for your landlord. For you, security comes in the form of renter's insurance. FULL STORY-> You Are Your Abused Neighbor's Keeper - September 16, 1999 When you live in an apartment, you have to expect thin walls. You might get used to the band next door that likes practicing until midnight. But what if the sounds of shattered glass, crying, harsh words, and body punches filter through your vents? FULL STORY-> Does Your Apartment Need More Windows? Make Your Own - August 12, 1999 Although sunlight is obviously the best solution for illuminating a room, apartment renters rarely have this option. In order to make your place more comfortable, consider brightening it up with plants, artificial lighting, and paintings. FULL STORY-> A Crash Course on Low-Budget Decorating - August 5, 1999 Creating a nice-looking living environment, after all, costs a lot of money. Or does it? These easy, quick and inexpensive shortcuts will give your living space some much-needed personality. FULL STORY-> How to Create the Illusion of Space - August 3, 1999 You have the power to make any room appear larger. Whether you live in an apartment, or a four bedroom house, you can follow these tips to make small areas more comfortable. FULL STORY-> The Bare Necessities - July 15, 1999 Take some time to assemble a home "first aid kit," for lack of a better term. This kit will be your compilation of necessities. The average first-time homeowner or renter never considers their importance until they're needed desperately -- and right away. FULL STORY-> Be Secure With Your Security Deposit - July 7, 1999 In order to assure the landlord that any damages made to the apartment while you are a tenant will be covered, most apartment complexes require a security deposit. The deposit is usually equivalent to about two months rent. The reasons? FULL STORY-> Reeeally Cheap Decorating Ideas - July 5, 1999 When you're done with it all, you are still setting your things on boxes, and storing things inside them, but they're no longer unappealing to the eye. So it's not exactly Martha Stewart, but who cares? FULL STORY-> Renters Miffed at NAR, Home Builders and HUD - July 1, 1999 An organization called the National Multi Housing Council has released a new study promoting the virtues of renters, essentially pleading that you don't have to be a homeowner to be an honorable member of American society. FULL STORY-> Pet Policies: Pleading Your Case Successfully - June 17, 1999 Before your landlord questions you about the moving beach towel with four legs who accompanied you outdoors this morning, state your case clearly to every prospective landlord with whom you communicate during your apartment search. FULL STORY-> Signing a Roommate Pre-nup - June 11, 1999 You can save a lot of tears, recriminations and misunderstandings if you and your new roommate spell out expectations. Here's why it is important to do it in writing. FULL STORY-> The Apartment-Hunter's Glossary - May 12, 1999 The Internet has made apartment-searching easier than ever before, but if you choose to use your local newspaper or tabloid as a resource, you're going to be met with a few abbreviations which may not ring a bell. FULL STORY-> Noisy Nuisances: What are Your Rights? - May 5, 1999 Noisy neighbors are a nationwide epidemic. If you're dealing with a noisy neighbor, a good portion of America feels your pain. And there are measures you can take to bring some peace back into your home. FULL STORY-> Don't Sign That Lease Yet - April 29, 1999 Your desire to find a home and wind up what can be an exhaustive search process can push you into signing on the dotted line before you've read and understand all of the fine print of your lease. FULL STORY-> Avoiding Tenants' Tribulations - April 28, 1999 All of us have at least one renter's woe to share. Anyone who has ever rented a property can elaborate about the hard-nosed landlord who raised the rent exponentially when the lease expired. FULL STORY-> Too Many Clothes and Not Enough Bedroom - April 16, 1999 The commercial and residential building trend for today is more living area space and less bedroom space. When an apartment complex has to compromise - the large bedroom and its accompanying storage space will be the first to get the pink slip. FULL STORY-> How Much Rent is Too Much Rent? - April 9, 1999 You want what every apartment renter wants: the most comfortable surroundings you can get for the lowest possible monthly rent. But how do you determine how much you can stretch your budget -- without ending up in the poorhouse in the process? FULL STORY-> Why Only Certain Colors Are Available to Decorate With - April 6, 1999 You've just moved into your new apartment. As you look at the uniform white walls and beige carpet, you wonder how am I going to make this domicile my own? One of the most individual choices you can make are the colors you choose for your decor. FULL STORY-> Keep Your Apartment From Feeling Lonely - April 2, 1999 For however long - six-months, a year or more, you will be occupying your new apartment -making it enjoyable could be as simple as adjusting your attitude. Here are some tips from history's great writers to help you make apartment living more inviting: FULL STORY-> HUD Building Special Housing Units for Disabled - March 30, 1999 A new program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will start putting up 1,650 