When you rent a home, the homeowner will have insurance for the property. However, as a renter, it is your responsibility to have insurance for the contents of the house; your personal belongings. You have a lot of value in your furniture, clothes, electronics, jewelry, etc., and you should protect it. In the case of fire or burglary, you want to have an insurance policy that will cover your losses, so that you won't have to replace everything with your own money, all at once.
Renter's insurance in California is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply for.
Try http://www.rentersinsurance.net/california.html for a free quote. They advise, "The cost of your California renters insurance policy is largely going to be based on the estimated value of your possessions. The easiest way to figure this out is simply to take as detailed an inventory of your possessions as you can; you should also make a note of when you acquired each of your items and, as best you can remember, what you paid for them originally."
But, before you purchase renter's insurance, you need to find the home you want to rent. Get started with your search for free at www.RentalAccess247.com
You know what you want....now, go get it!
Follow us on Twitter for daily updates of properties we have available for rent: www.twitter.com/rentalaccess247
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Security Deposits
California SECURITY DEPOSIT
"In California, a security deposit for residential property unfurnished, the security deposit may equal 2 times the rent. If furnished, the landlord may charge up to 3 times the rent.
In California, there is no such thing as a “non-refundable” security deposit. No matter what it’s called—a key deposit, cleaning fee, move-in fee, closing costs, last month’s rent, etc.—all money you pay in addition to your first month’s rent is refundable. Since “nonrefundable” deposits are illegal, don’t worry if your rental agreement includes a section about a “nonrefundable” deposit. This section will not be valid even if you have signed the rental contract or agreed to it.
There is no restriction on the amount of the security deposit for the rental of a commercial property.
The Return of the Deposit: If a tenant damages the property, the landlord can deduct the cost of fixing it from the security deposit. But if the tenant returns the rental in substantially the same condition in which it was rented (less reasonable wear and tear), the landlord must return the deposit. A landlord can't make tenants pay for painting, new carpets or curtains, unless there was serious damage. The landlord is allowed to deduct the cost of cleaning if necessary to put the unit back to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the time the property was leased (less reasonable wear and tear).
Within 2 weeks of the tenant's move-out date, the landlord must advise the tenant, in writing, of the right to be present at a walk-through with the landlord. The purpose of the inspection is to allow the tenant an opportunity to repair damage pointed out by the landlord.
How much time does a California Landlord have to return the deposit? After you move out, a landlord has 3 weeks to return the security deposit or send a list of how much each of the damages cost including all receipts. A landlord can only charge a tenant for unpaid rent and for fixing damage, not normal wear. The landlord has to prove that the repairs are necessary and reasonable and must provide you with receipts for those repairs.
What if I don't get my deposit back after 3 weeks?
Write a letter to your landlord if you feel too much was retained from your security deposit and explain why you believe you are entitled to a larger refund.
Note: If you also paid "last month's rent," It must be used for the last month's rent.
Notify the Landlord If you pay rent once a month, you have to give your landlord 30 days' notice in writing. If you don't, the landlord can charge you for the unpaid rent. Unless a new tenant pays the rent, you'll have to pay for those 30 days. If you pay rent every week, you have to give 7 days' notice.
Protecting Your Deposit When Moving In
Get an itemized receipt for your deposit. This receipt will identify each charge ( for example, pet deposit, last month’s rent, cleaning fees, etc.).
When moving in, take careful inventory of the condition of the place. Record any existing damage and check all appliances to make sure they work properly. Ask the landlord to sign and date the inventory and be sure to keep a copy (if they won’t sign, send a copy to them and mail one to yourself—which you save unopened). Pictures or videos of the existing condition of the apartment can also be helpful later.
Suing the landlord: You can sue in small claims court for the deposit plus 2x the deposit in damages. The judge may award you damages if the landlord retained your deposit in bad faith.
Rental Unit Sold: Both owners can be responsible for returning your deposit when you move. The previous owner can give the new owner your deposit and send you a letter telling you the name, address, and phone number of the new owner and how much money was transferred. Then the new owner has to return your deposit. Otherwise you should request that the previous owner return it. Typically, upon transfer of ownership, the lawyers should settle the Security Deposit accounts."
-taken from RentLaw.com
"In California, a security deposit for residential property unfurnished, the security deposit may equal 2 times the rent. If furnished, the landlord may charge up to 3 times the rent.
In California, there is no such thing as a “non-refundable” security deposit. No matter what it’s called—a key deposit, cleaning fee, move-in fee, closing costs, last month’s rent, etc.—all money you pay in addition to your first month’s rent is refundable. Since “nonrefundable” deposits are illegal, don’t worry if your rental agreement includes a section about a “nonrefundable” deposit. This section will not be valid even if you have signed the rental contract or agreed to it.
