Apartment Hunting Articles and Advice - Rent Jungle

Summer Heat? No Problem. Grab a New AC!

Rent Jungle — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:24:25 +0000

Although we all love the warmth and sunlight summer brings, we are less enthusiastic about the temperature change in our homes. If you live in a climate where the weather can become hot enough to make you uncomfortable or even harm you, you really should consider grabbing an A.C. unit. Even if you already have an A.C. , it may be time to grab a more efficient, energy saving model to help beat the heat without cutting a hole in your pocket.

The hiss of summer lawns. It is that time again, and I have a friend who wants an air conditioner and asked my advice. Although they are horrible things, in New York City you tend to need one in order to sleep well at night, and so I try to fit them in as innocuously as possible. Since she has two really nice windows in the room in question, my first bid was for a portable AC that would only require a white hose to run out the bottom of one of the windows. My research discovered that portables tend to be expensive and dont have the same cooling ability as a window unit, and so I have backed away from that solution. I had a DeLonghi Penguino years ago that worked perfectly well in my small apartment, but it did require some work and only cooled one room. I decided, therefore on the window unit, and this is what I found:
How does it work?
Go to www.howstuffworks.com
What to look for?
A good energy star rating!
What is good site for reviews and research?
www.consumerreports.org
www.epinions.com
www.consumersearch.com
www.aceee.org
www.dulley.com
www.manhattanusersguide.com
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Apartment Lease Negotiation: A How To

Rent Jungle — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:08:58 +0000

Signing a lease can be challenge and daunting task, especially if it's for your first apartment. But even seasoned apartment hunters should take a few moments to make sure they are getting the most out of the deal in as straight-forward a manner as possible.

Be confident. Landlords respect potential renters who are confident and knowledgeable. You will receive favorable treatment.
A little charm and friendliness goes a long way. Have you ever worked at a job and a customer took an interest in you as a person, which resulted in you dropping your guard and going the extra mile to help him/her? Open up the conversation with a question such as "How is your day?" or another question that leads to "breaking the ice."
Ask many questions to become familiar with the rental agreement. Helpful negotiating questions/points are: "How long has the unit been vacant?" "Are the neighbors friendly?" "Have previous tenants smoked in the unit?" "Do other tenants have pets?" "What is the typical noise level in the building/neighborhood?"
Get all the details up front. Ask for details in writing regarding the security deposit, maintenance, pet policy, rent due date, and lease term.
Let the landlord know that you have other apartments/leases that you are considering. If you are a good potential tenant, they will want to win your business.
Be upfront and honest with all concerns. Having open communication from the beginning helps develop a solid landlord-tenant relationship. A tenant's honestly makes the tenant more attractive to a landlord and thus they are more willing to negotiate.

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Apartments From Your Favorite Shows

Rent Jungle — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:43:32 +0000

Have you ever noticed how television show characters always seem to have incredible apartments, even if there is a running joke about their poverty? Well thanks to Deviant artNikneuk's passion to realize the apartments of the stars, we can take a look into thefloor plansof the greatest characters over the last two decades!

Check outNikneuk's Deviantart page for more awesome apartment plans!

Top 3 Things to Look for in a New Apartment

Rent Jungle — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:23:28 +0000

It's almost time for the busy apartment hunt season, are you prepared to make the move? If you are moving on to a new place, make sure you have all you need to make the right decision. Here are the top 3 things to look for in a new apartment.

3. Location
How long will your commute be? How close are schools ? Is it a safe neighborhood? What is the walk score?

2. Space
Can you be comfortable in this space? It may not need to be enough depending on your taste, but can you see yourself here in a year's time? Can you have friends and family over comfortably?

1. Privacy
How thick are the walls? How close are the neighbors? Basically, do you feel comfortable with how well the house screens you from the outside world?

Bonus: Responsive Management
You may need to do a little digging for this one, but try to assess the responsiveness of the landlord/management of the building. Will they respond quickly to issues? Are there current problems with the apartment that they have not addressed?

3 DIY Home Improvement Projects

Rent Jungle — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:53:50 +0000

Whether you're apartment needs a little bit of love, or you just like using your hands, sometimes the best medicine is a little elbow grease and creativity. Here are three great ways to add interesting changes to your home.

3. Creative Painting

Who ever said wall paint had to be a single, boring color? Why not paint simple designs such as chevrons, circles, or other shapes to bring out the color in the room?

2. Plants and Ladders

Have you got an old ladder in the attic or shed? I bet your neighbor does. One way to spruce up the bathroom, hallways, or living rooms is to hang up one of these ladders with some fresh foliage to give it a little life. Instant rustic appeal.

1. Reusing Found Furniture

Much like the ladder idea, you can fix and polish up found furniture to give your home some zest. Although this one might take a few trips to the homeimprovementstore, as well as a few hours of work, the results can be spectacular.

Holiday Decorating Time!

Rent Jungle — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:55:43 +0000

It's that time of year again to spruce up the apartment with holiday cheer! But while a tree and wreath might be on the forefront of your mind, why not consider adding a few lesser celebrated decorations, and make your home glow with festive originality!

5. Creative Candles

Want to get a warm feeling in your home? Turn off the lights and light a few creatively position candles for instantcoziness.

4.Pine Cones

Need a little extra something to add on the table? Pine cones are now your best friend.

3. Holiday in a Bottle

Grab a toy pine tree, frost it, and place it in a bottle for an interesting homemade snow globe!

2. DIY Calendar

Make your own advent calendar by arranging holiday colored envelopes on your wall in any creative fashion you desire!

1. Pick a Theme, and Go Wild

The best way to decorate your home is to find the things you love and blend them together to make your home stand out!

A Frugal Sanctuary: Bedroom Designing on a Budget

Rent Jungle — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:21:57 +0000

Many people think of their bedroom as a safe haven to come home to after stressful work days or busy afternoons looking after the kids. Having a comfortable spot to tuck in at night and relax at other times can create a well-deserved break. The perfect bedroom can be a quiet corner to gather our thoughts and be alone if needed.

Some people look at pictures of decorated bedrooms in magazines and become envious. They think it's impossible to recreate the look without excessive amounts of money. However, there are ways to change a bedroom from drab to beautiful with limited funds. The key is looking beyond the exterior of the object and imagining what it could be.

Here are a few simple ways to create a great bedroom look on a budget:

The Floor

Instead of putting carpet on the floor, throw rugs are less expensive and allow the natural beauty of the floor to be noticed. Throw rugs are reasonably priced at many department stores. A variety of choices in color, shape and size are usually easy to find. Some find that using the same color on the rug as they would on the wall works best, but many use a plethora of color.

The Bedding

Beautiful bedding is available in major department stores and is on sale at various times throughout the year. Duvet covers, for example, are extremely elegant and can be had for a steal if you wait for the right time. They'll add that extra touch of luxury to your bedroom without raiding your piggy bank. Throw in some decorative pillows and a dust ruffle to make the bed look extra beautiful.

The Walls

Painting the walls is probably the most cost-effective way to brighten up a bedroom. Blue and green colors have a reputation for being very soothing and relaxing. To dress up the paint job a bit more, install crown molding, a simple project that is cost effective when done yourself. Stenciling will also dress up a paint job. Mirrors, pictures and artwork can be found cheap at flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, online auctions and in the newspaper ads.

The Windows

Decorating the area around the windows can be achieved in variety of ways. Some people like the simple look of a shade or blind with a topper and some prefer a full set of drapes. Shades, blinds, toppers, drapes or any other type of window decorations are reasonably priced at department stores. Remember, it is only hanging up on the window, so do not pay too much for it. If the bedding and the curtains are purchased at the same place, matching sets may be available.

The Lighting

Lamps in the bedroom offer a more subdued lighting than overhead lights. There is seldom any harshness with floor or table lamps, and they create a more-relaxed atmosphere. Garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, online auctions and newspaper ads can turn up a variety of vintage or trendy lamps. Some lamps may just need a new shade to look desirable. Cords should be checked for safety before using the new lamp. If a repair is needed and it doesnt look too costly, go for it. Sometimes you may even be able to do it yourself.

The bedroom is a sanctuary away from the world. Get your desired look with a little touch-up here and there on found items. A splash of color or a coat of shellac will make an amazing difference.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Decoration Tips

Rent Jungle — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:11:44 +0000

Turkey day is tomorrow, have you had a chance to deck out your place? It's not too late to get your apartment together for the family/friends! Here's some last minute decoration tips:

1. Flowers and Living Things Go out to the store and grab some fresh flowers. If you have a little extra time, head to a market for some gourds! Place these around the house strategically. Simple and worthwhile!

2. Napkins Folding napkins can be that nice little touch that helps turn a meal into a feast. quickly learn how to fold whatever napkins you have in about 3 minutes!

3. Homemade Centerpiece Find your particular flavor and run with it. Your centerpiece does not have to be crazy elaborate, just somewhat festive and bright! Use autumn colors, candles, and gourds and you can't go wrong!

The Most Expensive Places To Live

Rent Jungle — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:15:13 +0000

Interested in a luxury apartment? Have $100 million lying around? Perfect, we have just the place for you! Check out New York City's most expensive apartment. Yikes. Great view, but I might rather buy a fleet of apartment buildings instead!

Check out the video here.

3 Winter Survival Tips For Your Apartment

Rent Jungle — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:47:29 +0000

1. Keep it Cozy
Staying warm in the winter doesn't mean spending lots of money on heat. Blankets, cozy hoodies, and slippers go a long way. You can also regulate the heat for when you are actually home to save money and keep you comfortable. You might want to get your hands on a Nest. And don't forget to reverse your ceiling fans!

2. Use Warm Fabrics, Soft Lighting
With winter coming, it's time to pull out the flannel, fleece, fur and fuzzy fabrics. Dark, earthy tones will be your friends, as will lamps with low lighting. Thesefabricscan be worn, used on furniture, over windows, and under your feet.

3. Make Awesome, Winter Foods
Nothing is better in the winter than a large bowl of soup, a cup of tea, and getting cozy in front of a fireplace. Chicken pot pies, hearty stews, tea, and other such foods will make you forget the temperature outside, and help you focus on the warmth inside.

Halloween Do's and Don'ts

Rent Jungle — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:20:07 +0000

With Halloween here, it is important to have as much fun as possible! If course we all love candy, costumes, and those scary things we loved as children, but as adults we also want to stay somewhat "classy" in our holidayendeavors. Here are a few tips to keep the apartment Halloween kosher.

Do: Decorate

A little decoration goes a long way, and even the slightest effort shows your neighbors how awesome you are!

Don't: Over Decorate

Unless you're really, really bad at decorating...

Do: Be Original

You don't have to buy your costume to turn some heads. Just take a few moments to think about what you're inner party-goer would wear and make it so!

Don't: Be "That Guy" Who Doesn't Try

Ugh, dont be that guy...

Do: Have Fun

Party on, Garth! Party on, Wayne!

Don't: Be A Party Pooper

Too cool to hang out on Halloween? That's cool, there's always Arbor day...

Tenant Rights and Safety

Rent Jungle — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:40:42 +0000

A lot of people want to know what rights tenants have, how they can use them, and when it is appropriate to do so. This is specifically important when safety is involved, and it is important for tenants to know just how safe they are in their apartment. FireWaterMold up in Seattle came up with a quick reference guide to check out to make sure your apartment living will keep you happy and healthy. Take a look.

A Quick Furniture Guide

Rent Jungle — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:14:10 +0000

This weekend I wanted to spend some time redecorating the ol' apartment, and I eventually found myself at a community art fair. As I meandered through endless rows of pottery, glass works, paintings, clothing and woodwork, I found booth that stood out. Among the painting frames and homemade objects stood a table made of a door from an old looking door. It was sturdy and even had those old styled nails with square heads. I offered $50 for it and now have an incredible coffee table and conversation piece in my living room. Moral of the story: apartment furniture doesn't have to be expensive to be awesome.

Here are some other great places to find new furniture to fill out your pad:

1. Garage sales
I know what you're thinking, but you can find some serious gems at garage sales. Plus you might find an old NES or that vintage record you need to complete your collection.

