How You Might Get Screwed Over When Renting An Apartment | The Financial Diet

Renting your first apartment? Here are several things you definitely want to pay attention to. Moving soon and need some budget friendly tips? Check out this video: • How To Move Without Go... .
How to Avoid Getting Screwed When Renting an Apartment: Advice from a Landlord: lifehacker.com/5700982/how-to-...
Your Rights As A Tenant: realestate.findlaw.com/landlor...
How To Not Get Screwed Over By A Rental Broker: ny.curbed.com/2012/3/29/103857...
Know Your Rights As A Roommate: metcouncilonhousing.org/help_a...
How Not To Get Screwed Over By a Bad Landlord: blog.studentlifenetwork.com/20...
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[@thefinancialdiet]

Chelsea shares her home decorating advice here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3SchpJshKl_aMk.

[@chazitybontempo2681]

So I’m basically just gonna record everything with a go pro 24/7 until I move out. That should do it

[@boxminded666]

😂😂

[@ladulcesita]

😂 yess

[@alyssadee3562]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS READ YOUR LEASE PEOPLE OMG THIS IS HUGE!

[@JusdoinstuF]

what are some things people over look that wasnt mentioned in the video?

[@johannat5405]

Hey! I'm actually a leasing consultant for an apartment complex and would be happy to answer questions. Photos at move in: most companies actually already take the day before you move in, but DEFINITELY still take them. If your landlord/agent gives you an inventory and condition form PUT EVERYTHING ON IT. Literally. Knife marks in the countertop? Yes. Hair in the bathtub? Yes. Everything. Keep a written record of everything, because we do. We have to record every. single. interaction that we have with you, so you should too. Also, READ YOUR LEASE. OMG. The number of people who don't read their lease before they sign it and then get mad at me for the tings in it is insane. It's a legal document. Read it. Finally, on the whole, landlords/property management companies are looking out for their investment, not you. Your leasing agent, though, is just trying to pay their own rent. And trust me... we're just as frustrated with the fees, and rent increases, and maintenance issues, and parking problems as you are.

[@johannat5405]

Oh, and I cannot emphasize this enough: GET RENTER'S INSURANCE. It is $10/month and it covers your ass in ways you don't even know. It's worth it. Trust me.

[@noah_lot2842]

Johanna T +

[@jonayjbr]

I know I wrote a whole book in responding originally. I was just going thru so things and when renters insurance came up I had to speak on it. I'm glad you got your security deposit back. We as renters seem to get the shadiness of landlords. It's all good when they receive their tenants rent check but let something happen to a unit which their tenant leases and lives in causing some of that rent check to be diverted to cover repairs which they are responsible for they want to run and hide and slip and slide baby!! I get everything in writing nowadays I tell my managers or landlords if you wanna talk about anything pertaining to the lease or even not put it in writing, if you verbally tell me something it is not acknowledged unless you put it in writing. They can't throw you out for requesting everything be put in writing... You have a lease which is a contract no court will side with you unless you have all matters and concerns regarding that lease in writing.

[@candyluna2929]

Johanna T are you guys aware when let's say a woman says she is separated and says she will live there alone...but her husband also lives there, he just can't be on the lease for whatever reason...??? do you guys catch on to that and just stay quiet??

[@jonayjbr]

I have found that managers generally do not become aware of other people who are not on the lease actually living in the Unit unless you bring attention to your unit like letting that person receive mail there (the USPS mailman will occasionally leave packages for some tenants at their property mgmt office where the manager will notice if the person who is receiving that package is not on your lease would be raising the managers attention to start looking at your unit for possible lease violations, USPS workers will sometimes need to ask your manager which unit does so and so live in and if they have the same last name but not on your lease boom "big giveaway!" lastly, I will say if you have a noisy manager i.e. the ones like to pretend to walk their dog on the property at night and really looking into a units windows who have their window blinds open as they are casually passing by "like my old manager " that manager is going to see people who are not suppose to be there and drill you at your next lease signing "Do you have anyone else living in your unit? Are you sure cause we've had mail for persons not on your lease coming there and the person to say is your exhusband has been seen visiting you multiple times per week, also drives the vehicle registered to your unit.... If he is living with you he needs to be put on your lease, OK? If you have this kinda manager most likely they are aware you are having someone whom is not on your lease living with you. If you are able to put that person on your lease just put them on the lease it will save you a whole lot of stress and protect you from any lease violations but, if you cannot put that person on your lease because they may have a non violent felony conviction back when they were addicted to a substance but are clean for over ten years now and a changed person like a son or daughter which they would not clear the tenant screen and could not be added to your lease, get them a post office box and change their official address to that p.o. box and they are just a visitor from now on, you will need them to stay somewhere else for aleast 24 hours every fifteen days as anyone living with you staying more than two weeks is no longer considered a visitor but always check your current lease for your visitor rules and if those rules are different than what I said than you must follow those conditions because they are written in to your lease but generally for those of us who reside in the state of Washington you cannot have visitors staying with longer than a fifteen day period. If you feel the manager is violating your right to privacy and unreasonable 48hour notice to enter your unit (this is a big one that managers violate to gain entry to your unit and they do use the excuse stating its to do annual inspections) be very observant when this "48hr notice to enter is used more than say two times per 12months" and keep a log writing what you observed during that managers visit and who entered the unit on that notice i.e. manager, asst manager or maint. staff and asst manager entered unit and did this or searched this room, this is what was said during the entry and if they look at stuff and write down mold in windows seals, they are writing things down please make sure you write that down too and state that black mold is not a result of the tenant actions it's related to poor building conditions there is moister breaching the unit usually a poorly installed window frame "like a previous apartment where I lived" one day they decide to change all of the windows frame and all throughout our entire apartment community and once they put in this double panned windows and the frames we started to get mold like you would not believe and that's when we learned that no matter how much you clean with bleach and water the mold returns quickly so make sure you write all of that down with your notes because they are most likely making a list of damages to have against your walk through move in list while getting the other details like your appliances serial numbers and other stuff on that entry. Back to the people on the least thing just make sure you put them on your lease if you can it will save you a whole bunch of problems and it's being honest and a good tenant.

