Avoiding Pest Infestations

Do a little research. Choose plants resistant to pests. When buying plants from a garden center, inspect them carefully to ensure that they’re healthy and free of pests.

To keep your plants healthy, always use sterile potting soil and sterile containers. Thoroughly wash and sterilize any pots you’re reusing to avoid passing on disease from previous plants that they housed.

Water your plants properly. Over-watering can cause fungus growth which weakens your plants and makes them more susceptible to infestation.

Identifying Pests

Check leaves and stems for signs of insects. Look under the leaves, in particular, as insects are often found there. Brown leaf tips can be a sign of insects feeding on your plant. Periodically check the soil as well to find any insects burrowing in it. Watch for flying pests circulating around your plants. Move infested plants away from healthy plants, whenever possible, to avoid spreading the infestation.

Research the pests you find online to identify them. An easy way to identify an insect is to learn about what types of infestations your plant is susceptible to. Then, check photographs to match the insects. While you’re at it, you may be able to find specific advice for dealing with that particular type of pest.

If you’re unsuccessful in identifying the insect, take one to your local garden center to ask for their advice. Capture a sample insect and transport it in either a small glass jar or a clear plastic bag.

Chemical-free Approach to Pest Control

When growing plants on your balcony, they are more likely to get infested than when growing them indoors. Catch an infestation early by regularly inspecting your plants. Pick off any insects you see on the plants. At the same time, remove any diseased or dead leaves from the plants.

Sometimes, you can remove the pests with a small brush or tweezers. You can also try washing the leaves with a solution of well-diluted, mild detergent. Wet just the leaves with the detergent, and repeat as many times as necessary to obtain the desired results.

In the event that this doesn’t solve your problem, try using natural products and traps designed for pest control. Such products are less toxic then chemical pesticides.

Using Pesticides

If you decide to use a pesticide, purchase the correct type for the insect you’re trying to eliminate. Before applying it, read the instructions. Improper pesticide use can harm your plants or your health. Never apply pesticides on windy days. You don’t want the pesticide blowing into your apartment or harming the environment.

Whatever pest control approach you take, remember that not all insects are harmful to your plants. Determine what type of pest you’re dealing with before taking action to treat your plants.

Lisa Bernstein: As a long-time apartment dweller and seasoned condominium trustee, I have dealt with numerous landlord-tenant, property management, and day-to-day apartment complex issues. My extensive, direct experience has led to invaluable insights into apartment life from both the tenant and management perspectives.

Availability

You’ll likely to see much more of your love when you live in close proximity to each another. It’s like the complete opposite situation of a long distance relationship; you’re in short distance from one another. When you are dating your neighbor, it’s much easier to make time to nurture the relationship. A date can simply be walking next door with something to be cooked and drinks. It’s easier to stay out later on a date because you’re both going home to the same place, and you can always simply take one car.

Developing the Relationship

A romance is likely to blossom at a more rapid pace when one is just a stone’s throw away from her love. When you only have an hour between commitments, you can squeeze in some togetherness. When you are dating the person who lives next door, you can go visit when you get home at night even if it’s just to unwind or vent about the day. It’s easier to crash for the night on the sofa after a long talk if you only have to walk next door to get clothes for the next day’s activities.

Honesty

Dating your neighbor encourages honesty. While you shouldn’t be dating anybody who would be untrue in the first place, it’s much easier to see what your date’s life is like when you live in the same building. If he tries to have front, it will be much easier to see through. It will become obvious if his lifestyle is different from the one you believe is right. While these things can be hidden in the early parts of most relationships, these things cannot be easily concealed from a neighbor like they would be if you were seeing someone in a long distance relationship.

Carefree Benefits

It’s much easier to loan your significant other things when you are the neighbor. Books and videos can be more easily loaned when you just can walk them over. It’s effortless, and it can be a simple, understated way to share the things that you love. It’s an important way that the two of you can get to know one another. It’s quite possible that one of you may think “Xanadu” is the best movie ever made, while the other prefers “Sordid Lives.” These compatibility issues are best dealt with early on in the relationship.

Long-Term Benefits

The close distance means that the process of moving in together will be easy if the two of you eventually end up living together or decide to get married. While it may seem small, the ease of merging your lives together across the hall is much easier than doing so when you have to come together across the city. This ease can be yet another blessing that can come into your life from the simply choice to give dating your neighbor a chance.

When you’re looking to use the recreational facility, you’ll need to speak with the management office to make arrangements. Depending on your complex, there may or may not be a fee for using the room. If you’re lucky, your apartment complex will allow you to use the space for free. Free or not, you’ll have to reserve the space. Call the rental office or stop by to see when it’s available. Even if there is a small charge, it’ll be much less expensive to use the space than it would be to rent a room in a private facility not associated with your apartment complex. Plan at least a month or two in advance so you can reserve the room before anybody else does, especially if your party falls over a holiday like Memorial Day weekend or the Fourth of July.

Figure Out Your Party Plans

Party options are much greater in your complex’s recreational facilities than they are in your individual unit. For one thing, you have much more space (and seating) to work with. Even if you don’t have anything special planned, the potential to invite more people to your gathering alone gives your gathering a greater chance of being a success-after all, good company is what really makes a party fun.

You won’t have to fret too much about having things to do at your gathering, as the facilities generally have entertainment options. Pool tables, big screen televisions and swimming pools are very common. Bring over several board games and some good music and you’ll have plenty to keep your guests entertained. Most facilities have kitchens as well, making it relatively easy to prepare party snacks.

Looking to do something a little more special? Consider hosting a cooking party or a tasting. Even hosting an ice cream social is a good idea in the heat of the summer, and these spaces are conducive to such gatherings.

Take It Indoors or Outdoors (or Both!)

Pool parties are synonymous with summer, and if your apartment complex has a pool you should take advantage of it. If you’re trying to plan a successful gathering, consider inviting your friends over in the early evening for a cook out pool side. As the night progresses-and things get rowdy-you can move it indoors. Guests will be much more comfortable when they have room to mingle and the ability to hang out both in and outdoors.

It’s almost silly not to take advantage of a readily available space for your next gathering. Keep your apartment’s recreational facilities in mind when you feel like hosting a summer party.

Types of Reptiles for Beginners

The best apartment pets for first-time reptile owners include:

• Bearded dragon lizards
• Blue-tongued skinks
• Box turtles
• California kingsnakes
• Corn snakes
• Leopard geckos
• Slider turtles

These reptiles are relatively inexpensive, easy to find for sale and fairly simple to care for. They’re not dangerous and they’re attractive. For example, the blue-tongued skinks literally have blue tongues and the bearded dragon lizards have spiny throat projections that look like beards.