2. Craigslist
Craigslist can be a gamble, but again you can find some amazing items for a fraction of their reglar price. I recommend searching for well known brands while on Craigslist to ensure you know what you're buying .

3. Local furniture stores
There is a great little furniture shop in my neighborhood that has unique items for a very reasonable price. Unlike a traditional furniture store that has a guaranteed number of specific items, these local stores often rotate depending on which items they just happen to have procured that week. This is also a great way to support the local community while simultaneously finding interesting furniture for the apartment.

4. Thrift stores
The beauty of thrift stores is all in the system. If you are afraid of using Craigslist or of perusing garage sales due to the possibility of getting "unreliable" furniture, try a thrift store. They check everything they sell to make sure it is clean, functional, and safe.

5. The internet
If you have a specific piece of furniture in mind, use the internet to find the best price. Google around until for a few weeks until the best opportunity becomes available. Don't rush it, but take your time and wait for the best price. Sometimes a huge furniture warehouse will have a sale and drop the price by half, and they even ship!

To Theme or Not to Theme

Rent Jungle — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:56:23 +0000

Some people love the idea of having a single theme running throughout their apartment, either showing off a favorite hobby or television show, or just something important to the resident. Let's take a look at some of the more thorough designers out there to see how this idea works in the real world.

1. The "Oh My, You Like Football..." Theme

Is there a way to tell your family and friends you appreciate your local football team better than decking out one of your rooms in an epileptic's nightmare of team colors and logos? If so, I can't think of it.

2. The Incredible Trekkie Theme

I'm all for sporting your love for arguably the best sci-fi television franchise to date, but even most trekkies have their limits. How are your guest supposed to figure out the holodeck with such a foreign interface? Also, I imagine the replicator doesn't really function....

3. The Steam Punk Paradise

Nothing like taking weekly tetanus shots for the sake of art in the apartment. This design might confuse your friends into thinking you're a themed restaurant, but I bet they'll never get bored of coming over.

4. O Captain! My Captain!

Do you think this designer sleeps in a flight suit?

5. Red and White

One color away from being a patriot's dream home. The color theme makes a lot of sense given it can be a lot easier to add/subtract furniture, but it still must be incredible limiting. So theme on, but know that your friends might think you're weird and you might have a lot of trouble keeping up with the design. You also might get bored of looking at the same colors/design. Then again, your apartment could be the best thing in your life.

Apartment Safety Tips

Rent Jungle — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:37:48 +0000

Sometimes you hear about a friend, relative, or neighbor who has been victimized by theft, and it makes you want to reevaluate your own safety situation. You can never be to careful when it comes to making your home a safe place, so here are some tips to help keep your apartment safe and happy.

1. Always Lock Up
Whether you are just stepping out to give the dog a walk, or coming home to go to bed, lock the door. It's best if you have a chain lock in addition to your deadbolt, but if not try to attach some sort of second latch. Also fasten the windows in place.

2. Keep a Light On
A lot of people keep a small light on in the kitchen for two reasons. First, it works as a deterrent to any roaming thieves looking for an easy apartment to get into. Second, when you wake up at 2 A.M. looking for a cold cup of water, you won't stub your toe on the kitchen table.

3. Know Your Neighbors and Neighborhood
Sometimes the best theft deterrent is the people living around you. If you get to know your neighbors, they might help keep an eye on your place while you're out. Since they know who lives with you, anyone entering or exiting the house that they haven't met will be a red flag. Just be sure to let them know about any house-sitters before you go on vacation!

4. Make Sure Common Areas Are Well Lit
If you live in an apartment complex, make sure management keeps common areas bright. This includes the mail area, laundry rooms, foyers, and parking garages. If you live in a rental house, try to keep the front of the building well lit as well.

How To Change What Your Pad Says About You

Rent Jungle — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:07:46 +0000

Whether you like it or not, you are what surrounds you. Your apartment can tell people a lot about you, and if you are planning on bringing dates or friends home, you might want to consider what image you are putting across. Here are five ways to help change your apartment and, in the long run, alter the reputation you earn through what's in your home.

5. Tidy? Untidy? Or Filthy?
Go check your bathroom right now, I'll wait. Are there any spent toilette paper rolls lying around? How about giant soap stains in the sink? Hair-clogged drains? Overflowing trash? A cluttered mess of cleaning supplies on every surface? This will tell your guests one thing: run! A little bit of a disheveled bathroom tells your guests you are human, but an insanely messy one will tell them you're unhygienic. Keep it clean.

4. Hoarder vs Purger
The only thing worse than having nothing in an apartment is having too much . If your guests can barely walk through your apartment due to the amount of junk you have, they will get the impression that you need psychiatric help. If there is nothing in the apartment at all, they'll think you never learned how to live on your own and are in serious need of help. This is not to say that living a minimalist lifestyle, but rather that you need to have all the things necessary to survive, not less.

3. Pictures of Family
Showcasing pictures of family and friends lets your guests know you can keep good and consistent relationships, and that you have a stable backup system. It also says that you are responsible enough to keep up with relationships, and shows your value of people in your inner-circle.

2. Books and Art
Some people find a lack of a bookcase a red flag. Others see a lack of art a sign that you are uncultured. The contents of your bookcase will let your guests know what you're into, and the art style speaks to what you find interesting and beautiful. Take some time to develop both!

1. Age Appropriate Decor
If you are 22 and have every video game system ever made in your living room, you will be a hero. If you are 45 and have the same, your guests might think you never grew up. There's nothing wrong with having a a consistent hobby, but you must also realize that people might get the impression that you have too much time on your hands. The opposite goes for a 22 year old with middle-aged apartment decor: guest might wonder if you've ever let loose enough to have fun.

No matter how you look at it, your guests will judge you based on the content of your apartment. Take some time to make your apartment yours, and know that a little effort goes a long way. The most important thing is to be true to yourself, and try to give a fair image of who you are, and what you value.

How To Throw A Moving Party

Rent Jungle — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 08:46:32 +0000

Welcome to moving season 2012! If you're planning a move this fall, do it in style and comfort by following these proven tips.

1. Make a Plan
Before you move, figure out all the logistic and purchase all the items you'll need during the move. Get boxes, tape, bags, scissors, markers, keys, and double check on your moving truck. This will help make the move as seamless as possible.

2. Call In Help
Call in some favors from friends. Remind people of how great it was when you moved them in, and how they can recreate that memory. Tell them there will be free drinks, pizza, and awesome people.

3. Execute Flawlessly
There's nothing worse than when you go to help someone move into a new apartment and there is nothing but chaos running the show. To avoid this, clearly mark your boxes with their contents and the location . Be on top today, and know where all your stuff is going.

4. Party On
You probably just saved a few hundred dollars by using friends in lieu of movers, so toss a few bucks to a decent meal for your friends. Order pizza or start up the bbq: everyone who has helped deserves a big meal.

What's The Deal With Renters Insurance?

Rent Jungle — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:09:14 +0000

Renters insurance is exactly what it sounds like: insurance a tenant can have to cover the costs of broken, stolen, or damaged items in the apartment. But is it for you? Do you really need it? Let's take a look at 5 convincing facts about renters insurance that are hard to ignore.

1. Renters Insurance Protects Valuables Depending on the type of renters insurance you get, your household items can be covered in case of accidents or theft. Someone brings over a MacBook Pro and you step on it? Not a problem. Drop your tv down a flight of stairs? Don't worry about it!

2. It's Cheap. Really Cheap
Most renters insurance policies are around $10 a month, but of course you get out what you pay in. A higher cost tends to lead to better coverage, but the basic packages are generally pretty low.

3. It Protects Things You Take Out Of The Apartment
If you take your laptop to work, school, or a coffee shop, it can still be covered by your renters insurance. That's a lot better than extending the warranty on your two year old HP, and it still has all the other benefits attached as well.

4. It May Help You Relocate
Depending on your coverage, renters insurance can help you relocate to another apartment if yours happens to become unlivable. So instead of a fire leaving you out on the streets, your provider may be able to help set you up with a new pad, and even help pay for it over the next year. Not to shabby.

5. It Might Help You Relax
Think about it, if you are uninsured and the victim of theft, you simply lose your valuables. If you are insured you can easily replace them. The peace of mind is worth it alone, in my opinion.

Tips To A Better Apartment

Rent Jungle — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:08:15 +0000

Tips to a Better Apartment
We all want to be that guy who has the most interesting apartment around, who always throws the best parties, and has the perfect furniture for every occasion. Basically, we all want something like this:
nice

After looking the price tag, a lot of time it turns out to look like this:

It's maybe not the best way to impress your SO, but it's functional, right? Wrong. A good apartment is a place you can proudly call home. A proud home is one you can invite people over to without going into panic attacks about the stains, clothes, and lack of furniture throughout the house.

The good news is that you can make your place great without having to throw away all your money.Here are some tips on how to get there.

1. Less is More
The only thing worse than an apartment with too little furniture is one with too much. If you're on a tight budget, err on the side of having less. Most people over look the rug, but it can do a lot to bring the room together, especially if you are going for fewer items.

2. Be A Crafty Consumer
You don't need to buy everything at once, you have at least a year to fill out the apartment. Find the furniture you want and Google them until you find them at a better price. Buy the items one at a time, and try to make the colors match as much as possible.

3. Don't Be Above the Bargain Bin
If you see a couch on craigslist that would be perfect for the apartment, go check it out. Sure there are dangers involved with this type of purchase, but there's no sales tax, the prices are way better, and you might find that you can fill your apartment much quicker and better than through traditional purchases.

Good luck and happy hunting!

The Scariest Apartments Ever

Rent Jungle — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:47:58 +0000

There's nothing like starting off the week with a little bit of apartment-horror to add some perspective to your life. Take a look at our top five scary apartments/apartment features ever!

1. Bathroom of Terror
Yikes. And yes, that is a real mine shaft extending down into the abyss.

2. Anywhere Here
Luckily this mess of apartments has been "removed," but it still haunts me. I've heard there was only one bathroom down there...

walled city

3. Every Apartment Storage Area
These plywood nightmares always give me the creeps. Who knows what they'll find among these cluttered cages of neglect. My money is they'll find at least one Blair Witch.

4. Every Rental Home Basement
This basement comes into play in every horror movie shortly after the protagonist says "split up, we'll cover more ground!" and the teenage couple leaves to make whoopi in the backseat of a car.

5. Hoarders Delight You've seen the TV show, now see the reality: hoarders are everywhere, and they could be in the house right now! I guess this renter is going to have one heck of a moving party...

5 Ways to Cut Down The Electricity Bill

Rent Jungle — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:47:58 +0000

Summer is in full force, and many renters are seeing the damage on their electricity bills. Being slightly warm is one thing, but when the sun is beating down on your apartment or rental home all day you can't help but turn on the A.C. to keep cool. Instead of watching the bills increase month after month, take off some heat by following some easy to do tips:

5.Open Windows At Night
This only works if you live in anenvironmentwhere it stays cool at night, but you would be surprised at how many people don't do this even when it drops down to 60 degrees. Any amount of time the A.C. isn't running, that's more money in your pockets!

4. Turn Stuff Off

When you leave the house turn off all the lights, your laptop, fans, TVs, and anything else electrical. Computers are the worst because they heat up the house while sucking power.

3. Manage The A.C. Better
If you're not home, keep the air conditioner off. Some units let you program it to turn on a few minutes before you get home. If that is not an option, just remember to keep it off as long as possible. This means turning it off at night when it cools off, turning it off when you leave the house for extended periods of time, and generally only using it when necessary.

2. Fans. Use Them.
Ceiling fans, table fans, hat fans- whatever you've got, use it. Fans not only circulate the air, but they make miserably hot rooms feel surprisingly cool. You may find that you don't need your A.C. on half the time if you have a fan directly blowing on you. Also, use a fan at night instead of the A.C.. It works.

1. Curtains Rock
Buy light-blocking curtains and window shades for every window. The good ones will reflect the sunlight back out, and even the worst ones will keep the sun from directly heating your apartment. A lot of these curtains will even help keep your apartment warm in the winter, so it's a good idea to do this early.