[@KullyStiles]

WHOA! When you guys said "bye" at the end of the video, you both used the same 2-note singsong inflection, only you were a minor 3rd apart from each other and ended up harmonizing the bottom 2 notes of a D-Minor scale. That's a remarkable coincidence!

[@thepeacescarf]

This is a great video. I had a "friend" who offered me a room in her apartment and I almost went through with it until she refused to put my name on the lease. After I politely asked her and she said it would be too much hassle, I had to say no deal. She proceeded to yell at me over the phone that I was "so f**ing irresponsible" for saying I was moving in then taking back my word. I calmly asked if anything could be done about listing me as an occupant on the lease, as it is the law. She said she can't just *do* that. It's sad because the friendship was soured, but I saved myself a lot of pain and probably financial loss. No one should ever be pressured in their living situation- and I learned my lesson! Save your money and do lots of research before making that kind of commitment. Some people are lucky and have their parents foot the entire bill such as this "friend" I had. Well that wasn't the case for me, and I had to lookout for myself.

[@zoemcguire8742]

Damn, see ppl just be flipping on ya. No matter how long you've known them

[@elvenafae]

thepeacescarf This has happened to me but worse because our room mates didn't put us on a lease, never showed us bills, and lied about how much rent was in a whole. We ended up paying all the water bill, paying our part of rent and another person's rent, and we were a secret from the land lord

[@thepeacescarf]

Elvena Fae wow... so sorry that happened to you. I am so happy I didn't go thru with it. Who knows what would have happened

[@cheesecakesmellsgood]

Well, she prolly gave u cheaper rent deal than going the routr on ur own and paying taxes off of it.. Hard to call u a friend in that case, or u lack common sense.

[@Haquize]

@@cheesecakesmellsgood I’m gonna guess not judging from her friend’s reaction. She could’ve just told her that and showed her the paper work if that was the case

[@woolpuppy]

I moved in with some friends who are renting out the loft in their new home. I make sure to get everything in writing because landlords are in a position of power, and it doesn't matter that we were friends before. People can like you as a person and still look out for their own interests. Gotta protect your rights.

[@devineyluchsinger1214]

Ive made almost all of these mistakes before! Also before you move in, CHECK FOR BUGS! We had an issue that there were bugs in the house and we reported it AFTER we moved in al our crap and they made us pay for it. So just make sure to report it as soon as you possibly can.

[@bunbundabunni3843]

In college years, I was moving out and cleaned everything and repaired all the small thumbtack damages and stuff. The manager took off $150 off my deposit and told me it was because their table had a stain. It wasn't even a bad stain, I even wiped it off with a wet paper towel in front of him. He told me that at least I was able to keep any of my deposit, unlike some other people... ...I painted your walls for you. (Lesson here: If there are, check out apartment reviews, and if you're lucky, other people who lived there)

[@K3153YKane]

smells can be considered as "damage" read the fine print. often times this will be cigarette smoke or animal smells (which are both things you will grow nose blind to) so if you smoke or have ANY PET WHATSOEVER the safe thing to do is deep clean your apartment before you end your lease. scrubbing and even painting the walls sometimes and a carpet shampoo should do the trick. you want that money back dont you??

[@mccbutterfly]

this is one of those things that if you have a certain habit that has a potential to carry an odor like if you smoke or if you own a pet that creates odors there are lots of ways to combat this and it's your responsibility to take care of that. That's one reason why it's important to disclose whether you own a pet or not on your apartment agreement before you live in besides the fact that most things that you rent will often charge you a pet fee for the potential smells and damages that the apartment May acquire in addition to the liability issues revolving around animals.

