AFTER YOU FIND A ROOMMATE,THEN WHAT?Written by dan the roommate man
The Trial Period.When you first set up your household, there should be a period of time in which you and your roommate(s) concentrate on just being yourselves and living way you want (within reason, of course). Do not try to anticipate your roommate's likes and dislikes. If you have always listened to stereo for an hour before falling asleep, now is not time to change habit just because you don't think your roommate will like it. The idea is to do things you want to do and feel comfortable doing. Likes And Dislikes. During trial period, keep a list (mentally or on paper) of things your roommate does that bug you, and things you think are terrific. Don't get hung up on negatives. If you think fact that your roomie can smile first thing in morning is great, tell them so. By same token, if sound of Bruce Springsteen at 6:00 a.m. makes you queasy, now is time to talk about it. Reevaluation. After a week or two of "doing what comes naturally," and making your respective lists, you should set aside some time for a long talk about ways your living styles clash or go well together. Be honest, but avoid calling other person or his ideas petty, wrong, or anything else derogatory. Frankly discuss what you cannot tolerate, are indifferent to, or really enjoy. Where your differences are severe, you must both compromise, or it could be one very, very long year together. Now is time to complete a Roommate Contract. Neither your life-style, nor that of your roomie, is inherently good or bad, just different. Tread gently on another's ego.
| | WHAT IS RENTER'S INSURANCE & DO I NEED IT?Written by dan the roommate man
If you are moving into an apartment you may want to consider investing in insurance. Along with first month's rent, chances are you will be asked to pay a security deposit. This is a type of insurance for your landlord. The landlord can use this deposit to pay for any damages caused during your residency. For you, security comes in form of renter's insurance.Most renters use homeowner's form of insurance known as HO4 policy. This policy will typically cover furniture, clothing, and most personal property in event of fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm, or water damage from plumbing. In most cases, insurance company will take your word for what you think your property is worth. However, if you're wanting to insure your jewelry, art pieces or other collected items, you might need to pay extra for what's called a "Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement." For this type of coverage, insurance company will send out an appraiser. An appraiser will also be sent out to your property in event that your insured items have been damaged. For a little extra, most insurance companies will cover your things on a replacement-cost basis. For example, if your old microwave is only worth fifty dollars, but it would cost one hundred and fifty to replace it, company will insure that microwave for a hundred and fifty dollars. That way, in event of an actual disaster, or if your property is damaged and your insurance company is going to cover it, you won't be reimbursed for a ten year old refrigerator or a five year old couch, but for what it will cost to replace them.
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