Bonus: Paint Your Roof White

How To Read a Lease

Rent Jungle — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:52:56 +0000

It seems obvious to anyone who has had a fight with their landlord that the first thing you rely on in a landlord/renter disagreement is the lease. But many renters barely glance at their lease before signing it, assuming that everything is legitimate and legal. If you are new to renting, there's a few things you need to know about reading a lease that can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

1. Give the lease a full read- Don't skim, don't forget to look up words and phrases you are unfamiliar with, and take notes on anything that sounds weird or off. Ask your landlord about anything you are uncomfortable with before signing.

2. Double-check numbers- If you have agreed to pay x amount per month, makes sure the lease represents that number correctly. This includes the security deposit, how you will get it back, charges for cleaning, etc.

3. Confirm date- Make sure the lease is up to date, and make sure the move in/out dates are correct. Don't sign an outdated lease!

4. Check for legality- You would be surprised to see how many times landlords use phrases like "lessee agrees to wade any and all tenant rights given by the state." This is not legal, and anything along these lines found in the lease should raise a red flag for you.

5. Repairs- What is the policy on repairs? If the sink breaks, how long will it take the landlord to fix it? Will they charge you? This is very important to know before signing the lease.

Anti-Zombie Pads? Why Not

Rent Jungle — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:15:40 +0000

If you've got a few million dollars you're not sure what to do with and you also happen to be a zombiephobe, we have good news. It turns out you're not the only one worried about the safety of their home . These pads were built to be protected from the worstscenariosimaginable, including protecting against aravenouszombie hoard unleashed at theapocalypse. Don't believe us? Take a look.

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3 Best Moving Tips

Rent Jungle — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:26:50 +0000

If you're getting ready to sign a new lease, you may feel that tingle working its way up your spine reminding you of how much of a hassle moving all of your belongings can be. Lugging couches up flights of stairs, boxing and unboxing your kitchen, and even remastering your Ikea skills is enough to exhaust anyone. To lighten the load, try to follow these three easy steps to better your moving experience.

1. Think Small
Thinking small in your move means taking smaller trips, backing smaller boxes, and taking a few extra trips. You will want to try and have at least a weeks worth of wiggle room of your move, and a good plan. Try to move the things you don't need first and work your way up. Don't take the whole house at once.

2. Friends. Oh the friends...
It's time to throw a pizza party. Call your friends, call for a pie, gather some beverages, and have a moving party. You don't need a lot of people to help with the move, just 3-4 extra people can make a 10 hour move into a 3 hour move.

3. Have a Plan
Recently a friend signed a new lease in a different apartment building. While there, he went to his new apartment and, using painters tape, marked where the furniture would go. He also sharpied the boxes clearly. When the move finally came, everyone knew what order to take the furniture in, where to place everything, and the entire move went much quicker.

Is It Time To Move?

Rent Jungle — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:47:24 +0000

Sometimes life gives you direct instructions to move , but sometimes the clues are not so transparent. If you're not careful, you might find yourself in a situation you don't care for, or even one that is detrimental to your ability to follow your dreams. Here are a few tell-tale signs that it might be a good time to start the apartment hunt:

1. Your landlord bumps up rent
If you've been in the same apartment for over a year, your landlord might decide to "bump" up the rent a bit for your next lease. Sometimes this bump is insignificant, sometimes it isunreasonable. If this is a trend for your apartment complex, it might be time to find something more affordable before your rent eclipses your income.

2. Construction
If you start to notice construction happening down the street, across the street, behind the building, or otherwise outside your window, you may want to consider moving out before the noise drives you crazy. A years worth of 6 a.m. wake up drilling, including weekends, and never being able to find a parking spot can be enough to make anyone want to move.

3. Your roommates have taken over
Do you ever find yourself in that awkward situation where you are standing in your living room and briefly forget whose house you are in? Does all the furniture, food, and mess belong to your roommate? Do you hate having to do the dishes before you cook your own meal? It might be time to get out of there.

4. Your landlord just hasn't had the time to fix the stove, the dishwasher, the heat...
Look, if your landlord hasn't fixed anything in the first year, s/he won't do it the second year. Get out and find an apartment that promises better services.

5. Your neighborhood isn't working for you anymore
There is no shame in relocating simply because your neighborhood doesn't suite you anymore. Maybe you have been to every shop, restaurant, and curio stand in the district and want something new; maybe you've outgrown the college neighborhood; maybe the neighborhood has been slipping into detritus over the years. A move might just be the right thing to energize you and help you find more exciting places to visit.

Easy Apartment Gardens

Rent Jungle — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:31:27 +0000

If you are an amateur chef or just love the outdoors, keeping a home garden is for you. Even if you've made a move into an apartment you can still cook with garden fresh herbs and veggies you grow yourself. Here's how.

Step 1: Make Some Space for the Plants

If you have a balcony you're golden. If not, try to find the sunniest windows of your apartment and make some room there. You might also have to find some more creative ways to keep those plants in the sunlight.

Step 2: Pick Easy Plants The easiest plants to grow :

1. Tomatoes- hang them upside down by a window, or grow them on the balcony.

2. Lettuce- grows anywhere, needs little love.

3. Basil- give it sun, and it will explode in your garden.

Step 3: Commit to Gardening

Nothings worse than falling out of a hobby, especially if the object of that hobby is to keep something alive. Some plants might prosper if you ignore them for a month or two, but most will wither, be over taken by weeds, or be eaten by something else. Stick with it!

Not The Best Prank To Pull On A Roommate

Rent Jungle — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:16:29 +0000

So what do you get when you mix a boyfriend, a ski mask, and perfect timing? A fantastic prank. We here are Rent Jungle do not recommend scaring the life out of your significant others, but if you decide to do so, please send us the video. Enjoy!

The Prank

Top 10 Things to Consider With Your Move

Rent Jungle — Tue, 29 May 2012 10:23:36 +0000

Planning on moving into a new apartment? Make sure you have completed your moving checklist, gotten enough friends to help out with the move, and have prepared yourself for a long day of work. Don't forget to bring these top 10 often forgotten items with you on day one.

1. Toilette Paper

2. Paper Towels

3. Cleaning Supplies

4. Food + Drinks

5. Tape

6. Transfer Internet

7. Sharpie

8. Change Address Form

9. Forward Mail Form

10. Renters Insurance

3 Tips Before Starting Your Apartment Hunt

Rent Jungle — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:59:04 +0000

It's just about that time of year where leases start to dry up and new apartment doors open across the country. Since you most likely still have a good amount of time before you sign a new lease, why not take some time to take care of 3 things that will save you from a huge hassle in the future.

1. Settle Roommate Situation

Figure out who you're living with before it's too late. If you wait too long you may end up on Craigslist looking for anyone who can fill the spot . Having a roommate is a good way to keep rent down, and ease the costs of utilities. Choose carefully though, if someone is a little annoying as a friend, they will become increasingly annoying as a roommate.

2. Get Rid of Stuff

Get rid of things. Clean the basement, give the clothes you don't wear away, sell the furniture you don't really want anymore. The less you have to move, the less you have to move. This means when you actually move in, you get to chose the right items for the specific apartment.

3. Plan Ahead

The worst thing to do before your move-out date is procrastinate. A month or two before you leave your place, you need to line up several apartments you would like to live in. A lot of times the good apartments have several applicants, the cheap one's have many as well, and unless you spread out your search you will have a hard time moving into a new place. Pace yourself though, check out 1-2 apartments per week.

When To Start The Search

Rent Jungle — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:29:35 +0000

So when exactly do you start looking for a new apartment? With rentals being crazy popular lately, werecommendstarting your search about2 months before your moving date. A 60 day buffer will give you enough time to find a few options, negotiate your lease, and relax as your current lease ends. If you start your search just a month before, you my find yourself overpaying or in a lease than ideal living situation.

2 Months? Is that too early to start?

I'm glad you asked. Starting 2 months before the move allows you to start with a wide scope of apartments and slowly narrow down your search to what you really want. It also gives you a look at the current market, which will let you know how to gauge rent better. I've found that taking the time to learn what you want and understand how much your ideal rent is takes a little time. If you take your time, you will find yourself in a betterapartment.

Finally, try to line up your search for when the market is ripe. Most apartments become available during summer, so align your search to this as best you can. This may mean starting your search as early as March, but again this is a good thing. Stat your search early and avoid a headache later.

How To Get Rid Of Household Pests In Apartments

Rent Jungle — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:27:52 +0000

"Once pests invadeapartments they can be a real pain to eliminate. We have compiled some helpful tips for controlling and solving your insect problem without using toxic chemicals in your home:

Ants
Block entryways with petroleum jelly or duct tape and sprinkle with cayenne pepper or cinnamon, which interacts with their feelers. Wipe down area with vinegar and water solution. Vinegar removes the scent trails and keeps them from coming back to the same source in apartments. To reduce and kill your ant population in faster way, borax mixed with jelly ruins digestive system and the exoskeleton.

Roaches
Roaches are attracted to water so it is important to not leave stagnant water in the sink, avoid humidity, and wipe all spills. While you are at it, put all produce, bread, and perishable food items in the fridge. Mix borax with sugar. Like with the ants, it damages their exoskeleton and their digestive system. Will take about 2 weeks to see results, as the roaches continually cary and ingest the deadly, yet non-toxic, method. You can even make your own non-toxic trap: coat the insides of a mason jar with petroleum jelly and fill jar with a healthy slice of bread. They cannot crawl up the sides of the jar and are trapped inside. This method will not kill the whole colony at a rapid rate, but it will get rid of surface level insects."

Click to read more

Meat Lover! The Scariest (True) NYC Sublet Story You've Ever Heard

Rent Jungle — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:45:43 +0000

In the summer of 2005, I moved to New York to live with a girl I had been dating long distance. Andas "moving across the country to be with a girl" stories usually goit didn't work out. Our reunion was short-lived, and I needed someplace to stay, quick.

In my experience, finding good housing in New York is largely based on luck, and I had that in low reserve. I tried all the usual avenuesCraigslist, friends, friends of friends, acquaintances of friends and, after a few weeks of searching, I finally managed to be put in contact with a guy who had a spare room to sublet for a super-low price in the Lower East Side.

The owner of this apartment was a heavy-drinking, chain-smoking freelance writer who had also recently split from his girlfriend. His ex-girlfriend's office space was in the apartment, which made the perfect bedroom to rent out. I was in a sort of headspace at the time that necessitated a lot of shut-door boozing and miscellany, and I found it highly attractive that Doug seemed to be into the same kind of mopery that I was. Plus, the room for rent was large , seemed cloistered enough from Doug's area that I would have a decent amount of privacy, andwhile it gave off the kind of "dude" funk smell that some might have shied away fromit wasn't that big of a deal considering it was also devoid of rats, mold, and water damage. It seemed perfect.

"This place seems perfect!" I said to Doug. And of course, the follow-up: "What's wrong with it?"

Click to Read More

Making The Best Out Of A Small Apartment

Rent Jungle — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:37:15 +0000

Where you are moving out for the first time or the tenth, you may find that your new living situation places you in smaller living quarters the landlorddescribedas "cozy." You don't need to be an architect to make your apartment livable, but there are some tricks of the trade that can keep you comfortable and happy.

Step 1: Be Clean

If your house is cluttered it will seem smaller. Clothing, dishes, and drink containers not only make you look sloppy, they can significantly decrease your square footage offloor space. Try cleaning the floor once a week and keeping your clothes neatly piled in a hamper. You'll be surprised at how much bigger clean floors make your apartment feel.

Step 2: Minimalism is Key

The bright side of having a small apartment is that you don't have to buy a lot of furniture. This can mean that you spend less money overall, or that you spend the same amount on a few key items. Why not spruce up the ol' computer and chair? How about getting a rug that pulls the room together? No matter what your style is, try to err on the side of having less.

Step 2: Use Bright Colors

Paint the walls a light, bright color to open up your apartment. Use brighter window shades and go for a white, tan, or lighter colored couch. You'll be surprised at how much bigger you small space looks when you keep bright, inviting colors.