[@lalaland2199]

Or just not have them at all

[@msxeunybunxy]

This is scary.....

[@PimpinBig214]

Sounds complicated, I'll just stay with my grandparents for the next 30 years and take over the house when they die.

[@leticiaduran22]

jajjajaja!!! Good idea!!!

[@Rin-dr5gh]

Vagina Connoisseur lmao

[@jordanseaborn4780]

😶🤦🏾‍♂️😭😂

[@spencerjcollector7958]

same bruh... same

[@genesissorto3723]

Hahaha

[@PogieJoe]

I took pictures first day. I haven't moved out yet, but knowing that that's there is a nice comfort. 🙂

[@1forthepeople969]

Good video. On a side note a copy of your local Landlord and Tennant Rights is available at your local courthouse. It's free or for a nominal fee, usually a dollar. Thank you for sharing.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

true.my advice comes. from experience. check the management company. if the buildings change management groups often, it ain't for you. if the buildings look sketchy, that is a red flag.if the area is bad, red flag.prices change randomly with no notice.red flag. check the public areas.mailboxes.gym.laundry.front door.back door stairwell elevator.lobby. courtyard. office.and I cannot stress this enough.mail your rent checks or money order to the head office.do not ever under any circumstance drop in the office mailbox .they can say they never got paid. take pics.video.go over the rules.the rental agreement.all that.before you sign.before handing over your money.

[@LauraSomeNumber]

Have a roommate contract besides your lease. Anything you agree on should be in there.

[@bchery4048]

you don't know how badly I needed to hear this... Thanks

[@rebekahhaase2200]

I'd like to point out that there's a difference between "withholding" rent and "not paying" rent. In California if you want to be able to defend your decision to not transfer the money on schedule, you better be able to pay all of the outstanding amount once the issue is resolved. Typically the renter puts the money in some kind of escrow account until the matter is resolved or a judge makes a decision.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Renting sounds like a nightmare. I guess I'll just save up for a house.

[@fransicofuentes704]

GL lol

[@TheFaro2011]

completely irrelevant, but the two girls are fine example of "warm" and "cool" undertone.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Fari. how is this irrelevant? do you plan to live with mom and dad forever? are you serving a life sentence? are you in a nursing home? own your spot outright? no? fine.you get burned by shady landlords or roommates nobody cares.you say this video is irrelevant.

[@kyupin1075]

Rochelle Thundercloud I can't tell if you're joking.

[@N.St-]

Rochelle Thundercloud I'm sure they are saying their own comment is what's irrelevant.

[@OhNo-jq6iz]

rochelle thundercloud Wow... I've seen some dumb replies, but none more dumb than a person berating someone else without even understanding the original comment.

[@ookipuki]

@@rochellethundercloud346 you made a mistake XDDD

[@StefanieOConnell]

This is such an important video! Renting can be stressful and there are so many things to think about. Its easy to only focus on the monetary aspects of renting, but records, communication, lease agreements, etc, all affect your finances in the end.

[@sabinepabst4227]

Remember that you have to leave the place you rented in the same condition you moved into it ! Never move into a place if it is nasty, unless you don't mind.

[@kiterafrey]

Have a friend who knows something about construction walk the house with you. We moved in only to find out the roof wasn't just "shifting" it had poorly done drywall and the bathroom vent wasn't working and there was mold in the bathroom walls they'd just painted over. If someone had walked it with me they'd have pointed those things out. Plus the apts had to the gull to try and charge us to repair those things, lucky for us so many other apts had the same issues they lost the claims in a class action.

[@dangela_12]

Thank you for all of the tips!!! I’m going to submit my application today, so it’s great I watched this video prior!

[@carlylouis3382]

Move in with me bou 😘

[@smilefwhm]

Hello from Hong Kong! I rarely comment on videos but I just found your channel and must say it's a gem! As someone transitioning from semi-dependent adulthood to full adulthood, I found your channel covers most essential topics and offers very helpful advice. Please keep making videos!!! xoxo

[@lawrencegcolemaniii7474]

I’m a new renter in Los Angeles and I am very appreciative of this video. Thanks!

[@Tom-xy9gb]

This gives me anxiety 😰

[@spencerjcollector7958]

Tom same

[@chazitybontempo2681]

Me too 😭

[@lizasoliman723]

Be aware of low-income housing, fresh grads w/ student loans usually qualify & will save $$$ living at the lowest market price HOWEVER the management typically is the sketchiest & don't expect the cockroaches to be taken care of in a timely manner (true story)!

[@MateDrinker33]

Liza Soliman: Truer words have rarely been spoken. :D

[@kayciable]

You have to spray your own pesticides before you move in.

[@christopherda89]

I rented an apartment that had bed bugs before my roommate and I moved in and we lost all our brand new furniture plus lived with the bugs for 9+ months.