There is no restriction on the amount of the security deposit for the rental of a commercial property.
The Return of the Deposit: If a tenant damages the property, the landlord can deduct the cost of fixing it from the security deposit. But if the tenant returns the rental in substantially the same condition in which it was rented (less reasonable wear and tear), the landlord must return the deposit. A landlord can't make tenants pay for painting, new carpets or curtains, unless there was serious damage. The landlord is allowed to deduct the cost of cleaning if necessary to put the unit back to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the time the property was leased (less reasonable wear and tear).
Within 2 weeks of the tenant's move-out date, the landlord must advise the tenant, in writing, of the right to be present at a walk-through with the landlord. The purpose of the inspection is to allow the tenant an opportunity to repair damage pointed out by the landlord.
How much time does a California Landlord have to return the deposit? After you move out, a landlord has 3 weeks to return the security deposit or send a list of how much each of the damages cost including all receipts. A landlord can only charge a tenant for unpaid rent and for fixing damage, not normal wear. The landlord has to prove that the repairs are necessary and reasonable and must provide you with receipts for those repairs.
What if I don't get my deposit back after 3 weeks?
Write a letter to your landlord if you feel too much was retained from your security deposit and explain why you believe you are entitled to a larger refund.
Note: If you also paid "last month's rent," It must be used for the last month's rent.
Notify the Landlord If you pay rent once a month, you have to give your landlord 30 days' notice in writing. If you don't, the landlord can charge you for the unpaid rent. Unless a new tenant pays the rent, you'll have to pay for those 30 days. If you pay rent every week, you have to give 7 days' notice.
Protecting Your Deposit When Moving In
Get an itemized receipt for your deposit. This receipt will identify each charge ( for example, pet deposit, last month’s rent, cleaning fees, etc.).
When moving in, take careful inventory of the condition of the place. Record any existing damage and check all appliances to make sure they work properly. Ask the landlord to sign and date the inventory and be sure to keep a copy (if they won’t sign, send a copy to them and mail one to yourself—which you save unopened). Pictures or videos of the existing condition of the apartment can also be helpful later.
Suing the landlord: You can sue in small claims court for the deposit plus 2x the deposit in damages. The judge may award you damages if the landlord retained your deposit in bad faith.
Rental Unit Sold: Both owners can be responsible for returning your deposit when you move. The previous owner can give the new owner your deposit and send you a letter telling you the name, address, and phone number of the new owner and how much money was transferred. Then the new owner has to return your deposit. Otherwise you should request that the previous owner return it. Typically, upon transfer of ownership, the lawyers should settle the Security Deposit accounts."
-taken from RentLaw.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Moving
Green Moves From North America Transfer
by William Hewitt
Mapping out your move is the most important part of any move. North America Transfer is here to give you a few tips and to inform you that you can be green while moving. They can take care of all your needs and wants when it comes to moving green. They handle every step of your move from start to finish.
There are a few items calculated in the cost of your move, such as the size of the move and the distance based on point of origin and destination. North America Transfer offers services like packing and unpacking, storage and the transport of your vehicles.
North America Transfer incorporates the "green move" in their moving ventures. They recycle all their materials and donate to the make a wish foundation. You too can contribute to this "green move".
Any "green move" participant who tackles the task of moving knows there are few other activities that force you to come face to face with all your stuff. It can be an inopportune time to consider it all, too, since you're busy with packing and organizing, deciding what goes and what stays, and it can be easy to just start pitching it instead of recycling, donating, composting or otherwise relieving yourself of stuff without sending it to the landfill.
One way to solve this is to not keep as many items. This is good philosophy. However, by the time you pack the boxes it is too late for that. What does a good "green move" person do when moving to not just dump everything in the trash?
One way it to give yourself enough time for the move, hoard your own bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, padded envelopes and other materials rather than buying new materials. Plan what items need to be disposed of or hire someone who is very professional so you will not have as many trips to make.
North America Transfer will provide everything you need for your move. So you will not have to dumpster dive, borrow dusty old boxes, look around at work or drive around town for banana boxes to pack your belongings. You won't have to mess with fussy tape, crush your property in the move and break down all those new and used cardboard boxes when you are moving your residence, office or small business. Keep in mind, North America Transfer will pack and unpack your things. All you have to do is make arrangements for the services.
About the Author:
by William Hewitt
Mapping out your move is the most important part of any move. North America Transfer is here to give you a few tips and to inform you that you can be green while moving. They can take care of all your needs and wants when it comes to moving green. They handle every step of your move from start to finish.