Questions To Ask Before Apartment Hunting

Rent Jungle — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:24:42 +0000

The key to finding your perfect place is to know what you want. Do you have to have a dishwasher or are you willing to compromise if you find a great place that doesn't have one? Knowing what you can and can't compromise on will help narrow down your search andsave you time.

What type of housing do you prefer? Condo, apartment or duplex? Be aware of your budget and then make a decision.

Where do you want to live? City or suburbs? The suburbs are usually cheaper than city living. Apartment prices go up the closer they are to shopping, entertainment, etc.

How many bathrooms? The more bathrooms that you want, the higher the price.

Outside space: Do you want a balcony or deck? This is one of those amenities that you will have to pay extra for if you want it.

Special amenities: Such as a gym, pool or game room? It's usually the luxury apartments that offer/include these things in your rent.

Do you need parking? Very rarely is parking included in rent if you're in the city. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $75 to $400 monthly for parking. If you choose to live in the suburbs you have a better chance of parking being included.

Remember, it's best to think through what you do and don't want in a place to live before starting the process of finding a place. Good luck and happy hunting!

More Apartment "Fails" For Your Pleasure!

Rent Jungle — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:32:38 +0000

Take a look at some of these epic fails!

Save Money On Heating Costs This Winter!

Rent Jungle — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:51:07 +0000

Saving money on heating costs is an essential for a lot of people. But how exactly do you go about it without freezing in the process? Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of tips to aid you.

Heat Space-by-Space

Spend much of your time in only one room of your home? Using a space heater there, while keeping the overall house temperature lower, can save you significant cash. In fact, keeping the thermostat at 62 degrees and putting a space heater in one room can save about $200 a year.

Quick Fixes for Fast Savings

Windows and doors can be major causes of heat loss with faulty windows adding 10 to 25 percent to your heating bill. The GHRI recommends that you:

Open blinds during the day to let sun in. At dusk, close them to trap heat.
Hang drapes to help block drafts from where the window meets the frame.
Inspect weather stripping around exterior doors. Old, cracked, or gone? Replace.
Improve the seal of interior doors by attaching a sweep. Sold at hardware stores, these flexible plastic strips are easily screwed to door bottoms, and keep cold air out from below.
Apply both interior and exterior caulking to fill gaps around window frames. If cold air is coming in around the sashes, install appropriate weather stripping.

Read more:Energy Savings - Save Money - Heat Your House for Less - Good Housekeeping

Fraud, Scams, and Spam: Protecting Yourself from Becoming a Statistic

Rent Jungle — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:01:01 +0000

In the age of technology, people can easily search for apartments and rental homes online and apply without setting foot into the new apartment. Although searching online for apartments offers convenience and efficiency in finding a perfect place, if apartment hunters are not careful they can find themselves at the mercy of scammers, fraudsters, and spammers. Being aware of the red flags and knowing how to double check for the legitimacy of an apartment can save you time, money, and give you peace of mind.

Common frauds and scams:

Price Bait scam:

The price bait scam involves lowering the online price of an apartment listing to reel in unsuspecting victims. These listings are too good to be true, and often times lowered half the actual listing price. Scam artists will find a legitimate property listing, copy it and repost it with a much lower rental price. Sometimes new listings are simply created, but either way the listing will always be much cheaper than apartments of the listings size and quality.

After an apartment hunter finds the listing and contacts the phony landlord, the scammer will use one of several ways to steal their money. Generally, the scammer will ask for a check to be mailed to him or her, ask for a money wire payment, or even a MoneyGram payment.

Prevention:

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. If the apartment listing looks a lot cheaper than those around it, do some research to see if it may be a fraudulent listing. There are free online tools you can use to see how much rent should actually be in an area, and you can always search for apartments in the area to gauge what rent is in the general area.

If you find that everything appears legitimate, you should meet the landlord or owner in person, and look at the lease before signing a check. You can also search through your countys tax assessment website to see who owns the building, just to be safe.

Overseas Money Wire Fraud:

This fraud often uses a price bait scam to get apartment hunters interested, but it also has another twist. The scammer will express that he or she is living overseas, is soon moving overseas, or for any other reason would need you to send money to a difference country. Sometimes the scammer will tell victims that he is in a rush to get rid of the apartment, as he needs to move overseas in a hurry and will be happy to rent the apartment out at a much cheaper rate.

Often times the apartment listing is completely fabricated, but sometimes the scam is done using existing listings which are copied and reposted at a lower rate. The scammer will take the money sent to him via Western Union or a check, and the apartment listing will disappear along with your money.

Prevention:

Never try to rent an apartment where the owner or landlord lives overseas. At best you will rent an apartment where you can never reach a landlord about issues with the apartment. At worst, you will have hundreds to thousands of dollars stolen from you. Be careful of awkwardly worded emails that may have been written in broken English, and always be wary of strange requests. This is another type of scam that can usually be exposed by searching through your countys public tax assessment records to see who actually owns the apartment. If the apartment does not show up, or if it is owned by someone else, report it immediately.

MoneyGram Fraud:

MoneyGram is a global payment system that is available in more than 190 countries, and is used for fast and efficient money transferring. Scammers have found a way to use this service by asking apartment hunters to prove they can pay for rent by providing a MoneyGram receipt. The victims of this type of fraud feel safe enough to send money to a friend and simply email or fax the receipt to a landlord, but in this case the scammer can actually take the receipt and use it to pull the money out of any of the 190 countries that host MoneyGram services. Since money can be extracted anywhere at any time, MoneyGram can be very convenient for rental scammers, and should be avoided when possible.

Prevention:

If you are searching for an apartment, do not use MoneyGram to transfer funds. If the landlord is looking for confidence that you make enough to pay for rent, ask for a reputable tenant screening service. Screenings cost around $15, and some landlords require future tenants to handle the bill, but it is much cheaper than losing a security deposit or entire rent check to a scammer.

Security Deposit Scam:

A security deposit scam involves any sort of rental fraud where the supposed landlord asks for a security deposit to hold the apartment, takes the money, and disappears. This may be one of the most common types of rental scams, as it is relatively easy for the scammer.

This can also take the form of an unscrupulous landlord simply keeping the security deposit at the end of your lease. Security deposits are intended to be used for repairs, and it is fraudulent to for a landlord to keep them for his own purposes.

Prevention:

Since this scam requires you to send someone a check directly, you should make sure the landlord or owner is who he says he is. Meet them in person before signing a lease or handing over any money. Look at the apartment to make sure it exists, and that it is the same as the description in the listing. Finally, look up the owner of the building using your countys tax assessment website. You should be able to contact the owner this way if you believe something is off. If it is not owned by the person asking for a security deposit, report them immediately.

You may also be able to speak with the previous and ask them about the landlord. If the landlord belongs to an association, feel free to call them and politely inquire about any issues or complaints the landlord may have received.

Foreclosure Scam:

In a foreclosure scam property is rented out while it is in the process of being foreclosed, or will be in the future. This can get complicated as it is not always an untrustworthy landlord who scams unwitting tenants, but sometimes a third party, or simply a scammer who has come across a foreclosed rental home. Tenants residing in a foreclosure will eventually receive a visit from a bank officer and can get into serious trouble for trespassing on a banks property. Perhaps the worst issue with this type of scam is that the victim will be paying for rent while they are staying there, and could be doing so for months before being made aware of the situation.

Prevention:

Since this type of scam is somewhat more complicated than others, preventing it can be somewhat more difficult. Finding the propertys information through your countys tax assessment site will give insight into when the last time the property has been sold, for how much, and to whom. If this does not match the landlords story, report it. If it does match, you can also ask a realtor to look into the information for you, or take the information directly to a lawyer or legal aid. Another alternative is to be cautious of any bizarre requests from a landowner, such as request for rent to be paid in cash.

Defective Premises Fraud:

This type of fraud is not always illegal, and so falls in the gray area of scamming. However, hosting defective premises which are hazardous is illegal and can be taken care of. This includes significant water damage, mold, holes, defective railings, and anything that could be considered life threatening. Renting an apartment and finding the surroundings to be subpar can be a nightmare if you are locked into a lease, but it can also be easily avoidable.

Prevention:

Look at the apartment before signing a lease. Go through each room, try the lights, use the faucets, and try to inspect anything you feel might not function properly. Any hazardous surroundings should be covered by your states consumer fraud statues, which will most likely not cover minor things such as stains or holes. If you are worried about a hazardous issue in your apartment, send a written notice to your landlord. If the issues are not addressed, contact your local, state, or federal health or housing authorities, and/or the Health Department.

Identity Theft:

Identity theft via rental applications are not new, but they can still be very frightening and painful. This is another scam that can be easy to avoid, and since its consequences can be severe, it is a good one to be cautious of. Identity theft can happen when apartment hunters fill in information for a credit check or renters application. Sometimes owners ask for a lot of personal information, and sometimes that information can be used to steal identities.

Prevention:

Do not give out your personal information to just anyone. If you are renting from a development association or bank, you may be asked to fill a larger application which may ask for several pieces of information. If you are not comfortable with adding your bank information, birthdate, or social security number, feel free to move on to the next apartment. You can also often omit certain information, or ask for an alternative processes. If the landlord asks for your banking information to make sure you can handle the rent, ask him if he would consider using a reputable tenant screening company.

General Safety Tips:

Personally meet with the landlord or owner before signing a lease.
Visit and inspect the apartment for any damages, defects, or hazardous surroundings.
Search for the owner of the building using your state and countys public records, generally through the county tax assessment website. If this does not match up with the landlord, try and contact the owners of the building for clarification.
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Use a rental comparison site to find out how much rent in the area should be, or use an apartment searching site to find how much neighboring apartments charge for rent.
Do not deal with overseas landlords. The chances of it being a scam are much higher.
Deal locally to avoid false listings and sub-par apartments.
Be very careful when sending payments using Western Union or MoneyGram, or cash. It is much safer to only send money locally and with checks.
Read the entire lease. Do not send a check without looking at the apartment, without having signed a lease, and without having met the landlord.
Be aware of emails written in poor English to avoid overseas scams.

10. Do not give out personal information such as your social security number, bank account information, or credit card information. If you are required to do so, ask if you would be able to omit some information, or use a reputable tenant screening service.

Resources:

http://pattyinglishms.hubpages.com/hub/Rental-Property-Scams-are-Insidious

http://fraudcast.ca/docs/Apartment_Rental_Fraud.php

http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/common-rental-and-real-estate-scams

Sources:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

http://www.wegolook.com/Craigslist-Scams.aspx

http://craigscrimelist.org/?s=apartment

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Search/apartment-scam.aspx

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/100310.aspx

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2009/july/housingscam_072909

Find Your Perfect Place On Rent Jungle!

Rent Jungle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:40:05 +0000

Have you ever been frustrated not being able to narrow your apartment search to a specific neighborhood? Well, your prayers have been answered! The latest feature on Rent Jungle allows you to do just that.

??To use this feature simply go to RentJungle.com do a search in the Where/What box then in the map view, click "Show Neighborhoods" on the left and, in select cities, you will see where each neighborhood is.

Have an extra $28 million laying around?

Rent Jungle — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:43:33 +0000

Have an extra $28 million laying around? Look what you can buy in Los Angeles!

How To Have A Good Relationship With Your Landlord

Rent Jungle — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:12:57 +0000

Renting from someone can be challenging. It really is important to try to start your relationship as landlord/tenant off on the right foot. This is important for a few reasons. If you have a good relationship with your landlord they will be more inclined to help you with late payments, break the lease early, get repairs faster,etc.The best way to maintain a decent relationship with someone you're renting from is through communication.

Something as simple as asking nicely to get something repaired is always a good idea. Don't bother your landlord with the smallest repairs that you yourself can do. I had a neighbor who would call the landlord every time her light bulbs needed to be changed. She felt it was his house, so his responsibility. This is over the top and a quick way to make someone not like you. Know the expectations of both you and the landlord.

Be aware that you not paying rent on time or in full can cause some financial stress for your landlord. Most of them are still paying mortgages on the properties and count on that money every month. So, if you're short on cash talk to your landlord about it, don't just not pay. Your honesty and communication about your situation may make your landlord more inclined to cut you some slack especially if you've already built a rapport with them.