[@layladecember2770]

My landlord never fixes anything on time, doesn't like giving receipts, and when something DOES get fixed its fixed cheaply and poorly and breaks again within a week. And the only reason my mom doesnt do anything is cause shes afraid that she'll kick us out.

[@voltaireon]

Also note your security deposit laws. In Chicago landlords must return your security deposit, plus any accrued interest based on the rates set. It might not be much, but it's there. My landlord didn't do this and I probably should have fought him. $2000 held as security deposit for almost 5 years where the interest rates fluctuates between 1% and .01%. Definitely not much but over $20 and they technically broke the law. They also broke the law another way. During a winter a few years back, when it was -60 wind chill, there was a gas leak in the alley next to our building, not the building itself, and the gas had to be turned off for the entire building. Coming home to a top floor apartment after being out in the cold, only to realize my apartment was below freezing wasn't fun at all. The landlords didn't even have the courtesy to tell me it was happening, and claimed that because it wasn't a building issue, but the pipeline issue, they didn't have to say anything. We weren't compensated, we weren't given anywhere warm to stay, AND our gas bill was still $700. I did not resign my lease.

[@voltaireon]

It took about 4 days, in January, in Chicago for it to be repaired.

[@frostfang1]

TOO TRUE! Space Heaters are always an ecellent backup for heating issues! And if you find yourself in a similar position, go out and buy some heating pads. Things you can reheat in the microwave or patches you can put in your clothing to keep you warm and wont effect your electric bill as much! And this stuff is just good for keeping around for snow storms that may take out the power for a short time. (Try the hunting/sports section in walmart, or an outdoor sporting store). Oh and if you dont have long johns, layer up with undershirts shirts and leggings under pants. (biking to work i layered leggings/knee high socks, skinny jeans, sometimes regular jeans, and then a water resistant non insulated "snow" pants)

[@elmateo77]

A $2000 security deposit? Jesus Christ... None of the apartments I've been in have required more than a $400 deposit. Maybe that's a state/city thing though.

[@rebe3878]

Repairs; please know the difference between cosmetic and habitability issues. Your landlord doesn't have to replace your countertops, for example if they have a chipped tile. He can, but he certainly doesn't have to. Keep that in mind when you decide to walk through and sign a lease.

[@dianal9346]

Very informative and very helpful! Thank you ladies!

[@user-ep3mx2wb1q]

wow.. thanks for all the advices u give most of them i didnt know n didnt even think about it

[@vanessabayardo9788]

Also, check for pests all over. I made the mistake of only checking out my room and the bathroom. I didn't check out the sofa or kitchen. Minutes after I had paid my rent and deposit, I found roach nymphs on the sofa, tv, table, sink. I couldn't ask for my rent back, only for my deposit back.

[@AshleeTuck]

Very informative ladies. I loved this video! I will definitely be going into my next apartment with food for thought!

[@whatsonhermind1768]

I always enjoy you guys videos, so helpful!

[@zaislaya1964]

Thank you for getting right to the point ✨

[@Autism_Forever]

I think that a lot of landlords believe that tenant are useless bums. I also think that the myth that real estate is an investment is a very dangerous myth. We have 2008 and the recession to thank for that myth. What I discovered is that 90% of small private landlords are not cut out to run a rental business at all, therefore, they fail at it miserably. They present the property as "move-in ready", you go in, and the house wouldn't even have Internet hookups, phone service, or a laundry sink.

[@frostfang1]

And my gawd, if you look through craigslist, they certainly like to police your lifestyle. I understand the no smoking no pets rules (though i have a cat thats never a problem and im quite sore about that xD) But its another when they are like "no overnight vistors" type of stuff (not that i ever have overnight visitors of any sort)xD or "i prefer such and such a personality" And im like "well hey, i prefer to have minimal contact with my landlord, good luck finding anyone not desperate" Are you trying to find a date or a friend or a tenant? Sure, you are trying to weed people with that lifestyle out, but based on the room or floor or property you are renting, you either cant afford those specifications or are better off leaving that space empty. Kind of blows my mind. And it didnt help, that in that area, it was like riddled with people who were working restaurant or resort type jobs, and those people are living the "drink every night" lifestyle, and the everyone has at least one friend who smokes weed, if not the entire friend group. So its slim pickings xD (and im sayin that being someone who doesnt enjoy or really partake in drugs or alcohol, had one cat that i adopted from a roommate, not sought out, didnt have but a bike, all around mellow, not in the party scene)

[@raventhorX]

what the hell is a laundry sink. I have never heard of an apartment having a laundry sink. maybe a washer a dryer for clothes either in unit, hookups so you can put your own in, or community.