The Reptile Habitat

The most important purchase for a pet reptile is the reptile habitat. As ideal apartment pets, reptiles don’t need free range of the house (although many can explore safe areas of your apartment under supervision). A reptile will spend most of its time in a reptile tank. What you fill the reptile tank with depends largely on the species, as there are both aquatic and and terrestrial breeds of most reptile species. The most popular beginner reptiles are usually terrestrial. The terrestrial reptile tank should be as large as possible to give the reptiles room to explore. It should usually be temperature-controlled with an ultraviolet light that you turn on for about 10 hours a day during daylight hours. The bottom of the reptile tank should be filled with a couple of inches of reptile bedding like gravel or sand. Plant life (both plastic and real) should be added to make the environment more akin to the natural reptile habitat. Plants should be specifically meant for a reptile tank and should not be taken from your yard. Add rocks for the reptile to climb on. Although all reptiles will require fresh dechlorinated water available at all times, turtles will require a small swimming area as well. You can ad a larger bowl of water or build an elevated platform with a water bowl.

Feeding Your Reptiles

The reptile diet differs greatly depending on the individual species; reptiles can be carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Carnivorous reptiles-which all snakes are-will eat insects (particularly crickets and worms), eggs, small mammals (such as mice and rats) and fish, depending on their size. Because of their slow digestion systems, they won’t need to eat daily.

Herbivores, such as some turtles, lizards and geckos, require daily fresh fruit and vegetables to stay healthy. Some species enjoy grapes, bananas, pears, peaches, strawberries, carrots, pumpkins, rose petals and romaine lettuce. Break the food into small pieces before feeding. Omnivores of course eat both meat and greens.

Vet Care

When considering adopting reptiles as apartment pets, it’s important that you find a vet who is trained to work with reptiles. Reptile medical care is more complicated than mammal pet care and you want to make sure your reptiles live as long as possible.

Even beginners can enjoy reptiles as apartment pets as long as they brush up on basic reptile care. Before adopting your new pets, be sure to read up on individualized care for the reptile you have selected.

Area Codes

Some observe that L.A. is divided by its varying area codes. The area code 323 includes Hollywood and the Mid-Wilshire area (south of Hollywood). The 213 area code includes downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown and other surrounding neighborhoods. Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and other west side neighborhoods are covered by the 310 area code. The 424 area code covers western L.A. as well. The area code 818 is generally used for the San Fernando Valley; locals simply call it “the valley.” When getting your cell phone, you’ll want to match it to your area for easier neighborhood identification.

Hollywood

Hollywood is the most well-known neighborhood in Los Angeles, but it’s actually a nitty-gritty one for large parts of it. The areas east of Mann’s Chinese Theater near the corner of Hollywood and Highland have gone through a period where it was run-down, but the development of businesses like the Arclight Theater on Sunset and Vine have helped liven up the neighborhood. You can get a cheaper place in Hollywood, and it’s a classic town for actors new to town who want to be a part of this historic city.

Beach Cities

Santa Monica is known for the Third Street Promenade, an outdoor strip of eateries and shops only three blocks from the Pacific Ocean. It’s a very expensive place to live. Venice is cheaper than Santa Monica, but residing near the beach can still get expensive. Some neighborhoods in Venice are safe, and others aren’t. Marina Del Ray is somewhat between Venice and Santa Monica as far as price range. Malibu is sometimes called Beverly Hills by the sea. It’s too expensive for most people to afford, but it’s a quick commute to Malibu’s Zuma Beach if you opt to live in Santa Monica.

The San Fernando Valley

The valley is where you’ll want to stay if you are low on funds and have a car. Even if money is tight, do not move to the valley unless you have a car. Public transportation in Los Angeles is a nightmare where it exists. There is very little public transportation accessible to many parts of the valley. However, you can get an apartment in the valley for around half of what it would cost in main areas of Los Angeles. When compared to the richer neighborhoods, it’s only a fraction of the cost. There are nice and not-so-nice parts of the valley so make sure to spend time in a neighborhood before choosing to reside within it.

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles has been in a constant state of restoration for years. It’s still being improved, and its adjacent neighborhoods are seeing a resurgence. You’ll want to opt to live downtown if you are low on funds, yet don’t have a car. Opt to live in a place near plentiful public transportation, which are many downtown areas.

Broadband Internet

There are still individuals on the planet that use dial-up for free or low-cost access to the Internet. If you want to switch to a VoIP telephone service, you’ll have to upgrade to broadband Internet. This means higher monthly fees to pay for your Internet, which may not translate into savings on your telephone bill. Factor the costs of getting broadband Internet service as you compare the costs of switching telephone services. Even with high speed Internet access, you can face a loss of connection from time to time, which means you won’t be able to place any calls. If you lose Internet connection, and VoIP service is your only source to place calls, you could be without a phone for a few days.

Not Ideal for Emergencies

If there’s a natural disaster or other emergency that causes your power to go out, you can’t use your VoIP to call for help. You can’t get online to make the calls, and you won’t be able to receive calls from family members or others who might be trying to reach you. This is not a problem with your land line. When the power goes out, you’ll still have a dial-tone and can make and receive phone calls. You might think that your cell phone can solve this problem easily, but you can get stuck if the emergency happens on the one day you forget to charge your phone. Also, you might not be able to get a signal. Finally, you won’t get the benefit of a 911 dispatcher tracking down your location when you place a call on your home phone. They can’t find you when you make a call over the Internet.

Poor Sound Quality for Long Distances

Talking over a wireless phone with a VoIP telephone service sounds a lot different than picking up the phone and calling someone long distance. The sound quality is noticeably different, the further away the recipient of the call is. This may not be a problem if you’re calling an old classmate, but it may not sit well with clients or customers. Consider how you’ll use the service before switching over, especially if you work from home. VoIP may be fine to use in some cases, but it may not work well for business or employment.

You might decide that you can overcome the disadvantages of a VoIP telephone service and go with it. The important thing is to develop a plan to compensate for each disadvantage, especially for the times when you may find yourself in a medical or other emergency.

Weight Based Charges or Adjustable Moving Fees

Your base price is one thing you need to watch carefully. Your initial price quote is what you use to evaluate the cost of getting your stuff from point A to point B. If that rises substantially, you’ll have a problem. Not nailing down a specific final price before the movers show up is a big mistake.