Try to sympathize with your landlords feelings.Try see both sides of the situation.Remember, they may have had a bad experience in the past dealing with tenants and may be distrustful. This could be your chance to give them the faith again. Also, keep in mind that your actions may affect future tenants as well.

Following these tips will help with your landlord/tenant relationship. But, sometimes no matter what you do, you can't make someone a good landlord. In cases like that, sometimes it's just better not to renew your lease and findsomewhere else to live. Good luck!

Keeping A Clean Apartment

Rent Jungle — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:25:50 +0000

Keeping your apartment clean may sound like an easy task to do, but like the saying goes easier said than done. Tenants start out keeping their apartments clean, doing their laundry, etc., but as school, work, life, etc. start to get a little crazy, the task of cleaning tends to be put on the backburner. Whether youre living alone or have roommates, a set cleaning schedule is all one needs to keep their apartment neat, clean, and livable.

Making a schedule for cleaning your apartment, taking out the trash, and doing laundry is always a good idea for keeping your apartment clean. It doesnt matter if youre living alone or with roommates, maintaining a regular cleaning schedule will keep everyone on track no matter how busy or stressed out you are.

Tenants should mandate one day a week dedicated to doing laundry, this will help your hamper from overflowing and you wont have to worry about being late to work or school due to you trying to figure out which shirt is clean. Another good thing to do is dedicate Sundays as cleaning days. Sundays are usually the days people choose to relax and enjoy the last day of the weekend. You can still enjoy Sundays, but dedicate at least 2 hours to vacuuming, mopping your floors and cleaning each room in your apartment.

Taking out the trash is an easy task, because you need to do it once a week. If you are living alone, take the trash out on trash night right when you get home from work, youre already outside and dont have to worry about getting up from what youre doing to take the trash out. If living with roommates, set a schedule to where two different people each week take out the trash, so everyone gets a chance to do their favorite chore. Finally, once a month tenants should clean out their refrigerator, getting rid of spoiled foods, milk, bad fruit, etc. and cleaning the shelves. This will create more room for groceries, and leave your fridge smelling fresh.

Even though cleaning isnt as bad as it seems, people like to put it off. Sticking to schedules will ensure your apartment always staying clean, and staying in good shape. A task as simple as cleaning really makes a big difference in how your apartment looks.

The Moving Party

Rent Jungle — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:49:39 +0000

We've all been there. Moving time comes around the corner, and you're too tired to move yourself, but bought too many TVs and went to too many swanky dinner parties to afford movers. Solution? Moving party!

Roll up your sleeve, pick up a phone, and call everyone you know to help with this daunting task. Don't forget to get food and , or you might end up like this guy:

Instead, pull in your friend-favors and move like a champ!

Also, I recommend getting a moving truck to avoid this:

Beverly Hillbilly style...

How to Protect Yourself from Shady Landlords

Rent Jungle — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:13:02 +0000

Moving in and setting up your new apartment or rental home causes you enough stress, dealing with a bad landlord is the last thing you feel like doing. Before your relationship with the landlord becomes a legal one, keep reading more to learn your rights as a tenant and what you should and shouldnt do in certain sticky situations with the guy/girl who takes money from you every month.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Dont let your landlord pull the wool over your eyes. You as the renter have every reason to know all of your rights and responsibilities. The following link will give you access to the Landlord Association of America, where you can find Landlord Tenant Laws and Handbooks for all 50 states. http://www.landlordassociation.org/statelaws.html

INSPECT, INSPECT, INSPECT

Before moving into your new place, document everything including all the rooms inside, even the basement, and the exterior of the house or apartment. A good idea is to take pictures of everything inside and out of the house, so if your landlord tries to pin something on you that was broken before you moved in; you will have the evidence to prove youre innocent. Another good thing to do is always to have a saved copy of the lease on hand, to use in your defense if a scuffle with the landlord were to happen. Make sure your appliances are working safely, that all your doors lock securely and properly, as well as that your rental was cleaned properly upon moving in.

RESPOND WITH KINDNESS

Knowing your rights as a tenant in your state, write a polite yet aggressive letter to your landlord stating what is wrong and what they need to do to fix your problems. Letting your landlord know that you are upset with them and that you may take further action if they do not comply, will most likely push them to take care of your problems as soon as possible.

IF WORSE COMES TO WORST

If your landlord doesnt respond to your letter, and absolutely has been denying your rights as their tenant, file a lawsuit and take them to court. This should be the very last thing you do, because you dont want to file a lawsuit by mistake and cause the landlord to evict you or break your lease. If a situation does arise that causes for an immediate lawsuit, show no hesitation. Here is where the documentation you have comes into play. Provide your copy of the lease with highlighted sections the landlord has broken, pictures of the rental before moving in, old emails or voicemails between you and your landlord, letters, witnesses, etc. Make sure you have a strong enough case to obtain settlement in your behalf.

***Moving into an apartment or rental home is an exciting time, even if it isnt your first time, but not all landlords will be fair. Follow these steps above if your landlord acts more as a slumlord and treats you like dirt. ***

Is Renters Insurance Worth the Cost?

Rent Jungle — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:09:21 +0000

Hoping one day soon to own a home, I have been renting apartments for the last 7+ years. The renting first started when I moved to Miami for school and has continued well after Ive graduated. With my credit not in the best of shape, renting has been my only housing option and one that Ive actually grown quite comfortable with. But over the past seven years, Ive never considered buying renters insurance.

Renters insurance is similar to homeowners insurance in that youre protecting the possessions that you own but different in that the actual living space is not included in the policy. This means that if you are renting a living space and want to protect your TV, stereo system, desktop computer etc., you will need a renters insurance policy. Most people incorrectly assume that a landlords insurance policy will cover you, in-case of a fire for instance however the landlord is only protecting their building, not your things within it.

So what exactly is covered with renters insurance? Most policies will protect against these fifteen and ONLY these fifteen things:

Smoke
Fire or Lightning
Theft
Automobiles
Aircrafts
Falling Objects
Riots
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5 Signs that Your Roommate is a Jerk

Rent Jungle — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:11:13 +0000

5. Stinky Food

Ever wonder what that smell is emanating from the refrigerator? Do you open it to see globs of old food pulsating on dishes, attacking other food items? If its not yours, its your roommates, and it can be a bad sign. Leaving bad food around can mean he or she has other stinky habits. Old clothes, unwashed dishes, and moldy pizza boxes may be lurking under a couch near you

4. Bathroom Hog

Its 7AM and you have to be at work in an hour. You rush to the bathroom, grasp the doorknob, and slam your body into the unopened door. Your roommate, slowly picking out nose hairs calls from the other side of the door Oh, just five more minutes! Now it is 7:25, youve packed your lunch, laptop, and everything else for work. You go back to the bathroom and give it a knock. Oh sorry, Ill be out in a minute The sound of plucking nose hairs haunts you all day long, even as you stay an extra hour after work to make up for coming in late.

3. Bad Billing

Hey Jean, whyre the lights off? And why cant I get a charge on my phone?

Oh yeah, I forgot to pay the power bill. Dont worry, Ill do it tomorrow!

Two weeks later, and youre still heating up a can of beans on the stove and huddling over a dim candle for warmth.

2. Food Stealing

There is nothing worse than waking up on a Saturday morning, walking to the fridge, and realizing that the delicious pizza you boxed up the night before is inexplicably M.I.A. Instead you find that only one, slim, bald, soggy piece is left. Meanwhile your roommate has already left the house with a full stomach. The worst.

1. The Uber-Neat Freak

Coasters. Laminated couch covers. Sanitation stations with Clorox wipes in every room. Separate dish sponges. Tongue scrapers. Fabreze by the gallon. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Rubber gloves. De-ruffled carpets.

Although this roommate will keep the house cleaner, they can also make your life miserable. Unless you already share similar tendencies, you will soon need to get used to a rigid cleaning regiment that leaves you with little time for anything else. You might also have to get used to the smell of bleach and that deafening sound of industrial sized floor waxers.

The Perfect Move

Rent Jungle — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:10:04 +0000

The perfect move consists of just 4 variables:

1- Speed- how quickly the move can be performed

2- Ease- how much work you have to do

3- Efficiency- energy versus actual work accomplished

4- Timing- making sure you move in/out in-between leases

Although you may be thinking of getting a few friends, beer, and pizza to make the move easier, you may also want to think about renting a moving truck. Moving trucks can be very cheap, and they definitely increase the speed, ease, and efficiency of a move. Where you might need to take one or two cars back five times, you could rent a moving truck and make a single trip. Many moving companies charge per hour, or by hourly blocks. You can rent a truck for six hours and spend less than you might on dinner.

If you happen to have a large house with many pieces of furniture, it might be a good idea to consider letting a moving company do the work for you. This can be somewhat more expensive than renting a truck, but it is by far the fastest and most efficient option available.

Whatever you decide, take a minute to decide how you want to complete the move before doing so. Remember to bring blankets, boxes, tape, scissors, markers, and cold drinks.

Compare Your Rent

Rent Jungle — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:09:11 +0000

If youre moving into a new neighborhood, you might come to find that its almost impossible to gauge how much it costs to live there. Unless you know someone who already lives there, you probably will have no idea how much to pay in rent or utilities. There are some free tools out there to help you know what to expect, and give you some power over your move.

www.compareyourrent.com lets you look at what your neighbors are paying for rent. Before moving into a neighborhood, you can punch it in and see what the rental averages are. This also gives you some leverage when speaking with the landlord, as you will be able to adequately express your concerns over high rent. You will also be able to spot an amazing deal when you see it.

So try it out, you might just save yourself from paying way too much for rent!

Moving Smoothly

Rent Jungle — Wed, 18 May 2011 10:54:22 +0000

Alongside getting married and having children, moving house is meant to be one of the most stressful experiences of your life! Its no wonder getting everything you own from one place to another isnt something you need to do particularly often.

Of course, it can be expensive too, and large removal companies may not be the best value, particularly if you are moving temporarily into a rental property. You might want to consider making the most of the resources you have available; ask around and see whether your friends and family might just be able to help you out.

A van is very useful when it comes to moving and its worth checking out if anybody you know has a van you might borrow. Otherwise, renting a van can be a great way of ensuring you make fewer trips than in your car! However, it is worth considering whether you will need commercial van insurance, but even so it can still work out considerably cheaper than hiring a removal company.

Otherwise, its all hands on deck! Its becoming more and more common these days to have a housewarming party on the very day you move in if your friends and family are already there to help you out, it makes sense to make moving a social occasion. So long as you reward everyone with a burger and a cold drink at the end of the day, they probably wont mind so much!

Investigate all your options and really have a think about how you can move in the smoothest possible way.

Rent Jungle Monkey Beauty Contest!

Rent Jungle — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:43:32 +0000

LOL MONKEYS...

At first I was like:

Until I heard about the monkey beauty contest. Then I was like:

Because I could choose the best lookin' monkey ever.

Then I voted and was like:

Click to vote: http://www.rentjungle.com/monkey-beauty-contest/

The Best of Craigslist Roommates

Rent Jungle — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:24:54 +0000

Originally Posted: Sat, 25 Jul 15:02 PDT

Small space for right roommate

Date: 2009-07-25, 3:02PM PDT

About your space: We have a limited time offer for a "nook" in our living room. The nook is currently home to my bike and is 6' x 3'. It is perfect for someone who needs a little respite between apartments and has a comfy sleeping bag. The nook has wall to wall carpeting and has window to private patio. Though it's located in the main living room, you will be assured privacy by the entertainment center and nearby couch. We have limited space in our closet for your things, mostly it's a room for the water heater, our suitcases, and a baby doll on a stick.

About the apartment: We're three wonderful ladies in our mid-twenties. We like to have fun and casually entertain but don't party all night long. We have been known to indulge in a Thirsty Thursday event which can get a little rowdy, but it's out and about in the neighborhood so joining us can be a great way to get to know the area. We have laundry in the apt and a beautiful patio with garden. We also have a DVR and some of our favorite taped shows are The Bachelorette, I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant, What Not To Wear and Philadelphia Flyers games; these shows and others of our choice are included in your nook rental, please refrain from taping your own shows, such as Cops, as that is not included in the agreement. Conveniently located in the heart of the Mission, 12 min walk to 24th St BART, 3 min walk to 27, 12 and 48. Of course, we love to bike around so you may also bring a bike to store in your nook/sleeping area. We have great restaurants and bars all nearby, a highlight is El Metate.