There are a few items calculated in the cost of your move, such as the size of the move and the distance based on point of origin and destination. North America Transfer offers services like packing and unpacking, storage and the transport of your vehicles.
North America Transfer incorporates the "green move" in their moving ventures. They recycle all their materials and donate to the make a wish foundation. You too can contribute to this "green move".
Any "green move" participant who tackles the task of moving knows there are few other activities that force you to come face to face with all your stuff. It can be an inopportune time to consider it all, too, since you're busy with packing and organizing, deciding what goes and what stays, and it can be easy to just start pitching it instead of recycling, donating, composting or otherwise relieving yourself of stuff without sending it to the landfill.
One way to solve this is to not keep as many items. This is good philosophy. However, by the time you pack the boxes it is too late for that. What does a good "green move" person do when moving to not just dump everything in the trash?
One way it to give yourself enough time for the move, hoard your own bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, padded envelopes and other materials rather than buying new materials. Plan what items need to be disposed of or hire someone who is very professional so you will not have as many trips to make.
North America Transfer will provide everything you need for your move. So you will not have to dumpster dive, borrow dusty old boxes, look around at work or drive around town for banana boxes to pack your belongings. You won't have to mess with fussy tape, crush your property in the move and break down all those new and used cardboard boxes when you are moving your residence, office or small business. Keep in mind, North America Transfer will pack and unpack your things. All you have to do is make arrangements for the services.
About the Author:
For additional information or queries about "green moves" please forward any correspondence to the North America Transfer Group to info@northamericatransfer.com
Renting With a Roommate
By Tiffany Pineda
You want your own place, but you don't necessarily want to live alone. Sound familiar? If this is you, have no fear, you are not alone. Many people want to have a place to call their own, but they do not want to live in a house or apartment completely alone. Some people are just social by nature and want someone around who they can talk to, and some people are simply afraid of the bumps in the night and they want to know someone else is home with them. Whatever the case may be, a great option is to find a roommate.
There are many pros to having a roommate: someone to split the rent with, someone to split the chores with, someone to keep you company, someone to collect the mail when you go out of town, someone to take your phone messages, etc. However, there are also cons to having a roommate: less privacy, having to share common areas, having to clean up after someone else, etc.
Most importantly, if you are about to rent a house or an apartment with a roommate, make sure you will be able to afford the monthly rent on your own, in case your roommate decides to bail. Perhaps your roommate is your best friend and you know he/she would never do that to you...well, be wise...what if he/she decides to marry the person they have been dating or needs to relocate due to their job? The point is, anything can happen and you need to be prepared. If you know you will not be able to afford the rent on your own if you lose your roommate, make sure you have a few "back-up roommates" lined up just in case.
If you and your roommate are ready to start searching for the house, condo, or apartment of your dreams, one that you can both SHARE, start your search at
RentalAccess247.com
The service is completely FREE.
You know what you want....now, go get it!
Happy house hunting!
You want your own place, but you don't necessarily want to live alone. Sound familiar? If this is you, have no fear, you are not alone. Many people want to have a place to call their own, but they do not want to live in a house or apartment completely alone. Some people are just social by nature and want someone around who they can talk to, and some people are simply afraid of the bumps in the night and they want to know someone else is home with them. Whatever the case may be, a great option is to find a roommate.
There are many pros to having a roommate: someone to split the rent with, someone to split the chores with, someone to keep you company, someone to collect the mail when you go out of town, someone to take your phone messages, etc. However, there are also cons to having a roommate: less privacy, having to share common areas, having to clean up after someone else, etc.
Most importantly, if you are about to rent a house or an apartment with a roommate, make sure you will be able to afford the monthly rent on your own, in case your roommate decides to bail. Perhaps your roommate is your best friend and you know he/she would never do that to you...well, be wise...what if he/she decides to marry the person they have been dating or needs to relocate due to their job? The point is, anything can happen and you need to be prepared. If you know you will not be able to afford the rent on your own if you lose your roommate, make sure you have a few "back-up roommates" lined up just in case.
If you and your roommate are ready to start searching for the house, condo, or apartment of your dreams, one that you can both SHARE, start your search at
RentalAccess247.com
The service is completely FREE.
You know what you want....now, go get it!
Happy house hunting!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Three things to consider when renting a home
By Tiffany Pineda
The choice to move to a new residence does not come easy for most of us. There are many things to consider when choosing a new place to live. People may say, "Well, since I am only renting, I don't have to worry about the things that home buyers need to consider," WRONG! Your home is your home, whether you are renting or buying, you and your family LIVE there. You want to be happy with the home you live in, period. Here are the top three things to make sure you keep in mind when searching for your next rental home:
1. Location
Do you want to live close to work? Do you want to live close to your child's school? Do you want to live in a busy city or a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, or somewhere in between? The location of you new home is a very important thing to consider. If you do not own a car, you may want to live close to a bus stop, or close enough to grocery stores, malls, etc. so you can walk or ride your bike. We all want to "be green," don't we? You also want to check the crime rate in the city where you want to live. You may not own the house, but you do own the property inside the house. You want to be sure to live in a safe neighborhood where your house will not be broken into.