Moving companies, storage companies and others have been known to boost rates after loading the truck, effectively holding your possessions hostage. Many call this a “hostage freight” situation. The way to avoid this is to get a final price in writing before you sign onto using a company. Then, later, your written agreement will help in negotiating the final payment.

Vague Time Frames

Depending on the movers you select, time may become a factor in the moving job. Time usually isn’t an issue with a professional company that works in a very orderly way, but with smaller local movers, all kinds of things can cause delays in a moving job. However, time is often very important to the client, who has planned time off from work to deal with the move. Don’t let a late job derail your relocation. Make sure you can hold your movers to a time frame.

Breakage

Another big issue with the terms and policies of professional movers is their outlook on damage to your possessions. Again, this varies according to the company. However, too many movers both large and small have a surprisingly callous attitude toward damage, especially if it happens during loading.

A lot of good firms will use the standard tie-downs, blankets and other gear to make sure goods don’t break during the ride, but things can still get broken as they are loaded. Some movers even throw items randomly on top of a truck load, which is a terrible way to provide shipping for anyone. If your company tells you that “some things will always get broken”, they’re lazy and unprofessional. Hold movers to standards regarding damaged items.

Lack of Employee Checks

Some movers may also have a problem with another policy area: hiring. Clients who regretted hiring a moving firm will often tell stories about employees with aggravating tendencies to make themselves at home during the move. This includes a wide range of behaviors, from blasting their music and tracking mud through a house, to distracting clients with inappropriate questions or lounging around in the client’s home without doing any work at all.

Clients may also have questions about the background checks done on employees. Movers have a lot of access to a household’s personal affects and their homes, and those who hire movers need to be able to trust them to be honest and professional.

Look for these items in a moving company, and get some idea of their policies before you sign, to avoid a whole lot of troublesome situations.

Rent control has been found to help tenants in certain situations. However, it has also been found to have some drawbacks, which can affect both the landlords and the tenants living in rent controlled properties.

Reduces Housing Availability

Rent control has been found, in many circumstances, to reduce the availability of housing. Traditionally rental fees are directly proportional to the demand for housing and the availability of housing. As the availability is outweighed by the demand, the prices go up, which encourages developers to create new rental properties (and investors to purchase more rental properties). Eventually this process drives rental prices back down while meeting the local needs.

Harms Investors

Rent control, especially when left in effect over an extended period of time, can lead to a sharp reduction in profit, and in some cases even a loss for investors. This occurs because the rent control can keep rental prices below the market rental price. Overtime this can lead to a situation where the investor’s income is below the costs associated with owning the rental property.

Reduces Maintenance on Existing Properties

Rent control over time can lead to reduced maintenance, and even abandonment of rental properties by investors. This occurs as a result of continually reduced profit margins, which eventually make it necessary for the investors to either significantly reduce costs or abandon the property.

High Administrative Costs

Due to the fact that rent control is government based, the local government must establish systems which handle the process of determining costs (and dealing with complaints). This adds additional expenses, which must be covered by taxes.

Decrease Income Tax Revenue

In many situations, rent control can lead to a decrease in income tax collected from landlords for their rental properties. This occurs because it reduces the profit taken in from landlords by a considerable margin, leading a lower overall income.

Decrease Property Tax Revenue

Rent control can lead to a decrease in property taxes. This occurs because rent control leads to a higher percentage of depressed and abandoned properties. Overtime this leads to a lower average property value in the controlled area, which reduces property taxes.

Higher Entry Costs

When rent control affects the availability of properties, this can lead to an added expense for leasing a rental property (and signing a lease agreement). In many areas where rent controls are used extensively, it becomes necessary for those interested in renting a property to pay what is known as a finder’s fee. This can often outweigh the savings, which may be experienced by renting in a rent controlled area.

Choose a Matching Furniture Set

While many decorating magazines effectively put together vastly different furniture for appealing looks, it is an ultimately better choice for most of us to pick just a few pieces that are from the same set. While having one piece, at most, that is different can be an asset (for instance, a striking white-washed french dresser for a girl’s room), the point of the room is to be a fun and functional, as well as beautiful, place for your child. The main pieces you will want to match are bed, nightstand, bookshelf and dresser.

Choose Furniture that will Last

It may be tempting to give in to the bright pink plastic furniture IKEA offers wide-eyed children, but realistically this furniture will not last more than a couple years. To purchase furniture that will grow and adapt with your child, choose furniture that you can visualize in the room of a toddler to a teen, or even being a guest room down the road. If you only have to buy furniture once, you will save time and money for years to come.

Look for basic, simple designs that appear sturdy. Ornate or highly detailed beds are more likely to go out of style. Simply square, real wood beds are a great option because even as they are used or abused, they dimply get more character from a naturally distressed finish. 

Test it Out

In the store, don’t be afraid to have the store personnel take the mattress of the display bed so you can have a good look at it. You want to see large bolts holding it together. If shaken, it should resist movement. Also, take note of how easy it will be to take apart and reassemble.

Sit on the bed. Bounce around. Make sure that the furniture feels strong enough to last through years of use. Open the dresser drawers multiple times to see if they shake or drag. 

Pull it All Together

When the furniture is assembled and set up in the room, it is time to assemble the decorations to go with it. A lamp on the nightstand, fresh sheets and a new comforter on the bed, and a plant (real or artificial) on top of the dresser will help to get the room pulled together. 

Choosing bedroom furniture can be a long process, but having a clear vision of what kind of furniture to buy will save you lots of time. Go with quality, go with timeless styles, and go with real wood, and you will have a bedroom set the kids will enjoy for years to come.

Ceramic Pots

A ceramic pot is a clay pot which is hardened by baking the clay at high temperatures. A glaze may be added to the pot for decorative purposes and to help prevent cracking. You can find these pots in many sizes and colors.

Advantages of Ceramic Pots

Ceramic pots are more decorative. They also hold less moisture, which is best when your plant’s soil should be kept moist but not wet.

They are better for your larger plants because they weigh more. As your plant grows heavier on the top, ceramic pots can counter the weight, making them less likely to topple over.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Pots

Due to their weight, moving full ceramic pots can be difficult. You may need to place plants in ceramic pots on wheels to transport them.

Ceramic breaks when dropped. The sharp edges on the broken pieces can cause injuries. Ceramic’s tendency to break can be a problem on your balcony garden where wind or careless handling could cause a pot to fall off the balcony. Such an incident might injure someone below, exposing you to liability.