rental dwellings for handicapped people. The cost of renting these units will be an estimated 30% of that individual's adjusted annual income level. FULL STORY-> What Makes People Move? - March 25, 1999 The number one reason people gave for leaving their present home was too little space (45.8%). Dangerous neighborhoods or noise prompted another 29.2% to leave, and 29.2% others blamed a long work commute for their desire to move. FULL STORY-> Cheap Tricks For Decorating Your Apartment - March 23, 1999 Just because you are on a shoestring budget doesn't mean you have to be hamstrung when it comes to style. Your job is to shoot higher than making your apartment habitable - you want to make it comfortable, attractive and a place to which you want to come home. FULL STORY-> Saving Space in the One-Room or Small Apartment - March 4, 1999 Whether you are living in a small apartment or a tiny efficiency apartment, there are ways to make your home cozy, practical, and attractive. No longer are you bound by the confines of designated space - you can make up your home's character and allot space as you see fit. FULL STORY-> Furniture Ploys for Small Apartments - February 22, 1999 In a prosperous economy, people like to live large. Everything seems to take on larger proportions - just look at how big utility vehicles and televisions have gotten lately. Homes and furnishings are larger, too. But the new scale doesn't work well with your small apartment space. What can you do? FULL STORY-> Adjusting to Small Town Living - February 16, 1999 Sometimes your chosen career path can take you away from the bright lights of the big city to the quiet, slow pace of a rural community. What kind of housing will you find when you arrive? What will the lifestyle be like? And will you be able to adjust? FULL STORY-> The Multi-family Housing Boom - January 22, 1999 In an economy relatively safe from recession, renters can expect rent increases in line with last year's, while they should enjoy a larger selection of rental units from which to choose. FULL STORY-> Unreasonable Rules Wreak Havoc In Condominium Communities - January 15, 1999 Santa Ana, CA financial consultant and grandmother, Helen Garrett had a run in with her homeowner's association for allegedly kissing and "doing bad things" while parked for more than an hour in a driveway at her condominium. FULL STORY-> When Renting Is Better Than Buying - October 1, 1998 If possible, it is ALWAYS better to buy than to rent. Right? Perhaps not. There are still certain times, and certain situations, where renting may be a far more viable option than buying. FULL STORY-> Marketplace Overtaking Rent Control - September 22, 1998 Rent control is one of those concepts that seems like a good idea, at least until you think about it for more than 60 seconds -- an unusual event in an era of bumper-sticker philosophies and instant analysis. FULL STORY-> To Buy or Rent For Your College Student - September 4, 1998 Once a student is past the Mandatory - Freshman - Year - In - The - Dorm Policy that many colleges have, parents face an interesting dilemma: should they continue to shell out rent, or considering buying a property for their children to occupy while attending school? FULL STORY-> Apartment.com's Moving Center Receives Big Boost from VirtualRelocation and MoverQuotes - July 15, 1998 Apartments.com has announced separate agreements with VirtualRelocation, a comprehensive and established Internet relocation resource, and MoverQuotes, the largest moving company database available online, that significantly enhances Apartments.com's Moving Center. FULL STORY-> Keeping Renters Happy - July 15, 1998 The results of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recent bi-annual housing survey supports what the multi-family housing industry has already known for a long time - that given the opportunity, many renters would rather own their own homes than rent. FULL STORY-> The Apartment Search: When to Recruit a Real Estate Broker - July 13, 1998 Corporate relocations are hardly glamorous. Often, employees are told of their impending transfer during the 11th hour. While companies often help pay for transfers and some even help employees find their next apartments, just as many don't -- and that leaves transferring employees in a sea of worry, particularly when they're headed to cities with which they're completely unfamiliar. FULL STORY-> Apartment Locators: How Do They Make Their Money? - June 30, 1998 If you're looking for an apartment in a hurry, apartment location services are a convenient, efficient route to your next home. The vast majority of these services are free, and if you happen to live in a high-growth metropolitan area, you're likely to find them everywhere. FULL STORY-> How Does Your Rent Compare? - June 10, 1998 Apartments are at an all-time high demand. A recent report by M/PF Research, Inc., real estate market consultants and analysts, indicates that apartments averaged 94.9% occupancy the first quarter of 1998 across the U.S. FULL STORY-> Apartment-Hunting Season Returns: How to Arm Yourself - May 22, 1998 If you're on the hunt for an apartment right now, you've probably noticed that you're in good company. Each weekend, hordes of hunters arrive at the newest and most luxurious complexes. Working in this kind of "every man for himself" climate, however, requires a little