[@TopFlightSecurity415]

@@frostfang1 i never understood not letting people sleep over...if im paying money for my personal space i should have to right to have anyone sleep over whenever i want

[@frostfang1]

@@TopFlightSecurity415 yea. I mean I've heard the horror stories of bad roommates where their SO practically lives with them and no one but them are happy with the arrangement, but I've personally had positive experiences with it. It was a three bedroom apartment and the landlady included everything in it, it was pay by room and she supplied the electric, tv, water etc. So a flatmate usually had his gf over and we all got along. She didnt overstay her welcome, my cat and their dog got along, her showering there occasionally didnt affect my bills. He stayed at her place and let my parents use his bed when they came down overnight once. I let her sleep on my couch for a while when I moved out and she needed a spot but couldnt stay with him. But I can see where it can go wrong, I just think that's one of those things that should be in contract where they cant stay over so many days a week like two or three weeks in a row, or if a roommate complains to a land lord after talking/texting it out than yea maybe it's a problem financially or personality wise. But that goes for inviting anyone over really.

[@damewright5753]

Amazing video Gals! Thanks

[@Jonilee4292]

Thanks, this was helpful!

[@corneliuswhite5139]

Great video. I hope folks take heed.

[@JuneBug-fr1zp]

Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@teacheraxel]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@MISJPEREZ]

so true all of it. good job.

[@LeahsThings]

Like Johanna below, I'm a leasing agent for an apartment complex. Two points I really want to reemphasize: 1) READ YOUR LEASE, as well as communication coming from landlord/agents/etc. There are so many complaints I hear that come from people who simply didn't read the lease that they signed, or who didn't even bother to read the bullet-point simplified things I wrote out for them. It's... incredible, in a sad way. 2) Renter's Insurance is cheap and worth it. A tenant recently (by accident) broke the sprinkler head in his upper-floor apartment, and flooded his apartment as well as those below him. Lucky for him, he had insurance. Imagine being personally responsible for the repairs of all those apartment walls and floors, housing his downstairs neighbors in hotels while it's getting fixed... I also want to reemphasize being extremely careful with roommate situations, as a majority of issues faced at the apartment complex are roommate-based. Before you rent a room with someone, talk to the landlord of that apartment to find out if a) they even allow you to move in, or what steps you'll need to take first, and b) how much the rent really is, and if you /really/ need to pay another security deposit (we've had situations of tenants swindling hundreds of dollars from their new roommates this way). And just like you would with a landlord, make sure to have roommate agreements IN WRITING to protect yourself.

[@kieoncoleman9810]

@Leah: What do you do if your Landlord refuses to give you a receipt for payments?

[@pokealong]

Something I've found helps me is to just plan for not getting your deposits back when you move. If you do great and get your deposit back, that's wonderful. Extra money. If you don't get the deposit back and you planned not to, oh well. You knew you wouldn't get it.

[@shihot7337]

Same. I was also told by my old landlord not to break your back making the apartment look spotless before moving out since the maintenance will come in and clean the areas that you wouldn't think to clean (i.e. underneath the fridge, behind the washer/dryer) and will charge you for it anyway and it will come out of your security deposit.

[@tagaway6173]

MercilessHobo I thought it was just me being negative, but yes! I never expect it back. I mention it at the end, but probably because I'm not mad about it they consider me or something.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

MercilessHobo Happy I'm not alone in this, lol. My brother and I room together and we had...I'm not sure what it's called. It's inside (our water heater is in a shed next to the house) but it's not a water heater, but it assists with the AC. Anyways. This thing decided to spring a leak that I only noticed because I walk barefoot as opposed to my brother always wearing house shoes. I read that it's best to keep the AC at about 75 and we do but even now, it still leaks a little. The upstairs still a damn hot box here in the summer so I don't relish trying to turn it up more just to see if that stops it. But the water got on the carpet so while we cleaned it up well and it didn't leave a smell, we might be hit for that as we told the landlord about it. Hilariously, a few days later, the water heater decided to give up the ghost and broke. I heard a whooshing sound for quite some time and became worried our neighbor had left a bathtub running. Nope. I opened the back door and heard the sound from the shed, like Niagara Falls. Blessedly, my brother knew how to shut it off and even the landlord praised him on that. The entire thing was replaced but I swear it's weaker. We don't keep hot water for crap :/ Anyways! With all of this, without a doubt we're not getting the deposit back but I never expected to. We just try to document anything that happens to ensure we're not billed for things even more expensive than the deposit...like the two bullet holes in my bedroom, shot whole I was in my room. I have pictures of my room before that day and they're clearly not there in those photos. Even though we live on the rough side, a lot of neighbors had things shot, such as a mailbox and a car. I don't think anyone was hurt though. Things have gotten much quieter in the past year but I have time-stamped pictures of the holes and the dust that fell onto my dresser from it. We also instantly called the landlord to let him know and neighbors in turn called him too, which is how we found out about the other damages. So, that's absolutely not something caused by us.