Some ceramic pots have no drainage holes, so you can’t plant anything directly inside of them. If you like the appearance of a pot without a drainage hole, you can use a plastic pot to hold your plant, and then place it inside the ceramic pot.

Plastic Containers

You can find plastic containers in many shapes and sizes. Most of the plants you buy will come in standard green or black plastic containers, but more decorative plastic plant containers are available. Some are designed to look like ceramic pots. The better quality ones are so realistic that you may not be able to tell them apart from real ceramic.

Advantages of Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are lightweight, making them easier to transport when filled. Since plastic doesn’t shatter into sharp pieces when dropped, it’s safer if you have pets or children.

Plastic retains moisture better than ceramic. This trait helps to keep your plants with high water requirements from drying out.

You can’t put a new plant in a pot that previously held a diseased plant without proper disinfection. Plastic is easy to clean and disinfect when reusing your pots.

Disadvantages of Plastic Containers

Plastic becomes very hot when left in the summer sun. Too much heat may be harmful to your plants. You can reduce this risk by purchasing white containers, which retain less heat than dark containers.

If you’re environmentally conscious, you may prefer to avoid plastic products. Many cities don’t accept plastic pots in their recycling programs, so you may have trouble recycling them.

To select the pots best suited to your needs, consider the growing requirements of your plants, safety and aesthetics.

_______________________________________

Lisa Bernstein: As a long-time apartment dweller and seasoned condominium trustee, I have dealt with numerous landlord-tenant, property management, and day-to-day apartment complex issues. My extensive, direct experience has led to invaluable insights into apartment life from both the tenant and management perspectives.

Hermit Crab Supplies

Proper hermit crab care involves purchase of the following hermit crab supplies:

• 10-gallon aquarium (see “Hermit Crab Aquariums”)
• Food (see “Feeding Your Hermit Crabs”)
• Salt water making kit
• Sand (see “Hermit Crab Aquariums”)
• Undertank heater
• Wood for climbing

Hermit Crab Aquariums

Hermit crabs need a warm, humid environment, so owners should try to recreate such an environment in the aquarium. Hermit crab owners should make their apartment pets a home in a 10-gallon glass or plastic aquarium tank with a mesh lid or a sliding glass lid. Install an undertank heater in order to keep the tank at a temperature of around 73 to 80 degrees. Fill the bottom of the aquarium with 3 to 4 inches of playground sand, aquarium sand or calcium-based sand. Hermit crabs will burrow in this sand to keep warm.

Feeding Your Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are omnivores that scavenge mostly for fallen plant life and animal waste in the wild. As apartment pets, hermit crabs should eat a mixture of commercial pellets or canned food and crushed-up fruit, plant life and other food. Do not feed your crabs sugary junk food or foods high in starch (such as potatoes). Nutritional foods for proper hermit crab care include:

• Carrots
• Apples
• Mango
• Bananas
• Grapes
• Romaine lettuce (not iceburg)
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Watercress
• Seaweed
• Sodium-free crackers
• Tree bark and leaves (no conifer trees)

Because hermit crabs also need a diet high in calcium (especially during molting) to support their exoskeleton, supplement their diet with foods such as:

• Crushed boiled egg shells
• Cuttlebones
• Crushed oyster shells

Hermit crabs also need both fresh dechlorinated water and salt water available in their aquariums at all times in shallow dishes that are easy for the crabs to climb in and out of. They drink both kinds and bathe in salt water. Prepare salt water with commercial salt water salt (not table salt).

Hermit Crab Behavior

Hermit crabs occasionally molt around every 18 months or so, which means they shed their exoskeleton and prepare to grow a new one. When hermit crabs begin digging, eating and drinking more than usual, they may be molting. They may also become more lethargic and appear to have cloudy eyes. Owners should not assume their crabs are dead if they stop moving. They should leave them be and see if they shed their skin.

Hermit crabs also need to be provided with progressively bigger shells in which to live as they grow bigger. Select a variety of sized shells appropriate for hermit crabs and provide them for your apartment pets in their tanks one after the other.

Although some people wrongly assume that hermit crabs are “throwaway” apartment pets that don’t live very long, properly caring for your hermit crab will likely result in lifespan of between 10 to 20 years. Although not as fluffy as the traditional pet, observing hermit crab behavior can provide a lot of entertainment to hermit crab owners.

Find the Right Valuations for Household Possessions

Different renters insurance policies have various ways to value your furniture, appliances and other possessions. Policyholders can choose policies based on a lump-sum value, and even some valuation systems where compensation for items would be based on a per pound value. Other more detailed compensation systems are calculated according to the actual value of specific items. Those taking out the rental insurance policy might choose an actual cash value (ACV) or replacement value basis. They also may be required to keep documents on hand that prove the market value of items that they own. Making the right decisions about the valuations on your renters insurance can help with saving money in your household budget.

Rely on Deductibles

Another way to limit a renters insurance premium is through the reasonable application of a deductible. A deductible amount can be applied to renters insurance, where it lowers the periodic payments that the policy holder has to make. However, always be advised that in the case of a claim, the insurer will require a household to pay out the deductible amount before they start paying on loss of your possessions.

Take Common-Sense Safety Measures-And Tell Your Insurer

One good way to potentially limit renters insurance premiums while cutting down on actual risk is to be practical in buying and installing security devices that help protect your home and avoid claims in the first place. This can be anything from smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for fire damage, to extended lock and security systems and other anti-theft or theft deterrent items to prevent burglaries. But these items may not affect your renters insurance unless you make sure to mention to insurer representatives that you can provide proof of actions that you took to safeguard your home against specific hazards.

Check Out Discounts for Upfront Payments

Just like other insurance companies, the company that issued your rental insurance may give you some dollars off of premiums based on a lump-sum payment up front. If you have the cash on hand, lump-sum payments can help with saving money and time for a busy household.

The above are some general ideas for helping to control the costs of renters insurance as a smaller part of a greater insurance budget. Almost any household in any income bracket has to deal with multiple insurance policies, including homeowners or renters policies, major health insurance, auto insurance and much more. Shaving dollars off of insurance policies can have a large effect on a  household budget in the long run.

1. Unreasonable Lease Terms or Poor Renewal Terms

A standard residential lease is for a period of one year. More than two years raises the question of whether a renter wants to commit to such a long-term binding agreement. Another possible problem is renewal clauses that don’t offer sufficient flexibility for the tenant.