About you: Having experience living with multiple women is a plus, we are open to either male or female roommate. We're opening up the nook for the right person, one who can be mindful of the morning shower routine, pitch in with general cleaning, and bonus points if you can change light bulbs since we're vertically challenged. We'd like to get along with our new nook occupant so please be a responsible, fun-loving, hilarious, and all around good person. We'd like to be entertained so talents are a plus.

The rent: Negotiable per above standards
Availability: Now through mutually determined date

it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 1288893848

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Originally Posted: Sat, 22 Dec 18:23 PST

one bedroom apartment plus boyfriend

Date: 2001-12-22, 6:23PM PST

I have a sunny one bedroom in Noe Valley. I also have really cute legs. This will make sense in a second . I decided this place was feeling just too big so I thought I would look for a roommate and then I remembered that I was looking for a girlfriend too so why don't I just throw all my eggs in one basket and go for the whole Shibang. Kittenkaboodle. Ball of wax. Whatever. This might sound nuts but I bet there is some lovely woman out there saying to herself, " GOD I wish I could find a good man... with a full size refrigerator and new tile in the bathroom." So here is the deal: you have a great smile and a heart of gold, and you also need to have curtain rods and hopefully a good floor lamp. I am 35, physically fit, have a good job, and the apartment has a living room and a good size kitchen. I have an unusually high IQ, interesting sense of humor, and there is plenty of cabinet space in the pantry and good water pressure in the shower head. I am looking for someone who is sweet and honest and earnest and who likes to have presents made for her and her pillow fluffed and also wouldn't mind making me a ham sandwich now and again. NOT because she HAS TO, but because she LOVES me. Like I love her. Which is why I would sit there and hold her hand while she cried for an hour about something that made absolutely no sense. And then I would get up and make HER a ham sandwich. And some soup. Then I would fix the water heater. Because I love her. Anyway, the apartment is close to shops and muni and my best qualities are my exhuberance for life, one-of -a- kind personality and kindness and compassion for others. I retain a certain cheerfulness and hopeful disposition, and I am even romantic like people were back in the days before the sexes weren?t afraid to interact with each other?like when they would actually smile and say hi to each other? like in the 50?s. Upon completion of a successful interview please be prepared to provide a nominal deposit . You also have to sleep with me. Utilities included. Did I mention I like animals?

PostingID: 2455060

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My Crazy Landlord

Rent Jungle — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:12:14 +0000

While earning a graduate degree, I spent some time in a basement studio in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA. The neighborhood was great, the housemates who lived upstairs were great, and the proximity to amenities was unbeatable. The only problem was the landlord and his wife who both lived in NYC, but for some reason were always visiting and probing us tenants for various reasons.

One day, we found that some of our sinks were clogging up and welling with grime of some sort. Not wanting to leave anyone out of the loop, I called and left a message on the landladys machine. About a week later, after the plumber has come and fixed the problem, I get a call. .

Me: Hello?

Mr. B: Hi Josef, its Mr. Bevilacqua. The plumber said there was a large clog in the sink.

Me: I know Mr. Bevilacqua; I called and left a message about it.

Mr. B: Look, he said there were lots of rubber bands in the sink. I'm not saying it was you, but you have to be careful about what you put down the drain.

Me: Ok, well I didn't put anything strange in the sink. And I dont have any rubber bands, so...

Mr. B: He said there were hundreds of black rubber bands. And again, I'm not saying it was you, but there are certain things you can't put down the sink. It costs a lot of money to fish those things out. You have to be careful about what you put in the sink.

Me: I don't have any black rubber bands, and if I did I wouldn't put them in the sink Mr. Bevilacqua.

Mr. B: You just have to be careful with how you use the sink. It can get pretty expensive.

Me: I know how to use a sink, Mr. Bevilacqua.

Mr. B: Okay and I'm not saying it was you, but next time we'll have to consider charging you for it.

Me: Mr. Bevilacqua, I did not put hundreds of black rubber bands down the sink. Besides, there's pipes running everywhere down here and it all looks jury rigged, and I'm pretty sure the clog was also upstairs.

Mr. B: Well you have to be careful with how you use the sink....

Me: *facepalm*

And so on...

About five minutes after this passive aggressive call, I get the same from Mrs. Bevilacqua. And sure enough, when it happened a second time, they charged me for half...

If you have your own landlord horror story, feel free to submit it to movingcenter@rentjungle.com. Thanks for reading!

Apartment Fails

Rent Jungle — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:53:26 +0000

Staying Cool Without Losing Too Much Cash

Rent Jungle — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:23:34 +0000

Summer is on its way, and for some of us it has already arrived. Nothing spoils perfect weather like a giant electric bill at the end of the month, so try a few of these easy ways to stay cool and loosen your financial burden.

1. Do you ever notice how some people never replace their old air conditioners? Sometimes you see giant wood colored blocks pumping air into houses all day, while simultaneously wasting power. Getting a new efficient air conditioner can actually save you money in the long run, and if you don't like sweating in your own home, this might not be too bad of an idea.

2. Check your AC's settings to make sure it is only on when you are home. Some people can set their air conditioners to turn on twenty minutes before they get home, but this is not always an option. Think about turning it off when you are not in the room with the AC or not at home. You can also turn it off while you sleep and open a window.

3. Use fans on top of your air conditioner. Fans do use electricity, but much less so that your air conditioner. You might find that if you open the windows and use a fan or two, you can stay cool enough to be comfortable.

4. Go outside! It's a beautiful day, so grab some sunblock, some friends, and enjoy the weather!

To Keep, or Not to Keep?

Rent Jungle — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:39:42 +0000

Moving day is coming! What better time to go through your old stuff and get rid of furniture you never use, clothing seldom warn, and childhood toys? Minimalists everywhere prefer the "cleansing" method used to separate one from belongings, and if those belongings are taking up space in the old closet, all the better! Let's take a look at how you can clean house to prepare for your next move. If you follow these steps, you are one step farther away from becoming a hoarding packrat.

The more you have out of the way, the better, so start with the big stuff. Couches and chairs can be pretty easy to get rid of, and the less you have to move into the new place the easier the actual move will be. Ask your friends if they need any of the furniture. If they are interested, have them come pick the items up from your house. You can also use the Craigslist approach to get rid of items this way. If neither of these works, feel free to donate to your favorite local Good Will.

Next, work on those boxes you have piled high in the closet, the attic, or even the basement. Look through them to make sure you are not throwing away pictures or family heirlooms. But be honest with yourself: do you really need a 10 year old board game with the dice missing? When in doubt, toss it.

Next go through your clothing. You would be surprised at how much space clothing can take. Relative to the amount of clothing you wear, you most likely have too many clothes. Give anything away you haven't worn in a while and don't really plan on putting on anytime soon. This doesn't mean you have to huck your winter clothes , but if the shoes don't fit anymore, get rid of them!

Finally take an inventory of everything you are planning on taking with you. Read through the list once or twice and think: is all of this necessary? Do I use all of these things? If not, repeat from the second paragraph on. Good luck and happy cleaning!

How to Find Your Next Home Using Rent Jungle

Rent Jungle — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:50:10 +0000

Check out what everyone is talking about!

Were here to make your life easier. So if you are ready to find a new home, do it right the first time. We offer the largest selection listings for apartments in America and our site is free and easy to use.

The quick overview:

You can register for free in about 15 seconds. The benefits of registering are summarized with our three splendid icons.

Star

Once youve registered and logged in, you will be able to save your favorite apartment listings and recall them at any time for ease of use. No need to waste time searching through all of the listings again, simply click the star icon to save the favorite and the next time you log in it will be here waiting for you.

Pencil

When you click on your saved listings, you can also write notes on them to remember why you liked them in the first place. Was it the great location? The proximity to work? The fantastic deal? The space? Just jot it down and youll never have to filter through all the features to remember why you loved it. You can also share your notes with your friends by emailing them the listing.

Facebook

Share your favorite apartments with friends! If your friends are important to you and you want their input on where you are considering living for the next year or so, it might be a better idea to hear what they have to say about the apartment. Maybe they know something about the neighborhood that was not mentioned in the ad. Maybe some of them have seen the apartment before and can tell you about it. It cant hurt, so give it a try! You can share your apartment listings with your friends and read what they think of the place and what they plan on bringing for the house warming party.

Take a look at all of these features and see the difference between us and all of those other sites. It speaks for itself!

Apartments Vs. Rental Housing

Rent Jungle — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:32:48 +0000

When you're getting ready to rent a new place, there are a fewcrucialdecisions to make before doing anything permanent. You need to find the right neighborhood, the right price, the right amount of space, roommates , and your localamenities. One thing you might not have fully thought about is decided whether you would like an apartment or a rental home. There are significant differences between the two, so don't be too hasty in your choice!

Apartments

If you're moving into a larger city, apartments are par for renters. You can squeeze more units in a single building and manage them relativel cheaply. For you, this means you get consistant lease structures, onsite amendities , and sometimes you even get parking. You also get a safety buffer, as anyone coming into the apartment complex with malicious intent will either need to sign in, have a key, or have to enter several locked doors before finding your apartment . Apartments can also give you decent views of the city, and a stronger likely hood of bumping into interesting neighbors.

Rental Houses

Renting a house is a great idea for someone looking for a little bit more space and privacy. While renting a house, you are afforded your own area which you don't have to share with anyone other than friends and family. Houses come with or without laundry machines, have many different types of leases, and can sometimes have fun and interesting renovations. You also tend to have a little more freedom when it comes to decorating as well, so if you're into feng shui, a house might be the best place to call home. Though some rental houses can have a higher rent and utility cost, they are a great stepping stone to buying your own place.

There are many other decisions you'll need to make before moving in. Refining your search to an apartment or rental house can narrow your search jjust enough to help make the final decision. Check out our listings on Rent Jungle and be sure to check the "Apartments" or "Rental housing" checkboxes to find your perfect place!

How to Choose the Right Moving Company

Rent Jungle — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:35:58 +0000

Even if you've found the perfect apartment or rental house, you may not be done with one of the most difficult parts of moving: actually moving your stuff. Although you can generally find a friend or two with a pickup truck, sometimes you really have items that should be better handled by professionals, or at lease items that can only fit in actual moving trucks. If you have health issues that may hinder you ability to lift heavy objects, we also reccommend hiring a company to do it for you.

But how exctly do you find the best deal? The first thing to do is to make sure the moving company you Googled isn't a scam. We recommend using movingscam.com to see if the company is reputable. If not, skip it, but if it looks okay, continue on.

Next you're going to want to look around online for reviews. Sometimes you will get lucky and find reviews from different places online, but we recommend using the Better Business Bureau. There you will be able to see how any problems were handled so you know what to expect.

If a moving company looks to good to be true, it probably is. Don't give any cash upfront and don't trust any deals you get before they give you anestimate. Also take a look at their insuriance. If they have no insuruance on their site, skip the company and move on.

Price can vary depending on what and how much you are moving. If the company doesn't strike you as one who will safely move your items, don't bother with them. Big name moving companies tend to be more reliable, but you will have to pay for the name. Try looking around locally to find reliable companies with decent estimates.

Above all else, just make sure the company islegitimate. When the truck arrives, check to see if it is a company truck, not a rental. Always check theirinsurancecoverage as well, and always mark items that are fragile.

How To Choose Roommates

Rent Jungle — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:32:23 +0000

So you're planning on moving into a new apartment and you think to yourself "I should get a roommate to cut the cost of rent!" Let's take a look into how you should find a good roommate and how to avoid getting stuck with a terrible one.