[@mariaespinoza3331]

Rent by you're self... Roommates want to pay less but Clean less but want to pay the same amount? The deposit of a room is 200 and for the apartment 2000 ...yes if you give me half of the deposit clean half of the house...yes we can split the rent in half But if you only going to clean when you want... shirty cleaning job... don't replace a dish sppnge... no.. we cannot split in half.. make a contract before.. Charge for cleaning lady to clean... Roommates are nightmare

[@TopFlightSecurity415]

either by youself or with a family member you can trust

[@6sechsdoppelfuenf321]

this was so helpful! thanks a lot =)

[@TearLilyd]

good points to make! I will have to buy one of those cameras at the store and hopefully it will be dated. I didn't think to get a receipt and a copy of the lease before move in day! I just emailed asking for copies so I can start reading and have proof of paying.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

TearLilyd You don't need a camera specifically. If you have a decent smartphone (I have one that cost me $60 from Metro PCS and has an 8MP camera) then you're good to go. Usually by default, a cellphone will include the original date. You can even go a step further and do a video of the apartment.

[@rodhaah8931]

very informative!

[@reiko334]

Thank you for reminding me why I wanted to own an apartment.

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

Yeah! Roommate saying that she will mail out the bills but only mailing out I part of the bills. That was a good way for me to see what a major dumb dumb I was. Never Again!

[@veo16]

3:11 you mention something about being able to withhold the next month's rent if repairs have not been made. how can i negotiate this in to a rental agreement? is this standard across the entire US or would i have to go out of my way to request that it be added in?

[@xboricuajennyx]

I wish I knew this before I moved in..

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

My brother and I moved into an apartment together this past winter and when we saw the state of the place, I instantly dubbed the landlord a slumlord millionaire, lol. The kitchen had a leaky pipe but at least that was fixed. However, if you turn on the faucet, water comes out from around it. We'll need that fixed. My bedroom has an iron mark on the carpet. And initially, the heat didn't work. This too was repaired though. My brother and I were polite but firm when requesting things be fixed. Our rent is $675 a month in a semi-sketchy part of town and it's a two bedroom townhouse. Water is included with the rent though and thankfully, the place is fully electric (Me and the gas company never seem to get along with how much my payments fluctuate. I'd rather have all electric for living in this state. I'm in the south so I don't have to worry about blizzards or anything). The worst part was initially moving in, of course. The house supposedly was rented by just a young woman but if so, she either was never there or never cleaned. That house was filthy. The tubs, the toilets, all of it. We were on a very tight moving schedule since our mom was moving to her own place at the same time so as beggars, we couldn't be picky. I admit I didn't clean as much as I should've but it all just disgusted me. Oddly enough though...aside from the rare bug or roach, the place is pest free. I still have some qualms about the place but we've made it home and now it's not so awful. I believe my younger brother took pictures of the house though but if not, I'm hoping we don't encounter any issues, such as with the iron stain on the carpet. I'm still calling the guy a slumlord millionaire though, lol. Oh, and biggest thing as well... NEVER move during the holidays! My family did that shit twice. It's so much more expensive. My brother hasn't been (or won't be...) hired on completely with his job so when they shut down for a week in November and one to two weeks in December, or, hell, two weeks for fucking 4th of July, like right now, it HURTS. I'm unemployed but job hunting right now, so he's trying to get temporary unemployment to make up for these lost weeks. But with Thanksgiving and Christmas back to back, that puts a massive dent in being able to pay for things. Plus, it's cold and in the case from two years ago, we had the luck of moving during a tropical storm or something. It rained every day of the move and everyone in the house got sick, meaning time off from work even more. Plus, bills are often higher in the winter and you still have expensive deposits. I'd rather deal with the fallout of breaking a lease in the spring or summer just to start a new lease during that time than to be locked into a cycle of moving during the winter.

[@Phlimbob]

I searched for this video again because my friend called me about the horror of a subletting situation he's in right now in Boston.

[@YueRain]

yes i got screwed by few landlords and I can't do anything about it since I don't know my right.

[@slumbucketretro]

might i add, no matter what you pay for rent even in the Ritziest apartments you can have the biggest jack-ass for a landlord. and you should know what you can get for the same amount elsewhere, just because your building is a block from work and seems to have it all, going just a mile away could have more for you. like animals allowed or not being a dog person you will know you can pay an extra $500 dollars a month for your fur baby, or you could be paying the extra $500 just to be close to work.

[@shelleygold4923]

Problem is if you exert ur rights they retaliate and ur screwed . This is coming directly from a tenant advocate....we need to reinstate strong tenant rights in this country ASAP

[@TRINIGIRLHANNAH]

You mentioned that if I kept complaining to my apartment about an issue that hasn’t been fixed I can break my lease early, you mentioned to get it in writing well what if I recorded the interactions ?