2. Clauses on Access

A landlord is often afforded limited access to a tenant’s housing unit under the law. However, it is standard for the landlord to give notice before entering the residence. Beware of clauses that give the landlord carte blanche in terms of accessing your home.

3. Lack of Security Deposit Information

These days, security deposits are often held by the landlord to fix not only extreme damage, but also the normal wear on an apartment or house. Without additional information on your lease agreement, you may be vulnerable to losing your security deposit entirely. Negotiate a good concrete process for identifying damage conditions when you move in to compare them against the condition of the housing unit when you move out.

4. Excessive Extra Costs

If you’re a pet owner, make sure that the clauses in your lease agreement are not excessively restrictive regarding keeping your pet with you in the unit. Look over pet deposits and negotiate an equitable amount for including your pet in a rental deal.

5. Noise Clauses

Some clauses in a lease agreement may be insufficiently precise when it comes to defining domestic peace and quiet in the housing community. Go over these items with your landlord to determine what they actually mean and how they would be enforced.

6. Excessive Late Fees or Expedited Eviction

You’ll also want to take a look at clauses in a lease agreement that govern late payments to be sure that your rent won’t be excessively jacked up by a slow check, and that your landlord agrees to abide by local ordinance regarding an eviction process.

7. Mandatory Insurance and Extra Charges

In some cases, the landlord will try to shift the financial burden of some costs onto the tenant through sleight of hand in the lease. In a typical lease, renter’s insurance is not treated at all, as it is commonly something the tenant chooses to obtain to cover his or her personal possessions. If your lease includes mandatory insurance costs, or “tax” items, look closely to make sure you’re not just paying things that the landlord is generally responsible for.

8. Lack of Provisions for Living Conditions

A good lease agreement should provide for speedy fixes to critical components like the running water or sewer systems. Read over this kind of language and ask about the landlord’s policy on fixing what goes bad in a housing unit.

The above are some key parts of a lease that can tell you if something about a rental deal is not quite right.

The Benefits of a Doorman

Most high-rise buildings have a doorman. They will greet you when you come home and make sure you get into the building. The doorman also helps to keep you safe because his job is to monitor who comes into the building. He can also do nice things like keep items at the front desk, hail a taxi or offer a hand with helping you carry several packages. Having a doorman may be important if you work late hours, travel a lot or are single and need the added safety.

The Amenities Are Worth It

There are several other amenities that come with living in a high rise. Many high rise building have workout rooms that are free of charge or have special offers with local gyms. Be sure to ask if they have garage parking or even uncovered parking and if it’s included in the rent. Some of these items may seem obvious, like a laundry room or garbage slot on each floor, but in totality, these amenities may help you decide whether you choose a high-rise.

Typically, large apartment buildings usually have regular tenant events. This may include movie screenings, holiday parties or even parties on a rooftop or at the recreation center. Another perk is a convenient store or commissary that allows you to pick up on last minute items easily which may be important if a grocery store is not close by.

High rise building are usually equipped with a full staff onsite such as a leasing agent and maintenance crew. The benefit is that they are more likely to take care of any concerns you need addressed quickly. Also, having maintenance on staff means that there is probably a good standard of upkeep to the apartment building, the greenery and the overall cleanliness.

Searching for an apartment requires you to make several important decisions. Knowing what type of building you want to live will help you focus on finding the best apartment. Drilling down to the specific amenities will help you decide if high-rise living fits your lifestyle.

Get a Discount

You can get a discount on renters insurance if you buy your policy from your car insurance company. These companies want you to buy all of the policies they offer and, as an incentive, they’ll lower your premiums if you buy more policies from them. Call your car company for a quote on how much they charge to add renters insurance. Still compare prices to make sure that going with your car insurance company is the better deal.

Buy from Your Employer

You employer might offer group coverage on many different types of insurance for employees, including renters insurance. The group rate is often much cheaper than buying insurance on your own. Check with the human resources department to see whether they offer this benefit. Review the policy carefully to determine how leaving your job, or getting fired, affects the policy or the rate you pay. 

Use the Same Company 

Are you relocating to another state? If so, try this tip for saving money on renters insurance: Transfer your policy to another agent that works for your current insurance company in the new state. You may receive a discount on your premiums when you make the transfer, or down the road, as a result of staying with the same company. If you don’t automatically get a discount, ask for one. Good insurance companies bend over backwards to keep their customers, and therefore, they may be responsive to your request for a discount.

Secure Your Apartment

When you apply for renters insurance, they’ll ask about the security of your apartment. They’ll ask questions about whether you have dead bolts on doors, fire extinguishers, if you’re renting a mobile home that’s on the ground, and many other questions to determine whether your apartment is safe and secured. The less secure your apartment is, the higher you’ll pay for renters insurance. You should take the proper steps prior to applying for renters insurance to make sure that your apartment is safe and secure for your own protection, as well as to save money on insurance.

Don’t Buy too Much

You may not need $20,000 worth of renters insurance if you live in a studio apartment. Take an inventory of your items and estimate the cost of replacing your valuables. Don’t include items you have no intention of ever replacing or that will drive up your coverage amount. Only buy insurance for what you truly need to replace, such as computers, valuable jewelry and a piano.

Shop Around

A simple, yet easy to overlook tip for saving money on renters insurance is comparing prices. Some renters buy insurance from the one company that advertises on their favorite radio or television programs. You should compare quotes from at least three different companies, in addition to your existing insurance company, to find the best price and coverage.

Use these tips for saving money on renters insurance and you’ll have more dollars to spend on other things. Also, take the opportunity to review your apartment safety and security before you apply.

Find Moving Company Reviews

Consumers have had it with unreliable moving companies and/or scam artists, and are taking action by writing negative reviews. Before you sign a contract with a company, you need to research what others are saying about it. You can check moving company ratings and reviews on websites like Moverreviews.com or Movingscam.com. If a small company receives more than three negative reviews, you probably ought to avoid them. If a medium-sized or large company gets more than ten reviews, you should avoid them also.

If you can’t find a review on your moving company, good or bad, you should ask them for references. If they won’t provide you with any, and if you don’t know of anyone who has actually used them, choose another company. You don’t want to risk your items with a brand new company, or with one that no one knows anything about. No amount of insurance can replace some of the things that you love and hold dear, and therefore, it’s not worth the risk.