2. Size of the home
How big is your family? Are you single, living by yourself, or do you have a spouse and three kids? You want to make sure everyone in your family will be comfortable living in the home you choose. Is there enough closet space for everyone's clothes? Is there enough storage space? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate everyone's needs? If you are going to have over-night guests frequently, you may want to consider renting a house with an extra bedroom to be designated only as a guest room. Do you work from home? You may need a room or area that can be designated as an office. When searching for your next home, think about all the furniture you have in your current home. You need to be sure that all your furniture will fit in the new home, or you may have to part with some of your favorite things.
3. Monthly rent
Ideally, you should make a gross income of three times the monthly rent you will be required to pay. If you want to rent a home for $1,000.00 per month, you should gross $3,000.00 per month. You also need to know if utilities will be included in the monthly rent amount, or if you will need to pay those separately. You want to be able to pay your monthly rent and still have money to buy food and enjoy life a little. Don't rent a home that will "max you out" every month, leaving you with no funds left to travel, eat out, or see a movie (unless you love your new home so much that you want to be trapped inside it everyday).
Once these three major components have been considered, and decided on, you are well on your way to finding your new home. One more thing to consider would be if the home is Pet Friendly, if that applies to your situation.
Now that you have decided on the location, size, and monthly rent of your new rental home, start your free search at www.rentalaccess247.com
You can search by city, square footage and number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and by monthly rent amount. You can also choose Pet Friendly homes.
Choose a few homes you like, that fit your criteria well, and submit a request to see the property. A Leasing Agent will contact you via phone and/or email, schedule a show date/time that is convienient for you and your family, and show you the home(s), ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE.
What are you waiting for? You know what you want...go out and get it!
Happy house hunting!
The choice to move to a new residence does not come easy for most of us. There are many things to consider when choosing a new place to live. People may say, "Well, since I am only renting, I don't have to worry about the things that home buyers need to consider," WRONG! Your home is your home, whether you are renting or buying, you and your family LIVE there. You want to be happy with the home you live in, period. Here are the top three things to make sure you keep in mind when searching for your next rental home:
1. Location
Do you want to live close to work? Do you want to live close to your child's school? Do you want to live in a busy city or a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, or somewhere in between? The location of you new home is a very important thing to consider. If you do not own a car, you may want to live close to a bus stop, or close enough to grocery stores, malls, etc. so you can walk or ride your bike. We all want to "be green," don't we? You also want to check the crime rate in the city where you want to live. You may not own the house, but you do own the property inside the house. You want to be sure to live in a safe neighborhood where your house will not be broken into.
2. Size of the home
How big is your family? Are you single, living by yourself, or do you have a spouse and three kids? You want to make sure everyone in your family will be comfortable living in the home you choose. Is there enough closet space for everyone's clothes? Is there enough storage space? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate everyone's needs? If you are going to have over-night guests frequently, you may want to consider renting a house with an extra bedroom to be designated only as a guest room. Do you work from home? You may need a room or area that can be designated as an office. When searching for your next home, think about all the furniture you have in your current home. You need to be sure that all your furniture will fit in the new home, or you may have to part with some of your favorite things.
3. Monthly rent
Ideally, you should make a gross income of three times the monthly rent you will be required to pay. If you want to rent a home for $1,000.00 per month, you should gross $3,000.00 per month. You also need to know if utilities will be included in the monthly rent amount, or if you will need to pay those separately. You want to be able to pay your monthly rent and still have money to buy food and enjoy life a little. Don't rent a home that will "max you out" every month, leaving you with no funds left to travel, eat out, or see a movie (unless you love your new home so much that you want to be trapped inside it everyday).
Once these three major components have been considered, and decided on, you are well on your way to finding your new home. One more thing to consider would be if the home is Pet Friendly, if that applies to your situation.
Now that you have decided on the location, size, and monthly rent of your new rental home, start your free search at www.rentalaccess247.com
You can search by city, square footage and number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and by monthly rent amount. You can also choose Pet Friendly homes.
Choose a few homes you like, that fit your criteria well, and submit a request to see the property. A Leasing Agent will contact you via phone and/or email, schedule a show date/time that is convienient for you and your family, and show you the home(s), ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE.
What are you waiting for? You know what you want...go out and get it!
Happy house hunting!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