[@raymondpanek9483]

I loved the vid, and have advice that anyone will find useful in new tech to protect yourself. #1 You likely have a cell phone that can record video and audio, youd be surprised how it can help (for me it was an admitted guilt of having a person stay more than 3 days in a row not on the lease, vulgar attitude and even spitting on me) needless to say a lease amendment was more than necessary and granted with them apologizing! #2 In this day and age of high tech take a look into an app called call recorder, it isn't for the faint of storage space on phones unless you clear the inessential ones regularly. However it records all incoming and outgoing calls automatically, free, and crystal clear! People can evade accusations and provide excuses and even change their names but it's hard to change your voice, it's time stamped, who it's from, and again it's free! You can even use it when you forget something in a normal phone call and can refer back to who said what and numerous other scenarios. I hope this was useful and will help many people!

[@lisakohly2768]

I hate to be that person, but Lauren what make up do you use??? it's amazing!! Thanks for all your tips by the way. As a college senior graduating soon, your advice has been extremely important to me to start off in the "real world" on the best foot possible :)

[@Max-hj6nq]

This question hasn't been answered in 2 years :(

[@michellemuneton-guzman7032]

i live in a complex. a little overpriced but the area is nice and historic. my ac broke and they handled it like a real emergency (i live in fl) and whenever my drain is clogged they handle it. it makes home ownership really scary because out of pocket all those things would add up

[@tsquare852]

Next year I'm getting it

[@taif3157]

I wish I reviewed this before I have moved for college last year I didn't take photos and the did not refunded me in full

[@dragoniraflameblade]

For house rent, have a contract or rules written out for you. My current landlord has been changing up what he does for us (like cutting the grass, only to do the job halfway and then expect us to clean up) and he was extremely vague on pet rules. When he found out we had a cat, he was rude and hostile, even though we never had any rule explicitly telling us no cat. I'm also fairly certain he has ADHD. And we still have the cat, we just keep her hidden (which is stressful since we're practically neighbors).

[@BestMusicHits]

Question I have leave in L.A and Ny and I seen in Ny the one renting the house take care of all Bill's meaning water,a light and all came to the person renting the house with their name but in L.A The house owner came with the water bill and all to charge since it was under hes. Name since I'm nj how do I know weather I have to pay for that under my name or if the owner will comes with that like in L.A

[@elmateo77]

I just assume that I'm not going to get the security deposit back. I still keep documentation of everything and will go to court to get it back if necessary, but when doing my own finances I consider it part of the cost of moving. P.S. Others have already said this, but yes ALWAYS READ YOUR LEASE!!! Including everything the landlord is allowed to charge you for. In a complex I was in a few years ago, it said they were allowed to charge you $50 per bag for any trash left outside. Some people obviously didn't read this, because when they moved out they left 10+ bags of junk sitting by their front doors. And a few weeks later got a nasty surprise in the mail...

[@BumGodinez]

Can someone help me please ... I rent at an apartment with 3 people on the lease. My apartment used to have it where most people could park here except a few spots which were to be paid for spots. Now they made every spot in the whole parking lot pay to park and giving us 1 free spot even though theres 3 of us. There's no real parking nearby either you would have to make quite a walk just to be back at the apartments. So I cant park here neither can i have a guest or else we'll be towed . Can I do anything about this?

[@illiengalene2285]

My first landlord hid the wet walls, kept silent about the heater stopping to work in my bungalow apartment in about 22:00 in the middle of winter totally, shitty isolation of the building and mold growing all over the place. And luckily I took photos, ordered a humidity controller from the renter United help group, proved that I had every right to move out and he tried to talk me into submission, but I said let me or otherwise I'll take it to court. He even charged twice as much as usual for the unit. Now I have a sweet caring Landlord, but my neighbour is a nightmare, creepy, stalking, extremely loud at night time, vacuuming his carpet 23:00 on a Sunday! Or listening to Robbie Williams Angels so loud I can hear Robbie sing every word clearly. He has his 2nd warning, on the 3rd he getting kicked out of the apparement for violating the law.

[@cocus311]

Can you stay in apartment if it's not ready? I'm in a apartment they didn't complete it before I moved in?. No new stove or fireplace. Water in tub doesn't get hot. I have to turn the knob all theway to the left dam near off to get it hot.

[@lauradelafuente8595]

i moved in nov 29 2017 with fist month it is now dec 29 and hes trying to collect rent for jan can he do that ?

[@megan6127]

Being on the lease ALSO MEANS you are liable for any unpaid rent or damages your house mate makes.

[@rochellethundercloud8599]

we have to move soon.the complex we live in has serious plumbing problems.these have to be fixed to comply with city codes.our building has had numerous management companies.every year it's a new one that don't do anything. we have a rent subsidy through Catholic charity.Colbert is somehow involved. the last company swears we owe over five grand back rent.no.we paid our portion.our rent subsidy requires a yearly inspection.if repairs are needed the management gets a list and a timeframe to comply.then the management calls back for a follow up inspection files the proper forms and submits them to get paid from our program.this never happened with the previous company. so exactly how are we responsible for someone else's not doing their job?