Get Personal Recommendations

In addition to finding reviews, get personal recommendations from families or friends. This will confirm your online research and give you hints on what services to choose or which to avoid. You can still negotiate with good moving companies to try and get the best deal possible for add-on services. Sometimes, it takes asking people about their personal experiences to even know what to ask for. You can get this information from review sites if you don’t know anyone, but it’s better to find someone who you can ask followup questions.

Ask Questions

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to ask lots of questions. Call each company and ask them:

• What insurance they offer
• What they can guarantee for arrival dates
• What add-on services they offer
• How much extra it costs for moving to an apartment that’s upstairs or downstairs
• Do they charge extra for traveling down walkways
• How many movers will be assigned to the move

It’s not enough to just get verbal answers on any of these. Get written estimates that detail all costs and other key information, so that you don’t end up paying for hidden fees. Compare at least three estimates before making a decision.

The best moving company is one that will get all of your things to your new location in a timely manner, without being damaged or stolen. These can be few and far between, depending on where you live. Follow these guidelines and book your move right away when you find a good one. Otherwise, you might not have much of a choice if the company you want is all booked up.

Clear the Clutter

The single first thing to do to create a minimalist decorating affect is to get rid of the clutter. Take the trash out, pick up the old half-chewed dog toys, recycle that stack of old magazines laying around, and take that messy stack of DVDs on the floor back to the shelf where they belong. The first step in any minimalist transformation is to get rid of all those little things that end up in a living room. Even small decorative pieces should be put aside and added back in one by one as you get an idea of what would add or subtract from the beautiful simplicity of minimalist decorating. 

Modernize Your Wall Decorations

If your walls are cluttered with mismatched decorative pieces, posters, etc., change it up by adding in modern and minimalist art. This is easy to do by making it yourself or by purchasing a pre-made print from an inexpensive store like IKEA, Bed Bath and Beyond, or Pier 1. 

Suggestions for make-it-yourself minimalist art:

• Start with large canvases. 
• Pick solid, somewhat brighter colors. If color isn’t your thing, some minimalist art can be made well out of greyscale, or differing shades of cream. 
• Paint the background a solid color.
• When the first coat dries, add in one shape, like a circle or a square in a different color. A streak across the canvas would work as well, depending on what mood strikes you at the time. 
• Hang it proudly on the wall! 

Remove Excess Pillows

If your couch or floor is strewn with lots of soft pillows, streamline by removing all but two per couch and one per chair in the room. 

Modernize your Lighting

Removing any old lamps or light fixtures that scream from a past decade will give you room for new lights that embrace the minimalist look you seek. IKEA has wonderful inexpensive light fixtures that stay within a minimalist vision, as does Target and some at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Tips on selecting lighting:

• Keep it simple.
• No patterns, only solid colors
• Base should be white, black, or silver. Absolutely no brass. 
• Pick fluorescent bulbs, not incandescent or halogen. 
• Use lots of light fixtures. Darkness is not minimalist. 

Add in Modern Minimalist Pieces

You may consider upgrading your couch to something low and sleek in a grey, white, black or cream. IKEA has some great and inexpensive options, as well as other inexpensive shops. 

Tips on minimalist furniture: 

• Smaller is better - Fight the urge to get a giant coffee table unless you live in a giant house. 
• Lower is better - High furniture does not come across as being minimalist.
• Simple color scheme - Grey, cream, white, black, silver are the main colors to use for furniture.
• Bring in accent color with some throw pillows in deep blue, fresh grass green, burnt orange, eggplant purple or rusty red. 

With these tips, your home will be modernized into a minimalist look that will keep you happy for some time to come.

1. Housetraining

The most common of dog training problems is being unable to housetrain a dog effectively. Many dogs have occasional accidents; however, frequent accidents are usually indicative of improper training.

• Solution 1: In order to housetrain a dog, you must do your part to provide your dog with a regular schedule. You can’t leave a dog alone in your apartment all day and expect it not to relieve itself. Take your dog out at regular intervals throughout the day; come home during a lunch break if possible.
• Solution 2: Try and catch the dog’s telltale signs. When you witness your dog or puppy sniffing the ground and pacing back and forth, immediately take him outside.
• Solution 3: Praise and don’t punish. Dogs can’t make long-term connections, so if you come back to your apartment and find a puddle of urine, yelling at your dog will only make your dog afraid of you. If you catch your dog in the act, shout, “No!” once and take him outside immediately. Praise your dog anytime he successfully relieves himself outside.

2. Crate Training

Because apartments are small and bored dogs can go to the bathroom and chew or scratch furnishings to take out their frustrations, crate training is another essential training step, but it also frequently presents dog training problems. Dogs that aren’t happy in crates whine, relieve themselves in the crate and become depressed.

• Solution 1: Make sure the crate is large enough. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn completely around. Get a larger crate than currently necessary if your puppy is still growing.
• Solution 2: Expose the dog to the crate in small doses. Proper crate training, like all training, means introducing your dog to the crate in stages. Don’t lock him away all day when you’re not home and at night as well. Start by locking him away for a few hours and increase the amount of time each day.
• Solution 3: Choose night or day crating. Even dogs used to crates won’t have happy lives spent nearly entirely inside crates. Either crate the dog at night when you’re asleep or during the day when you’re away, but not both.

3. Barking

A dog that won’t stop barking is another one of those dog training problems that is worse in an apartment because neighbors can complain to the landlord and you might have to give up your dog.

• Solution: Don’t completely eliminate barking. Barking is a natural behavior, so train your dog to bark on command away from the apartment, like when out on a walk. Praise your dog when he barks on command and state only one command-such as “Stop barking!”-when he barks inappropriately.

Although you are likely to encounter dog training problems when introducing a canine friend to apartment life, don’t let yourself get discouraged. Continue working with your dog and try new training problem solutions.

Devising a Plan

Sharing parking with your roommate requires a concerted effort to coordinate your schedules and plan ahead. You must consider what time you leave each day and how many times you will return home during the day.

If both of you work during typical 9 to 5 business hours, it may be easier to organize moving your cars to stay out of each other’s way. But if one or both of you are students or have jobs requiring you to return home multiple times during the day, sharing tandem spaces will require more effort.

Coordinating Your Schedules

To coordinate your schedules, sit down together and figure out which of you normally leaves first in the morning. Avoid inconveniencing the roommate who leaves earlier by leaving your cars in the order that you will leave. In other words, whoever leaves earlier should always have their car in the rear position before you head off to bed at night.

In cases where both of you come and go during the day, you’ll have to think about what times you generally return home and how long you stay before going out again. This information should be written down on a parking schedule so that each of you knows what to expect from the other.