1. The Friend Roommate

Choosing to live with a friend is a mixed bag. Since you know the friend, you should have a good idea as to their cleanliness, how loud/quiet they are, their interests, and so on. You will also be able to sleep safe knowing that the person you're sharing your apartment with is trustworthy and will pay the bills on time. On the other hand, you might find that living with a good friend can be taxing. There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing. For instance, if you have a friend that's really fun, you might shortly find that being around him or her all the time can be a draining experience. If you choose to live with a friend, make sure you can spend a good deal of time with them without getting annoyed!

2. The Craigslist Roommate

My initial reaction to finding a roommate on Craigslist is as follows: DON'T. Chances are you will have to meet some strange individuals without muchbackground information. If you absolutely need a roommate, go ahead, but otherwise I recommend you stay clear of this route. This option may leave you lying in bed wondering what your roommate is doing clanking around at 4a.m., and why rent hasn't been paid in the last two months. On the up side, you might find a roommate who perfectly fits into your daily routine, but I wouldn't count on it.

3. The Friend-of-a-Friend Roommate

Choosing a friend-of-a-friend as a roommate can be a surprisingly good arrangement. You know the person just enough for them not to be a stranger, but you still have the buffer room of not knowing them too well. At this point in the relationship, you will still ask one another what is acceptable behavior in the home . Since you are casual friends with this roommate, you can feel free to ignore them in your home, or invite them to do things as you feel fit.

4. The Significant Other Roommate

Are you ready to take that step? If so you may find youself with a reliable roommate with whom you feel free sharing space. Since you know this other person intimately, you will be able to leverage out chores and compromise on just about every part of living in the same space. But don't rush this: moving in with your significant other too early can be a relationship killer.

The Mover's Cookbook

Rent Jungle — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:09:29 +0000

I wish Id known about this site before is often the feedback we receive from new users of RentJungle.com. Fortunately for you, this doesnt have to be a shared sentiment. Though we want everyone to have an informed and positive moving experience, it is ultimately up to you to decide what is important in an apartment. How much to pay for rent is definitely a primary factor involved with finding a new apartment, but lets be honest: it is not the only important quality.

Lets think of moving like we think of cooking. The pertinent qualities of your ideal apartment are the ingredients. You dont necessarily want to cook something that is cheap to make, you also want high quality ingredients that will make the consomm something to remember. Each step of cooking, much like moving, will affect your final evaluation of the experience and the ultimate outcome.

So the first step of cooking: consult the recipe! If you have made it before, go ahead and make your own list of ingredients. Be creative, and be sure to include everything you find important . If you need a list, I would check out our article on things to remember before signing a lease.

Step two is adding the ingredients to the pot. For moving, this means having the right balance of your preferred housing qualities versus your affordable expenditure. You most likely will not be able to have absolutely everything you want in an apartment, but you can get as close as possible if you do your research. Rent Jungles full-text apartment search will help you with this. Want stainless steel appliances, a community chock full of amenities, or a place that has a great view? Just type it in the What box on Rent Jungle and see all the places that fit your criteria in your new neighborhood. Rent Jungle will also allow you to take notes on each property
, save them as favorites
, and share your notes and favorites with others via email or Facebook. Once youve narrowed down the apartments that meet these requirements, its time to make a decision!

The final step of cooking is enjoying the meal. After you have found your apartment and made your decision, you can then sit back and take in both the experience and your new surroundings. Think of the building as the main course, furnishing as the side dish, the neighborhood as the presentation, and the house warming party as the dessert. Your hard work has paid off and you now live comfortably and happily in your new home.

Bon apptit.

Dealing With Bad Roommates

Rent Jungle — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:28:22 +0000

Having one or more roommates can be an amazing way to cut the cost of rent, divide chores, and keep a lively apartment. But sometimes, despite your best efforts of choosing roommate, you can run into some trouble. You might have a loud roommate, a dirty roommate, even a smelly one; just remember that most problems have solutions, and it is up to you to appropriately go about solving the issue.

Step 1- Talk to the roommate. Most frustration lies in unmet expectation, so explain what you expect out of your roommate. He or she may not even be aware of what issues annoy you, so start here before moving on. You might even find out that you have some habits others might find strange or annoying...

Step 2- If the problem persists, ask your roommate to agree on some groundrules for the house. This can mean making a list of what and when areas of the house will be clean, writing down hours where everyone should be quiet, and any other written ways to address some of the problems. The next time one of you slips up, the other just needs to bring up the list you both agreed on and ask them to please cut it out.

Step 3- If the problem still persists, you may want to consider finding ways around the problems. If your roommate is loud, try earplugs. If messy, try keeping seperate quarters. Finding ways around unwanted habits of roommates is not always the best solution, but if all else fails you can try to live with them.

Step 4- Put your foot down. If the problem is really that bad for you and you have brought the issue up multiple times, you may want to consider moving out, or having yoru roommate relocate. This is a little more drastic, but it may keep you from losing a friend. Some people are not condusive to happy cohabitation, and that's okay. Leave while you are still sane, and before you do something you might regret.

Thirteen things to consider before signing a lease

Rent Jungle — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:36:05 +0000

Before sign the dotted line to an apartment that looks like a dream, check the following 14 details that will save you from some unpleasant surprises down the line. Disclaimer: we are not lawyers. Please talk to a lawyer if you have legal questions!

Move out details - Are leases automatically renewed or are you given time in advance to decide whether you want to stay in your apartment or not?
Sublease details - Some landlords or property owners just need a month of notification in advance if you need to move out. Others demand that you stay and still others will let you find a replacement, but only ones that can pass their background check.
What's the reputation of the complex or the landlord? Check www.apartmentratings.com where you can read tenants feedback on parking, office staff, safety and other important facts.
Decorating - Can you repaint or put holes in the walls? If there's a backyard, are you allowed to use it as a garden?
Cell phone reception - Silly as it may sound, sometimes your carrier won't reach into an apartment's walls, making for a very frustrating year.
Windows, heating and cooling - Those big windows facing west may be great to watch the sunset out of, but if you live in a building with poor insulation, it's going to be boiling in the summer.
Mail service - If you get a package from UPS or FedEX, where are the packages held and who signs for them if you are not home?
Safety - Some apartments have a front door with four locks, but a backdoor that leads into an unlocked alleyway. Check the apartment and security system thoroughly before you move in. Also use your own judgement. If a neighborhood feels sketchy to you, even if the apartment is a dream come true, listen to your instincts.
Cable and phone hook ups - In older apartments, getting these installed in your apartment will cost quite a bit of extra money. Also be aware that many older apartments don't have a lot of electrical outlets, which might not seem like a problem before you sign a lease, but will be once you all of your stuff is moved in.
Extra fees - These can include late fees for rent, first and last month deposits, a cleaning fee prior to moving in
Neighborhood - There's more to picking a good neighborhood safety. Also consider if there's a grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store and other necessary places nearby.
Traffic and commuting - You might be physically close to work, but it still takes three bus transfers all over town to get there. Or, if you drive, you may be spending a sixth of your time at home circling the block for parking.
Storage space - Sometimes your furniture doesn't actually fit your apartment. Or you get tired of hoisting a bike up three flights of stairs every single day. Check and see if there's a locked, apartment wide storage space to make your life a little easier.

Tips on decorating your first apartment

Rent Jungle — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 17:40:03 +0000

So you've finally found the perfect apartment. Or at least, perfect-for-right-now. The neighbors are friendly, your commute isn't too bad to work or school and you already have the phone number to a great pizza delivery place nearby. Everything is ready to go right? Except one tiny detail: The only furniture you own is a twin mattress and a laundry basket. Uh oh.

It happens to everyone the first time they live on their own. You've already spent most of your money on first month's rent, the deposit and getting various utilities turned on and what's left over needs to go towards having some basic food around like bread and peanut butter. Even thinking of everything your apartment needs to feel like home can be overwhelming. But there's no need to fret, no one expect your first apartment to be in Architectural Digest anytime soon.

Take it easy on yourself. What are the absolute basics you need to be comfortable? For the first month at least, you can get by with maybe just a comfy chair, some pots and pans, a tv and/or computer, bed and sheets.
Put aside money early for basic furnishings. Most financial experts recommend you put aside 30% of your paycheck until you can pay for three months rent, plus the deposit. If you can save a bit more or for a bit longer, you'll have enough for the initial move in.
Make a list of what you absolutely need when you move in. These can include the obvious and the not-so obvious . Check your new apartment before you move in to see what your landlord has already provided. No one likes the shock of not having a shower rod!
Look at your list and see what you can improvise. Silverware doesn't need to be organized in a drawer right away, but can be held in some bright cups or a cute coffee tin on top of the kitchen cabinet. Use old mason jars for glasses or to store salt and pepper. Have a comfy lawn chair ready in case a guest stops by. As time goes on you can replace these items with the real thing.
Ask around. Many of your friends may have a spare coffee table sitting in their garage or have recently have replaced their dish set or have amassed six televisions for two people. Lots of people have stuff they don't need and would be more than happy to give it to someone who does.
The easiest way to brighten up an apartment is buy a few small rugs. Many can be found in major stores like IKEA or Target or thrift stores or through Craigslist.
Check websites and magazines like Readymade or Make Magazine or Martha Stewart Living for lots of neat, cheap and crafty ideas for your apartment.

How much security deposit should you pay

Rent Jungle — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:27:36 +0000

Whether you are renting a house or renting an apartment, you will no doubt be faced with having to pay a Security Deposit. A security deposit is a way for landlords to protect their investment whether it be for unpaid rent or for damage the tenant may cause to the property. It covers hiring someone to paint, materials, new carpets if necessary, and a multitude of other things that could happen while the tenant resides on the premises that is considered above and beyond normal wear and tear.

So, you might be wondering how much of a security deposit you should expect to pay. Every state has its own laws. A common practice in many states is require a deposit of one to two month's rent. There are others where you will find that they word it different to say that to move in you have to pay first and last month's rent. Always check the laws in the state the residence is in to find out what you could expect as some have limits, some don't. Also, some states require the security deposit to be placed into an escrow account and some others require that interest be paid above a certain security deposit amount. These are things you NEED to know. A great site for reference is http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/chart-29020.html.

A few additional suggestions to make sure you are covered. Take time/date stamped pictures prior to moving your stuff in to show anything that might be construed as damage on your part. You will also want to always complete a walk through, notating anything that might come into question later, and have the landlord sign off on it. And always, and I do mean ALWAYS, get a receipt!

Five different ways to find your perfect neighborhood

Rent Jungle — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:18:03 +0000

Sure, most people's perfect apartment on the inside has large windows, new appliances including a dishwasher, a walk-in closet. But just as important is what's outside of your apartment. Here are five tips that will help you narrow down exactly where are you looking for this dream apartment.

Transportation and commuting: A cool apartment loses its charm after six months of an hour long commute. Depending on your mode of transportation, you'll want to be near different things. If you take the bus or the train to work, obviously try to get as close to the line you need as possible. If you drive, you can live farther out from the city but should be closer to the highway. If you ride a bike to work, you'll want to be near a route that doesn't cross over too many extremely busy streets without bike lanes or highways.
Big complex versus small: Big complexes, such as a high rise apartment building or a large complex of 20-30 buildings spread out over a huge lot have a quite a bit going for them. They often have more amenities like a full office staff, a swimming pool , a fitness center, free laundry and so on. There are usually a variety of unit types available at any given time and most of the utilities are often paid. However, the drawbacks are that these apartments can come of as somewhat unfriendly and at the same time, tend to be noisier and less private. A low-rise may lack in amenities but tend to have a homier feel, with only a few neighbors and are situated in the middle of established neighborhoods. You are also more likely to negotiate the terms of your lease in a smaller building.
Your neighborhood atmosphere: It's not all just about work. Is your neighborhood a place you can enjoy on your days off? Is your apartment near a nice park or a fitness center? Would you rather be closer to a hip dance club or a comfortable dive bar? Are there mostly families nearby or is it a lot of single twentysomethings? Will people feel comfortable visiting you and have a good time in your neighborhood? Also, a lot of older neighborhoods have strong ethnic ties, which can really enhance the living experience for a resident.
The necessities: Is there a post office nearby? If you regularly attend a worship service, is there a religious center of your choice within reasonable distance? Can you walk to a grocery store or hardware store in case of emergency? Do most of your friends or family live close to you? Where are the closest fire and police departments? What's the nearest hospital with an emergency room?
Your own judgment: If you're interested in a neighborhood, take the time out to visit it at different times during the day. What may seem like quaint streets with little boutiques and coffee shops at night might be filled with some unseemly characters at night. Talk to another apartment tenant if you can and take walks throughout your potential new neighborhood.

