Law Firm
Open 24/7
Nationwide Service
Renter Tenant Rights - Homeowner Rights - Real Estate Attorneys
Real Estate Closing Attorneys - Predatory Mortgage Loan?
Facing Eviction? Mold in Apartment? Paid for Loan Modification but No Results?
Time-Share Fraud? Stockbroker Churning Account for Commissions?
No Disabled Access to Apartment Building, Office Building or College Campus?
Personal Injury, Car Accident, Bankruptcy, Criminal, Divorce, Family Law, Social Security Disability, Workers Compensation, Medical Malpractice, DUI/DWI, Traffic Law, Immigration, Wrongful Death, Employment
Real Estate, Wills, Estates & Trust, Landlord, Eviction, Business Law, Intellectual Property, Auto Accident, Property Damage, Business, Contracts, Insurance, Civil Rights, Civil Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Georgia Eviction Notice Kit Florida Eviction Notice Kit Delaware Eviction Notice Kit Connecticut Eviction Notice Kit Colorado Eviction Notice Kit
California Eviction Notice Kit Arkansas Eviction Notice Kit Arizona Eviction Notice Kit Alaska Eviction Notice Kit Alabama Eviction Notice Kit
Renter's Legal Rights
Author: Phillip BraswellHave you ever had a dispute with your landlord? If so, if you had know your renter's legal rights beforehand, some of your problems would have been alleviated. Let's look at some of your lawful and legal rights. These rights could be of help both to you and your landlord. Don't assume your landlord knows all the laws and is never wrong. This article will help educate you on what you can expect as a renter.
1. Applying for an Apartment
The government says that you have the right to apply for an apartment without being discriminated against because of your race, gender, color, religion, age, nationality, physical or mental disability or family status. Another renter's right is to know why your application was rejected, if you are denied housing.
2. Signing a Lease
WARNING: Make sure you read your lease carefully, especially the fine print. It would be a good idea to have your attorney review the lease. Signing the lease without reading it completely might cause you to unintentionally forfeit some of your renter's rights, such as requesting the landlord pay for apartment repairs.
3. Maintaining Your Privacy
Renter's legal rights include the right to privacy in your own home. In most states, unless in case of emergency, a landlord should give you at least a 24 hour notice before coming into your apartment.
4. Requesting Repairs
Your apartment must be in livable condition. Heat, water and electricity must be provided and the unit should be free of any safety hazards. If your apartment is in disrepair, you have the right to withhold part of your rent, make the repairs yourself and bill the landlord, report it to a building inspector or moving out without the penalty of violating your lease.
5. Getting Sued by Your Landlord
If you are sued, you have all of the following rights:
* The right to receive proper notice in a timely manner
* The right to make amends (pay the overdue rent, fix the lease violation)
* The right to appeal the lawsuit
6. Getting Evicted
There are three types of eviction notices.
1. A Pay Rent or Quit Notice gives you 3 to 5 days to either pay your overdue rent or move out of your apartment.
2. A Cure or Quit Notice may be given to you if you are in violation of your lease (such as illegally owning a pet or causing frequent noise violations). This type of eviction notice gives you a set amount of time to either fix your bad behavior or move out.
3. The third type of notice is an Unconditional Quit Notice. This type of eviction letter simply orders you to leave. It gives you no chance to redeem yourself. This type of notice is usually reserved for a particularly bad offense such as making repeated lease violations, causing serious property damage or conducting illegal activity in your apartment.
7. Receiving Your Security Deposit
The best way to ensure you receive 100 percent of your security deposit back after you move out is to do an initial walk-through when you first move into the apartment. Document any damages you find such as carpet stains, broken appliances or streaks on the walls. It is also a good idea to take photographs of the damages so that you can prove they existed before you moved in.
Most important of all for a Renter's Legal Rights is that the renter keep an open line of communication with their landlord. Communication is a big key along with staying educated and up to date on any changes in your rights.
Think you are being mistreated by your landlord? Want to be able to discuss your rights with an experienced real estate attorney at an extremely affordable rate?
See the Links below:
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/renters-legal-rights-1397898.html
About the AuthorI am a Small Business owner that loves God and sports. I am also an avid golfer.