Scheduling Changes

As part of your parking plan, decide how to handle scheduling changes. Arrange a method of notification, such as calling or emailing one another, when you’re out. Of course, if you’re at home, discuss the scheduling change or leave a note for your roommate. The key is regular communication, practiced with enough notice that you don’t inconvenience one another.

Rearranging Cars

No matter how well you plan, there will be times when one of you is parked in front and your roommate’s car is blocking you from getting out. If both of you are home, you can just move the rear car to let the front car out. However, when one of you goes out and leaves your car behind, you must have a plan for moving your roommate’s car.

Pick a place in your apartment where you can safely leave a spare set of car keys for both cars. For security reasons, it’s best not to leave keys out in the open when you live in an apartment. Your roommate’s visitors, your landlord or maintenance staff may have access to your apartment when you’re not home. You don’t want to encourage people to drive off with your car because keys were left lying around.

Although tandem parking may not be the most convenient way to park your car, in places where parking is at a premium, it certainly beats having to hunt for on-street parking. With proper planning, good communication and cooperation, you’ll be able to come and go freely, without getting into one another’s way.

_______________________________________

Lisa Bernstein: As a long-time apartment dweller and seasoned condominium trustee, I have dealt with numerous landlord-tenant, property management, and day-to-day apartment complex issues. My extensive, direct experience has led to invaluable insights into apartment life from both the tenant and management perspectives.

Unlike homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance is optional, but it’s a very good idea for any tenants. Those in the Denver, Colorado area should look at some specific additions for their renter’s insurance to make sure they’re covered for all of the right contingencies that tend to affect homes in the Denver area and surrounding communities.

Fire Damage

The state of Colorado includes communities at high risk for wildfire damage. Experts point to a 2002 wildfire season that followed a drought. Statistics for the state, as well as indicators that Colorado’s forests are recovering from fire exclusion, make it a good idea to include specific fire damage coverage in your renter’s insurance for the city of Denver and nearby communities.

Avalanche and Landslide

Risk assessments in Colorado show that some personal properties are at risk for damage from landslide or avalanche conditions. This is a specific regional danger that renters should look out for their renter’s insurance policy, as well as something to look out for on the slopes or in excursions into park or natural areas.

Hail

Historic natural disaster reports show that between 1993 and 2000, the state of Colorado experienced 2000 hail storms with a total of more than $300 million in damage. Many types of property can be impacted by a hailstorm. Check your renter’s insurance policy for this important endorsement.

Earthquake

According to experts, seismologists have mapped over 1000 faults in the state of Colorado. That makes the region an earthquake-prone area of the U.S.. Your renter’s policy may or may not include earthquake coverage. If not, think about adding this specific kind of clause.

Flood and Water Damage

Almost all U.S. states are vulnerable to flooding, and the Denver area is no exception. Many Denver properties are located near floodplains, and that makes research critical to renters who want to protect their possessions from water damage. It’s also a good idea to look at the liability you might face in a multi-tenant building from broken pipes, improperly maintained water systems, or any other mistake that will cause water to run into your apartment.

All of the above are things to think about adding onto a renter’s insurance policy that will cover any damage to your Denver home. Checking a renter’s insurance policy for these kinds of specific conditions is important for making sure your policy premium is a useful safeguard and not just wasted money. Also check with your insurer about specific requirements for documenting value on any of your possessions, to avoid any unpleasant surprises if your household would unfortunately need to make a claim.

Spread the Word

Someone at work or school may know of a homeowner who owns a studio apartment. Often, these are reserved for guests and family members visiting from out of town. However, during tough economic times, some homeowners are looking for ways to earn additional money and may be very open to renting their apartment to you. They may not have even thought about the option, and you may be the perfect opportunity for them. The benefit of renting apartments in this scenario is that they’re already furnished to accommodate guests. Tell everyone you know about your hunt for a studio apartment and don’t assume that a particular person in your circle won’t know of any. Ask them to spread the word too, and you might get offers to check out a few apartments.

Ask Your Current Landlord

If you have an amicable relationship with your landlord, and he knows you’re leaving, tell him you’re looking for a studio apartment. Landlords know other landlords. Perhaps he knows of one for rent, or at least knows other landlords who own some. The best part is your landlord can provide a reference and personal recommendation, encouraging a potential landlord to rent to you. If that’s the case, you’ll be in a great position to negotiate lease terms that will benefit you as a tenant.

Check Apartments Near College Campuses

Some homeowners with studio apartments on their property earn extra income by renting to college students. If you’re a student, they’ll want to talk with you about their apartment. These are often not furnished apartments because homeowners are afraid that students will wreck their furniture. However, if you’ve got your own furniture, that’s not a problem. You can track down these apartments by checking out the bulletin boards on campus, such as at the student union hall. Also, watch for flyers on telephone poles on college campuses.

Watch for Ads at the Supermarket

Another spot to watch for flyers is at the supermarket or your favorite grocery store. Every time you’re there, be sure to check the bulletin board for apartments for rent. Often a landlord will leave a general flyer with strips to tear off a phone number. The competition for renting apartments can get fierce, so if you have a cell phone, stop what you’re doing and call right away.

Check the Classifieds

You can check the classifieds in your local newspaper, either by buying one or checking online. Keep in mind that the landlord is paying for advertising and so the rent may be higher than if you were to find an apartment using the other methods discussed above.

Schedule time each day to search the studio apartments for rent. You might have to turn over every rock to find one, but keep at it.

Manage Your Preferences

One way to save on minutes is to tell friends that you’d rather be contacted via text versus a call. Often times, people don’t realize that minutes are a factor in talk time. You can always text a caller back to let them know your are available after a certain time or when when you have free minutes. You may want to consider leaving a message on your voicemail such as, “For a quicker response, I can be contacted via text” because it lets someone know how you would like to be contacted.

Use Texts for Short Messages

If you need to update someone on your status, then opt for sms texting. For example, if you’re meeting a friend for dinner and running late, it’s better to send a sms text as you can save the conversation for later. Another suitable time for text messaging is when you’re giving specifics like an address or street name. You’re receiver will also have it as reference. These types of messages are impersonal and are socially acceptable ways to communicate.

How Do You Use Your Phone

Consider how you use your cell phone minutes. If you’re someone that doesn’t make a lot of phone calls in the day and can save minutes until nights and weekends when most cell phone providers give customers free minutes, then switching to a lower voice plan and unlimited sms texts may be a good option. On the other hand, if you love to talk and don’t want to be restricted, then a higher voice plan may be better.

