Landlord's Right to EnterWritten by dan the roommate man
When you move in to a rental property, you agree to let your landlord handle many of repair and maintenance problems. You also agree to lose some of your privacy rights. Unless your landlord is incredibly talented, he, or one of people responsible for maintaining property, must enter your home in order to make repairs and give inspections.When you're drawing up lease, it's important that you include a clause regarding landlord's right to enter your property. Without it, your landlord may be able to enter without any notice as he or she wishes. The 1994Boulder Model Lease suggests following clause: "Resident shall permit owner/agent to enter premises at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice for purpose of making necessary or convenient repairs or reasonable inspections, or to show premises to prospective residents, purchasers, or lenders. Entry may be made without prior notice only if owner/agent reasonably believes that an emergency exists, such as a fire or broken water pipe, or that premises have been abandoned." Keeping this clause in mind, there are times when it is perfectly acceptable for your landlord to enter property, and times when it isn't. When is it okay for my landlord to enter? # In event of an emergency i.e. a fire, a water/gas leak Obviously, I doubt landlord would let a fire burn down entire complex just because he didn't give you 24 hours notice that he was going to enter and put it out. The same goes for any other event that puts you or rest of renters in physical danger. # With your permission This is another no-brainer. If you tell your landlord it's okay to come in, he or she can't get in trouble for entering! # To show property to prospective renters/purchasers/lenders Whether you want to move out or not, if your lease is up and landlord has decided he wants to rent property to new tenants, he has right to show property to other people (provided he gives you at least 24 hours notice.)
| | Are You Responsible For The Appliances in Your New Apartment?Written by dan the roommate man
So you're moving into a new apartment? The list of things you should check on before signing that lease seems never-ending. You have to worry about location, environment, convenience, cost, aesthetic appeal, etc. But wait... there's more! One more thing to check out is what you, tenant, are responsible for bringing to apartment.Realize that just because model apartment you toured with your landlord displayed lovely washer/dryer 2000 unit doesn't mean you'll have one in your apartment. The lease might be for a two bedroom apartment with washer/dryer connections... but this doesn't mean it has to come with washer/dryer! Perhaps you're lucky, and you already have appliances to take to your new apartment. If so... great! Otherwise, you need to look at your options: Option number one: Rummaging through garage sales. If you have patience for garage sales, you could end up with some great deals. My grandmother, for example, found her big screen t.v. (which hasn't had any problems for past 15 years) a refrigerator she installed in home she rents out (in perfect condition for past 10 years) and a microwave (still cookin' after 5 years) all at separate garage sales. Garage sale shopping is an art, and if you have patience and look in right places, you can save TONS of money. Don't underestimate garage/estate sales. Some people wrinkle their noses at garage sales. "Eeeeewwww! Someone's used that stuff beforrrreee!!!" Well, yes... but think of all money you'll save! Still doesn't draw you in? Option number two: Rent new appliances. Depending on how long you're staying in this new location, you may prefer renting your appliances. Some people rent appliances when they're only going to be in a certain area for a couple of years. This makes it easier when it's time to move again. The only real disadvantage to renting is that you are restricted to renting what store has to offer.
|
