Apartment Blog

If you’re renting an apartment with a pet, you realize some of the financial obligations you are faced with such as pet deposits, monthly pet fees, etc. But what you may not have taken into consideration is having a pet at the end of your lease could cost you a lot more if you aren’t careful. When most people put down a security deposit on their apartment, they usually expect to receive the full deposit at the end. However, pet owners need to be more proactive when it comes to caring for their apartment even before move-out if they want their full deposit back! Here are some tips for pet owners to getting your full security deposit back:

Tip 1:

Document everything. Prior to move in, or on the first day, have a checklist and go through the entire apartment for any problems. This would include the carpet, the walls, counters, etc. If the leasing office hasn’t given you a check list, bring your own. You need to inspect the apartment thoroughly and have documented proof of any incidents. This will help you prove your case should there be any discrepancies at the end of your lease, while also helping you remember the original state of the apartment. Also feel free to take digital photos and keep those for your records.

Tip 2:

Clean up spills/accidents IMMEDIATELY! Obviously if you’re not home when an accident happens you can’t clean it up as quickly, but as soon as you become aware of the mistake you need to clean it up. Use Pet Stain Remover and clean the area thoroughly. Remember that cleaning ‘accident’ spots only cleans the carpet, not the material. Get a vacuum pet powder and use it prior to vacuuming your carpets to help eliminate odor. Cat urine is absolutely the worst smell! I would recommend shampooing your carpet a couple times a year. It’ll add life back to your carpet!

Tip 3:

Be thorough! When you do your initial inspection you should catch any areas in the carpet where threads are loose or fraying. However, while you were moving or vacuuming, some may have ‘popped’ up. You need to inspect your apartment often for these problems as they could potentially be a larger problem if your animal, particularly dogs, find it. If there are any trouble spots in your carpet, purchase a rug to deter your animal’s attention or some object so that it won’t make the problem worse.

Tip 4:

Be proactive! You know your animal better than anyone else. If your dog likes to go after blinds, be sure and pull them up or replace them for curtains (just be sure to keep the blinds for when you move out as you don’t want to be charged for a new set). Or if your cat likes to use the sofa as a scratching post and transfers that habit to a wall; make efforts to block access to that wall or have your cat declawed.

In an apartment rental, you are responsible for damage your pet creates. To get your full security deposit back, you need to go above and beyond to restore the apartment back to its original condition! Do you have any more tips for getting your security deposit back with a pet? Let us know! We animal lovers can use all the help we can get!

In one of the forums I participate in, I came across a question regarding renters insurance and whether it’s worth the extra cost. There were many answers supporting each side of the question. Some commented that it wasn’t worth the extra expense because, really, how often do you get burglarized, flooded or have your apartment catch on fire. Others noted that the benefits of having it outweighed the expense-even if you don’t ever have to use it. So let me interject some of my opinions….

I personally feel safer having renters insurance. The peace of mind alone is worth the annual cost of $140. With that being said, I’m about 80% sure I’m never going to need it. However, hearing the stories on the news about fires that have engulfed an entire apartment building reassures me that I made the right choice. Whether I actually use it or not, I know that I am covered and that gives me peace of mind. Also, as one forum participant commented “it’s not just the insurance on your stuff, but also covering you for liability”. This is important! If someone gets injured in your home, having renters insurance will protect you!

So what is your opinion? I’ve stated mine and clearly I am advocating that everyone should have renters insurance. So if you happen to be in the market for renters insurance, check out our website!

While Valentine’s Day is often thought of for couples, it provides an excellent time for singles to meet new friends. And Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to test the waters. Did you know that over two thirds of all singles try online dating? It’s a social scene that’s gradually getting more and more attention. You probably know someone who is on a dating site! I myself know a guy who met his wife online. They are happily married now for over three years! So if you see Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for love why not ‘test the waters’ with something new?

Here are a few tips to make your online dating process that much more successful!
1) Visit ForRent.com’s Relocation Center! On there you’ll see ‘Find a Date’ link. Then you’ll be brought to a page that will take you to a dating site.
2) Be sure to take time and complete your profile. This includes a picture! A majority of searchers won’t be as interested in you if they can’t see what you look like. In the description don’t go too personal, but write things about yourself, what kind of person you are looking for, interests, etc. This will help find someone with common interests as you.
3) Try not to be over eager. It is an Internet world where people check their email and myspace page 2 and 3 times a day, but that doesn’t mean that you should bombard others with constant messages. It’s not only intrusive, but it also gets a bit annoying. Give and take space!
4) Don’t just try one method. You may remember that movie with Diane Lane, ‘Must Love Dogs’. In the movie Diane Lane’s character, Sarah Nolan, was told by Dolly, Stockard Channing’s character, that she must venture into other Internet sites! You’ve got to explore all your options! So don’t limit yourself to online dating, continue going out and meeting people elsewhere too!
5) Have fun! Dating can be fun, if you let it. You get to meet all sorts of new and exciting people and have a good time! So don’t look at it as an opportunity to land ‘Mr. Right’, but rather an opportunity to enjoy being you!

Brick Township, New Jersey

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