Setting up your new apartments utilities

Rent Jungle — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:21:42 +0000

When you think of moving, you can picture endless days of packing, throwing things out, cleaning, re-organizing, renting a moving truck or service and so on. You get so focused on physically getting all of your belongings from one space to another that it's easy to forget what makes your apartment worth living in, the utilities. Here's a quick guide to getting everything set up, with the least amount of fuss and expense as possible.

Electricity/Water/GasIt's best to handle these things before you even move in. If you're staying in the same city but just moving to a different apartment, one phone call or email for each utility allow you to shut off your old utilities and start service for your new one. Talk to your landlord and re-read your lease before you sign up for anything, however. Not only can you clarify what they will be paying for versus what you'll be paying for, you can also ask them for a lists of service providers for your area.

HeatEvery year, the cost of heat rises. If you're lucky enough to have a landlord to pay for your heat, then move on and use all the money you saved on a nice cable bundle. If not, ask your landlord to give you the contact info for the company in charge of your heat. Chances are you'll only have one choice for a supplier. They'll give you sheets that have a projected figure for how much you'll be paying each month, but always put aside more money than that.

Internet/Cable/PhoneThe absolute best way to save money on internet, cable and phone service is to get all three in one bundled packaged. It can save customers anywhere between twenty to one hundred dollars a month compared to getting each service separately. However, there's a good chance you might be forgoing one of these tech services. Many new apartment owners don't need a landline phone service, or might be watching all their television on the computer.

Internet service is probably the trickiest of the utilities to set up. First, there seem to be dozens of providers, each with special deals. Talk to an operator for one of these services and ask them if there are any specials, such as an absurdly low rate for six months with options to cancel anytime after that. Then there's choosing which service is best for you, between dial-up, DSL or cable. Dial-up remains far and away the cheapest option but is still slow to log in as well as sending and receiving web pages. If you are already getting cable television, all you need is a separate connection cable for your computer. DSL is the simplest to install since it goes right into your phone line.

How to set a monthly budget

Rent Jungle — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:42:03 +0000

You have an emergency and you need cash. Where are you going to get it? If you had a monthly budget, you could have been prepared for this situation. In today's economy, having a household budget is pretty much a requirement for survival. You need to know where all your nickels and dimes are going. You know you pay your bills, but do you know where the rest of your money is going and why you don't have any left?

The first step to understanding where your money is going and creating a monthly budget is to start keeping track of every little penny that you spend. And I do mean EVERY LITTLE PENNY! If you by a pack of gum, keep track of it. Loaned a friend a few dollars? Notate it! You can keep a log book similar to an vehicle expense log in your purse or glove box. Any time you spend any amount of money, whether it be cash or via a debit or credit card, write it down! At the end of the month when you are sitting there wondering where it all went, you can look at your log and say "Oh yeah, I remember now!"

The next step is to gather all your absolutely have to be paid bills. You know which ones I'm talking about; the rent, the car payment, car insurance, utilities such as electric and water, student loans, all of that. This will be the amount of money that you MUST have each month to survive. I'm not including groceries in this so keep that in mind. These are only your fixed expenses each month. You can average out the utility costs but you should know about how much they will be so this shouldn't be too hard. Hopefully these fixed expenses will be quite a bit less than what your income for the month.

Now, sit down with your paystubs and figure out how much money that you actually have to spend a month. This amount may vary depending on your job, any birthday money you receive and whether or not you take on any extra jobs during the month. Maybe you mow someone's yard every week. Keep track of that as well. Every penny helps! Once you have the total amount that you have coming in, subtract the total amount for the fixed expenses. Now you have your "disposable income".

Look at your so called "disposable income". Doesn't seem like a lot, does it? And if it does, count your blessings. The next step is to take some of this "leftover" money and put it into a savings account of some kind. Whether that be at a bank or under your mattress, that is entirely up to you but this is one step you definitely do not want to skip! Even if you save only $50 a month, that is still $600 that you will have at the end of the year that you wouldn't have had otherwise. Deposit it into an interest bearing savings account and watch your money grow. Maybe not a lot, but a little is good too. I would even suggest taking it at the end of the year and putting it into a short term CD which will not only bring you a little more money, but will also prevent you from going and buying that new pair of shoes just because you want them and have money to burn.

So, now that you have your bills paid and your savings set aside, you can take what is left and divide it in to the other "necessities" such as groceries, entertainment, clothing and the like. You know exactly how much you have to spend, have that little emergency fund started, and so there is less stress now. You know where your money is going, you know where you are going to spend it. If you do feel the need to buy that pair of shoes, ask yourself if it is in your budget. Would you rather have the shoes or would you rather eat? If you do happen to have enough for the shoes, take some time, think it over, if you still must have them in a couple days, THEN go back and get them. Spare yourself the buyers remorse. As for groceries, clothes and most anything, I would suggest watching for sales and coupons. Bargain shop, comparison shop, and get those really good deals! You can find some great ones online which also gives you an out as far as NOT getting something. It's easier to go to a different website than it is to just walk away from that awesome pair of sandels!

So, your requirements of life are met, you have your savings growing and you now know where all of your money was going throughout the month and are taking steps to avoid the situation. You are well on your way to being prepared for an emergency and, if you take the money that you have saved by shopping smart and throw it into your savings account as well, you will see yourself being more prepared than you thought possible just a month ago. The 5 cents here and 2 dollars there really does add up quickly. Keep your wallet closed and yourself out of the high end store with the shoes that are calling your name and you will find yourself able to handle almost any financial crunch or emergency with very little actual effort on your part.

Should you use an apartment finding service?

Rent Jungle — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:05:47 +0000

Finding a new place to live can be a daunting experience, especially in a large city. You peruse through Craigslist, newspaper classified ads and web pages for weeks without finding what you're looking for. You can even walk through potential neighborhood blocks, scouring for a "For Rent" sign and then cold-calling apartment managers and sub letters. You can walk all over town, from the good side to the bad. OR: You can just have someone else do it.

This was my conclusion the second year I lived in Chicago. After a year of living with roommates and spending at least two hours a day commuting to my work in the North Chicago suburb, Evanston, I was ready to be on my own and to cut down my time spent going to and from work and home. But there was just too much information. I saw an ad for an apartment finding service. The only stipulation is that you pay your first month's rent when signing the lease, rather than waiting for the first of the month . Other than that, they did all the legwork. Checking with friends, one who lives in New York City advised me that they don't have the greatest selection and can be very pushy. Needless to say, I was hesitant, but I also was beginning to feel desperate.

After filling out a lengthy application detailing my income, work background and previous rental experience, they sat me down with a consultant. Together we mapped out which neighborhoods I wanted to be in and how much was I willing to spend. I wanted to be near the CTA Red Line, the elevated train branch that ran into Evanston. I couldn't go over $750 a month etc. We scheduled for an agent to pick me up from my apartment that following weekend and check out some of the various listings.

My agent, Dylan, picked me up that following Saturday. He had six apartments he wanted me to look at, most in the Ravenswood and Uptown neighborhoods of North Chicago. Being driven around was terrific. Dylan was far more interested what sort or music I listened to than selling me an apartment I didn't want. However, what my NYC friend said turned out to be true: All six of the apartments we looked at had serious flaws. One was across the street from one of the loudest 4AM bars in Chicago. Another one had been put under contract 10 minutes before we were scheduled to look at it. I was beginning to despair.

After the sixth apartment, Dylan said there's one more he wanted me to check out. It was in a very nice neighborhood farther west than I wanted and well above my preferred price range, but I didn't see the harm. The end to my story is, of course, this particular apartment was perfect. Big windows, pretty courtyard, calm neighbors who were my age. I immediately asked to put this under contract for me.

So, as my epilogue, I ask you, reader: Would I have found something better on my own? Something cheaper or closer to work? Although they take a great deal of pressure off finding a place you'll like and can live in for a year, you might be missing out on something you love.

Things to think about before you look for roommates

Rent Jungle — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:48:49 +0000

Having roommates can be one of the most fun things you ever do. It also could be one of the most exasperating things you ever do. With them you can rent nicer apartments for a lot less money and maybe even have enough left over for a very deluxe cable package. Without them, you can have whatever schedule you want without bothering anyone. Think through these five things before you start looking for your new flat mate.

The Pros for Roommates:

You can split the bill for pretty much everything. From rent, to cable, to the electricity bill, having a roommate is easily the most cost-efficient option. If everyone gets along, you can even start splitting the costs of expensive items that both of you will use, like a game console. Having a roommate also makes things like carpooling or taking out-of-town trips easier.
Instant friends. Especially if you're new to a city or a neighborhood, this can be crucial. This is someone you can go out or hang out at home with. You probably don't want to be in each other's space every waking minute, but it's nice to know that they're there.
They bring their own furniture. Even if you come in with nothing but an air mattress, chances are at least one of your roommates will have saved up quite a few belongings or will pitch in over time to help decorate the place. At the very least, you have an extra person to help drag the sofa upstairs.

The Cons for Roommates:

There's a lot of pressure to getting along with roommates. If two of you simply don't get a long, it can make the rest of time you have on your lease very, very uncomfortable for everyone. It's important to set up boundaries quickly. Even if it's an uncomfortable talk to have in the first week of living together, it might go best if you break down your arrangement into these topics: Who pays for what and how much , Who is willing to pay for what in the future , What chores everyone one is responsible for and what chores only certain people are responsible for . If a roommate doesn't stick to these general boundaries, it can make a huge hassle for everyone else.
Sometimes you really do just want to be alone. Say you come home after a rough day of work, and all you can think about is flopping down in front of the TV and having a few hours of mindless quiet time. You come home and there's six guests in your house, all shouting, eating your food and playing music. Your roommate thought they'd have the party here tonight! Or you could be a night owl, making noise all night while your roommate tries to sleep. Even with the best of intentions, you have still got to roll with these sort of punches, and if you can't, perhaps it's time to look for your own place.

Keep It Cozy, Keep it Chic

Rent Jungle — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:13:12 +0000

Watching the seasons change outside your window can serve as a sensible reminder that we too must adapt to the weather. Even extravagant apartments can lose their luster if they are not well prepared for the icy winter weather. Cold drafts, chilly bedrooms, and heat hemorrhages can kill more than your patience; they can also kill your wallet. So now, amongst the dazzling spectrum of foliage and leaves falling outside your apartment window, its time to buckle down and bundle up.

Keeping your apartment warm does not, however, necessitate lowering your fashion standards by erecting drab or frumpy heat coverings. Some of these more frugal methods tend to be quite practical, but utilitarian means generally lead to unfortunate appearances, i.e. duct-tape prom dresses or spray-painted cars. Lets take a look at some ways to stay warm while also keeping your cool.

Heat tends to escape your apartment in two ways: gaps and windows. The former can often be alleviated with a quick and assertive call to the super. The latter is generally fixed by the creation of a heavy cellophane faade buttressed by clear tape around the window frames. Remember, we are trying to avoid eye-sores! Thermal resistant curtains may be a better idea, and when coupled with conservative weather stripping, offers both a practical and fashionable solution when battling the weather.

Keeping unused areas of the apartment closed, closets included, can maximize the effectiveness of your heater. Unblocking radiators is also a good idea, as is strategically placing larger furniture in front of the draftier windows .

You should also utilize programmable thermostats. This way you can find your preferred temperature and have it waiting for you when you return from work or school. It is recommendable to lower the temperature while you are out, especially if your apartment tends to leak. Using space heaters can be a good idea, as can running your ceiling fans in reverse to promote a better distribution of heat.

So man the fireplace, light some candles , and cozy up with that special person or pet; youre ready to enjoy watching the light blanket of snow gathering outside your windows from the comfort of your warm and attractive apartment.