[@raventhorX]

so are you saying subletting is illegal? is that only for new York or nation wide?

[@JessicaMcMathis]

"renting is a great option if you're just starting out, just out of college, and are not in any position to be buying a home." ....OR if don't have a healthy downpayment / savings account to fix things that might break, it better fits your lifestyle, aren't sure you'll stay in the city / neighborhood for at least five years, live in an area where home prices are artificially high because of increased demand and little inventory in a sellers' market, or - hell - just PREFER to rent. maybe this video is skewed at a younger audience, but the whole renting conversation should be a little more inclusive of others' choices / preferences / realities.

[@bunbundabunni3843]

I think that is another topic in of itself. A really useful topic though. Buying a home (to live) isn't really tempting, once you learn about the taxing, (maybe) loan interest rates, insurances, etc. Starts to feel like rent, without the benefits...

[@johna3357]

The downside of renting is you're basically paying someone else's mortgage. Buy a home you'll pay less and you're making an investment. People only rent for the "convenience " factor but they're really flushing their money down the toilet when done long term.

[@reginaforge7691]

When writing a letter for repairs, ect do we get them to sign off on this and then keep it or what? I'm trying to understand how to keep a paper trial because anyone could write a letter and say the landlord saw it, how do I make sure they know I'm not lying?

[@ralanie]

Email it to them - that should be a written record that shows the date you sent it and that it was addressed to the landlord.

[@Norimarisu]

I wish I would have done #2 They charged for things that was wrong from the begining, things they never fixed, things they said not to worry about and even things they did after we left. Don't rent from a family that also has a business repairing houses.

[@wolfrig2000]

Check your local areas laws on what the landlord is required to fix. Where I live, the landlords are NOT responsible for AC/Stove/Fridge and often the rentals have Stoves/Fridges/ACs pre installed, if it breaks, the landlord can fix it out of the kindness of their heart, but are not required to by law, and trying to withhold rent because of repairs is so complicated here, its nearly impossible, requiring you have a separate Escrow account where you pay the rent to, which becomes owned by the landlord as soon as they submit proof of repairs, regardless if you agree that the repairs are adequate or not.

[@thehollyannrose]

Oh my god. My apt should have been repainted. But it wasn’t lol

[@iRazenrak]

What if your landlord claims they never got your letter or email? How do you get something in writing AND get your landlord to acknowledge it?

[@sonestiamoore409]

Lord makes me nervous cause people gone be looking at me & my sister trying to take advantage of us when we trying to look for our new apartment, we trying to move out this bad apartment we in right now

[@MasterAppels]

Do people still pay rent in cash?

[@zamith1817]

I live in Lisbon... The house market is horrible.

[@kerbyt2281]

What's the name of the Facebook group that your in for buying and selling and renting in New York

[@phenitagomes1292]

I've move into a apartment that needs sooo much work bc I couldn't get any other apartment in a short time. My credit isn't great and I don't make 76-80k a year. I'm so frustrated. I've been making repairs but he hasn't done any. He tells me I saw the place n signed the least. Even the plumbing(which he promised to take care of) isn't being situated. What can I do at this point?? I've spent hundreds of dollars already n I've only lived here for 3 months.

[@cohenmarioman]

I thought the landlord pays the broker fee? Is that just in FL?

[@janehoe.]

Meanwhile I can't even get an apartment after offering 6 months upfront 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@ellierami1268]

what are those rights?

[@loserose4508]

I can rent apartment in Los Angeles at 16 ?

[@agnesb1625]

I am 12 and confused.

[@smithaf0601]

I asked for a reciept of my first months rent and they flat out said no...hope that doesnt come back to me.

[@olukoya44]

did it?

[@GMoney-B]

Great information but the editing is kind of annoying to be honest. The cuts between statements make it super choppy and too quick to absorb or remember the information..

[@ForrestFam22]

I pay 200 for rent for living with my parents plus pay bills

[@MrThisanThat]

OMG GREAT JACKET

[@vince7735]

You forgot to mention: or ever don't want to own a home

[@wwbodywork5582]

If you pay your rent with any kind of auto pay, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT. Dont be like 20 year old me and have your autopay amount be increased without noticing. Went like 6 months with them charging me over 500 more than what I was supposed to pay. I am an idiot dont be like me

[@Antenox]

4:50 Damn, did you see the look Lauren gave Chelsea every time Lauren said "roommates"? Is there some passive-aggressive draaaaaaama in TFD? JK, we all know you two love each other :P

[@Earthtime3978]

If you negotiate the broker fee you're done

[@MrCool-qi7cy]

So they say watch out for "This" but they dont bother to explain anything.