If you need to have an important conversation with a friend or family member or just want to catch up, then these are good reasons to use your minutes. A good rule of thumb is if there’s going to be back and forth dialogue, then use the cell phone. Another reason to use your cell phone is if you need to convey a message that may be construed or taken out of context via a text. If you’re going to have an emotional conversation and talk about a break up or discuss a problem that involves feelings, then it’s better to make a phone call. In contrast, for a quick message or something factual, it’s better to text.

These tips can help lower your phone minutes and keep your bill under control. If you notice that over the next few months, you are using less minutes, then consider switching to a lower priced plan and start saving money with sms texting.

Only Pay for Transportation Costs

Transportation costs are the most expensive item in your moving budget. Your goal on a shoestring budget is to trim down your moving estimate to only the bare necessities, such as transportation. Don’t sign up for any additional transportation charges, such as carrying appliances up the stairs. Professional moving companies want you to spend as much on the move as possible, and will offer convenient add-on services. You have to say no to these if your budget is limited. Don’t sign up for additional services, such as packing and unpacking. Find your own moving boxes and supplies so that you don’t get charged a premium price for those.

Get Family Members to Pack

Rather than using union movers hired by the moving company to pack your belongings, get your family to do it. Come up with a major deadline, and small deadlines along the way, so that everyone stays on task. Each family member should be responsible for packing their own things. Then, split the common areas among family members, according to ages and abilities. You can oversee the packing process from beginning to end to make sure that it’s being done correctly. If you’re not sure how to pack items, find a video on www.youtube.com. Don’t just look to your immediate family for moving help, but also enlist the help of extended family in the area. You can make a fun packing day out of it, with you providing drinks and snacks, and a meal at the end.

Ask Friends to Help Pack

If you can’t enlist your family, or if they’re too far away, ask friends to help you pack. You’ll be amazed at how your friends will come to your aid when they know that you can’t afford the packing services offered by professional moving companies. The money you lay out to take them to dinner, or buy drinks and snacks for a packing session, will only be a fraction of what a moving company would ask for. If you’re worried about your friends packing certain items, put them in a separate area or pack them yourself ahead of time.

Ask Family or Friends to Unpack

You may be moving to a new location where you have family members who you can ask for help unpacking. Maybe you have family moving with you, or maybe you have friends already in the new area. Don’t be shy about asking them to help you unpack. It can take a very long time unpack everything in a new apartment, which you could be dedicating towards learning the new area or getting acclimated to a new job. You’ll also save hundreds of dollars if they do it yourself instead of hiring a moving company.

The best moving advice is to be creative and find ways to cut costs when you move. You can’t do much with the costs of transportation because they’re standard in the industry, but you can avoid add-on service charges.

Your Bedroom

If you want to create a haven in your bedroom, load it with carefully placed interior design candles. These can set the right mood for your bedroom. For example, if you want to escape to your room for relaxation, buy big blue candles and white candles and place them on your mantel or end tables. You can choose scented candles that will have a calming effect. If you do light these candles, don’t do it when you’re going to bed. You don’t want to start a fire by mistake. Only light your candles when you intend to stay awake. Also, keep candles away from your bedroom windows, because a draft might help cause a fire.

The Bathroom

Another area where your home interior candles will be useful for style and function is in your bathroom. You can place these around the bathroom sink, on bathroom furniture or in the corner of your bath tub. You have to use caution here as well, and not get so relaxed that you’re not alert if a fire gets started. You could also just display your candles and not light them, to improve the look of your bathroom. If so, select colors that will match or compliment the furniture or paint in the bathroom.

Living Room Fireplace or Mantel

Many people give candles away as home interior gifts. You can display them in your living room for them and other guests to admire. Look for candle holders at yard sales or department stores to accentuate your candles. If you have many candles, spread them out on the mantel to keep a continuous look, rather than bunching them up in one area. If they’re scented candles, light them when you have guests or on special occasions. Your candles may be all that you need to decorate your fireplace if you have the right colors to match.

Dining Room Table

Your dining room table is another great location for home interior candles. You won’t need any other centerpiece if you select the right colors and sizes. Different colored candles can provide the right blend to make your dining room table stand out. You can also rotate the candles to match certain seasons, holidays or celebrations. For example, you can buy specialty candles for Thanksgiving, or your favorite colored candles to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Be creative and add rose petals, unique candle holders or other accessories to make your dining experience pleasurable.

Balcony

One final area to consider for your home interior candles is your balcony. You want to be very careful. You shouldn’t put it on railings or anywhere else where it could fall and start a fire. Only place them on a table on the balcony. You also have to stay with any candles you light to make sure a draft doesn’t blow it. Choose colors to match your outdoor furniture or garden, to keep a consistent design theme outside.

Keep these locations in mind as you receive or buy more home interior candles. They can add to the design of your rooms while giving off great scents.

What does Rent Control Provide

The most common type of rent control, which exists in large parts of the world, applies strictly to the amount a monthly bill can be raised if the tenant resigns the lease. Many areas allow for 3% over the previous year’s lease. In many situations, this provides little to no protection because most rental prices go up between 1.5% and 3% a year. In some areas, rent control can go as far as setting a maximum price, which a property can be rented for when dealing with specific people.

Protection for Repair Situations

Rent control in most areas also provides protection for repairs. Typically a person who is living under a landlord who is not performing needed repairs (in a rent controlled area) can report this to a local committee, and receive the legal right to perform the repair themselves and withhold the appropriate amount of rent. In some extreme cases, these committees may even take over the rent for a period of time, and cover the expense of the repairs.

Eviction Protection

Most areas with rent control laws also include laws which limit eviction regulations. In most of these areas, the landlord must show legitimate proof, which explains why they are evicting the tenant before they can issue a 30 or 60 day notice. This is aimed primarily at preventing landlords from evicting tenants who wish to re-sign their lease. This prohibits them from raising the rental fees they are charging by more than the limits set forth by the rental laws.

Re-Signing Lease Protection

Rent control can protect renters who are looking to resign their lease in a market where rental prices have increased dramatically. This is not common, but there are situations which can lead to sharp increases in rental fees over the course of a year.

Rental Cap Protection

Some rent control places a cap on the amount of money which can be charged for a property. This can go a long way towards helping people who are on a fixed income. It is especially helpful to retired individuals, because the cost of living continues to go up (but their pension or social security does not).