prior knowledge before you begin your search. It really is a jungle out there. FULL STORY-> The Nation's Priciest Apartment Markets - May 12, 1998 While cities like New York and San Francisco have long been notorious for their high rents, in many U.S. cities, rents continue to increase steadily -- so much, in fact, that the cities in between the two coasts seem to be giving New York and San Francisco a run for their money. And yet high rents aren't deterring apartment-seekers. FULL STORY-> Is Renters' Insurance Really Necessary? - April 30, 1998 You and your landlord share a common goal: You both want to ensure the protection of your interests. Obtaining a security deposit from you -- usually ranging from $100 to a full month's rent, and averaging $250 -- is how your landlord obtains a degree of insurance from you. The deposit covers your landlord should you cause any damage to your apartment while you are a tenant. Your landlord, in turn, may keep the deposit if you fail to pay your rent or you leave before the end of your lease. However, if, as a tenant, you keep your end of the bargain -- following the terms of your lease and leaving your apartment in good condition when you leave -- the deposit is refundable. FULL STORY-> Apartment Searches: Lose the Rose-Colored Glasses First - April 28, 1998 If you're getting ready to rent, don't do what this editor did once ... a long, long time ago. Before you sign anything, walk in armed with a list of questions. Fire away, and don't be afraid to press for answers -- particularly if you're not getting straight answers. FULL STORY-> Corporate Housing: It's Not Just for Business Travelers - April 21, 1998 If you're on assignment for any length of time, a hotel room doesn't compare to the flexibility and comfort that corporate housing provides. Corporate Housing is sprouting up all over the United States, as apartment developers add this profitable and much-in-demand option to their list of services. FULL STORY-> Why Would Anyone Want to Rent? - April 13, 1998 There's an unusual trend going on in the multifamily housing market: Upper-middle class professionals are choosing rental properties in favor of the traditional American dream of owning a home. It used to be that people chose renting as a short-term solution because, after all, renters spend their money, month after month, for a home which ultimately isn't theirs. Renting was considered a waste of money. Not so anymore. Many professionals are finding that renting their homes provides them with a degree of financial freedom which actually saves them money. FULL STORY-> One is the Loneliest Number ... But it Has its Advantages - April 10, 1998 When you're on the lookout for an apartment, one of the first things to enter your mind is whether or not you plan to have a roommate. Undoubtedly, you've heard from proponents and opponents sitting on both sides of the argument. FULL STORY-> Table for One: The Apartment-Dweller's Dilemma - April 9, 1998 Although families are moving to multifamily housing in record numbers -- and three-bedroom units are in demand like never before -- apartment life remains a rite of passage for the young and unmarried, and twentysomethings still predominate in many apartment complexes. Even singles who enjoy cooking face the nightly dilemma from which no lone resident is exempt: What do you cook for dinner? FULL STORY-> How Much Rent is Too Much Rent? - April 9, 1998 You want what every apartment renter wants: the most comfortable surroundings you can get for the lowest possible monthly rent. But how do you determine how much you can stretch your budget -- without ending up in the poorhouse in the process? FULL STORY-> Turf Wars: Author/Landlord Offers a Few Words of Advice for Tenants - March 20, 1998 Richard Rusdorf, author of "The Landlord's Handbook: A Complete Guide to Managing Small Residential Properties," managed a 400-plus-unit apartment building in Chicago 20 years ago. The past president of the Chicago chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management, he has served as a real estate broker, consultant, writer, architectural photographer, and certified property manager. With such a diverse background in real estate, Rusdorf has plenty of perspective on what peeves both landlords and tenants. FULL STORY-> 'Landlord's Handbook' Teaches Strategies for Maximizing Profits - March 18, 1998 The combination of tax reform and low mortgage rates makes real estate -- in particular owner-managed income-producing properties -- a profitable investment choice for millions of consumers, according to real estate experts Daniel Goodwin and Richard Rusdorf, co-authors of the revised "The Landlord's Handbook: A Complete Guide to Managing Small Residential Properties." A series of proven insider techniques in this comprehensive guide teaches landlords how to maximize their investments and turn a profit. FULL STORY-> Apartment Market Forecast: What do 21st Century Renters Want? - February 6, 1998 Apartment complexes are springing up faster than we can snap our fingers, and most of them have established high occupancy rates before the construction crews have even pulled away. FULL STORY-> The Great Apartment Hunt is On ... Line - January 16, 1998 FULL STORY-> Online Apartment Searches: The Wave of the Future - January 15, 1998 FULL STORY->
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