For Legal and Identity Theft protection for you and your family see the information at this link:
www.PhillipBraswell.com
Get your own FREE website that has the news, sports, videos and games you want along with Facebook all on one page.
http://tinyurl.com/ykqekf4
Tenant Rights Landlords Should Know
By Tony Salloum
As landlords learn to be better landlords and tenants learn to be better tenants, frustrations, costs, unnecessary complexity, and animosity wane from the historically bitter tenant/landlord relationship, breaking new ground in the way rent is approached. Let's begin making this world a better place, one renter and one landlord at a time with the fundamentals - basic tenant rights.
The following review of rights will hopefully provide a basis on how to act in certain situations, be you a landlord or tenant. The goal today is to shed light on how to prevent mishaps and act appropriately when mishaps do occur without ever overstepping the legal parameters, designed to protect both landlords and tenants under the cloak of Tenant Rights. Let's start with the tenant selection process - don't discriminate!
No Discrimination - It is illegal to reject tenant applications based on discriminatory reasons, set forth by the Fair Housing Act. Discrimination based on the following is illegal, (so don't get the Department of Justice on your back) race, color, religion, national origin, age, familial status (children, pregnant), physical or mental disability.
Obvious enough, right? Think again. How many times have you heard "I only want girls living here; boys are too messy." Maybe, you even heard the sentence flipped around. Regardless, the gender stereotype is insufficient to circumvent discrimination laws, and it is illegal to operate in this fashion. In fact, it is even illegal to advertise in any discriminatory way. There is, however, an exception to the rule worth noting - Landlords with 4 or fewer rental units are exempt from such discriminatory laws, so spare yourself the litigious thoughts if you got rejected by Mrs. Smith who won't rent you her basement (her only rental) because you are a 21-yr old, male, student/party connoisseur.
Other exceptions to the rule include housing specifically designed to meet certain needs of certain people. Example: retirement home, low income housing etc.
Next, the tenant has a right to "Habitable Premises." Here's another deceptively dicey one. As it may, again, seem straightforward and obvious that all living conditions must be safe and clean for tenant use, it is often mistaken by the tenant that a gross infestation, for example, of rats or cockroaches is justification for breaking the lease. This, however, is not always the case. If the infestation or poor living condition is a result of the the tenant's lifestyle, than the tenant is financially responsible for the correction, and it provides no grounds to legally break the lease agreement. It is however, the landlord's responsibility to respond to a tenant request regarding the treatment of the inhabitability issues, but the bill may be forwarded from landlord to tenant.
Let's talk about Privacy. Most all landlords know these rules, but often choose to ignore them. Also, landlords typically forget that it's not just you, the landlord, who is not allowed in, but it is everyone in anyway connected to you who is not allowed in. This means Bob from Landlord's Plumbing Services is not allowed to just come in and check the water heater without warning. Anyhow, there are only three situations that landlords are legally permitted to enter tenant dwellings: 1.) for repairs after sufficient notification to the tenant. Federal law defaults to statutory law on what is considered "sufficient notification," but use 24 hours as your rule-of-thumb. 2.) Emergency; this includes fire and flood. In these situations, forget the 24-hour notice. 3.) To show potential renters or purchasers the property; again, sufficient notification is required. Also, make sure the tenant is actually notified, missed phone calls don't count (yea we all know you've done that).
It is also important to know the Maintenance Responsibilities of the Landlord and the Consequences if these responsibilities are ignored. Landlord must provide adequate: weather proofing (no leaks), heating, water, hot water, electricity, and a clean, sanitary environment.
