Get it in writing!

When renting an apartment or home. Get everything in writing. Rental payment arrangements, repair and maintenance arrangements, lease changes. If not, it didn't happen. For example when you make an arrangement to make a payment put it in writing. Submit it to the homeowner or apartment manager. Request a response in writing. Or if they've agreed to an arrangement over the phone. Follow up with the arrangement in writing. Send an email or a certified letter in the mail. Emails are allowed as evidence, if need be, in court.

Take 6 months to find your new rental home!

It takes at least 6 months to find your new rental home. NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! Rush into a rental. You always wind up making a bad decision. If you're looking for the right property to rent I can help!

Happy New Year! It is 2013! Are you still renting? What are your questions? Here's one from my email: "Dear Addie, the windows in the house I am renting are old. There is air coming through. My heating bill is through the roof. What should I do?"

You should contact the management company and let them know they need to caulk the windows. If that doesn't help. If the home or apartment is older or has been in disrepair the windows may need to be reinforced or replaced. If the company refuses to do it. Then you have a couple of options. You can submit a notice to vacate and in your reason why tell them you are losing money because they refuse to repair the windows. Or you can send them a letter and tell them they are in violation of the lease by not ensuring decent living conditions. Let them know they have a week to make the repairs or you will make the repairs and take it from the rent. If they try to evict you, then take your letters and your gas bills or electric bills and photos of the windows to a judge. You may plead your case and let them decide.