Adequacy is typically defined according to the state, and any gray areas are often covered by common law precedent set in previous court rulings. These conditions a legally expected to exist on the day the tenant moves in, so it is recommended that the tenant take a detailed walkthrough of the unit, noting any conditions not in line with the aforementioned. Keeping track of dates is important, and proving the date is equally important, so make sure to do something like developing dated pictures - get it recorded somehow. Furthermore, submitting work orders or requests to landlords are always best done in a documentable fashion, not just by mouth. This allows the tenant to record the date of the request, and give the landlord an opportunity to think over the matter (not putting him/her on the spot). If the landlord ignores the request and does not tend to the matter within the given period of time, the tenant has the right to make repairs and deduct the cost from rent, withhold rent until problem is fixed, pay less rent, call local building inspector to approach the situation coercively, or move out without any responsibility of future rent and with the right to reclaim the entire security deposit. Cosmetic damages are not the responsibility of the landlord, nor are damages resulting directly and solely from tenant actions; however, the landlord may still be responsible to alleviate the problem without any financial responsibility (landlord will fix it, but won't pay for it). So tenants, don't take a baseball bat to your water heater and think the landlord is going to pay.
The final, highly common, issue in the world of rent is who is responsible to pay rent in certain situations. The Parties to a Lease are any persons who signs the lease agreement with the landlord. Any person who signs is responsible for the total amount of the rent due, so the landlord can pursue any roommate for the entire amount. If you, as a roommate-tenant, pay your share of the rent, your obligation is not over until your roommates (or somebody) pays for their shares as well. However, landlords can only collect the amount owed, so they cannot collect the full amount from multiple tenants. Tenants, just be aware.
These five issues are the most common subjects of disagreement and confusion amongst tenants and landlords. Clarity on all of them help both parties to know the generally appropriate course of action in said situations. Blindly and aggressively attacking the opposite party without a basis of knowledge might be misplaced and lead to unwanted results. Don't live in festering anger. Knowledge of Landlord/Tenant right and wrong in common situations engenders a harmonious, healthy relationship, perpetuating happiness on both sides, simplifying life, simplifying rent.
Tony Salloum
Tony is the Director of Business Development for RentPost, an online property management software company that leverages its software as a resource to assist with the issues Tony writes about. To experience how Tony and RentPost simplify the worlds of real estate investors, property managers, landlords, and tenants, he invites you to visit http://rentpost.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tony_Salloum/585865
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tenant-Rights-Landlords-Should-Know&id=3927804
Tenant Rights and Rental Agreements
By Robert Edward Smith
As a legal services marketer, I am asked every day about various state laws as they pertain to the Landlord/Tenant relationship. While the number of renters in the U.S. is in the millions, many are not aware of their rights and protections regarding the legal agreement they have with their landlord. In the interest of providing general information for those who may have questions about tenant rights, eviction notices, the need for legal services, etc., I have listed below some of the basics of the Landlord/Tenant relationship.
Landlord Duties and Responsibilities
A landlord is required to provide a tenant with a dwelling that meets with the definition of a 'fit' premises and it is generally accepted that a landlord should make necessary repairs to the premises caused by incidental wear and tear or Acts of God that occur to the property during the rental agreement. It is the burden of the tenant to inform the Landlord in an appropriately timely manner that such repairs are needed. It is also important to note that, however, the landlord is not required to repair damages cause by the willful or irresponsible conduct of the tenant. In most cases the tenant can and often will be held liable for those damages.
Rent Stability
The terms and conditions that allow for rent to be increased during a lease or rental period should be clearly defined in the lease/rental agreement. In certain areas of local, county or state jurisdiction, rent increases are only allowed in certain circumstances and these can vary greatly by geographic area. A prospective tenant is encouraged to read the agreement thoroughly and seek an explanation to any portion not easily understood. Landlords are also prohibited from increasing rents as a form of punitive action towards a tenant or in consequence of necessary repairs.
Security Deposit
The amount of the Security Deposit required to rent a property does vary and can be anywhere from one to three month's rent. Tenants have a responsibility to discuss with the prospective landlord the terms and to review the portion of the rental agreement concerning the return of the security deposit. When a landlord wants to deduct from the deposit the costs for repairing damages, he must give the tenant notice in writing and return any unclaimed portion of the deposit.
Pay Rent
The basis of the agreement is the tenant's ability and willingness to pay the rent in a consistent and timely manner. Failure to pay rent could lead to eviction notices, civil damages and forced removal from the premises by local authorities. Tenants who are concerned that they are being illegally evicted should contact a licensed attorney immediately to determine their legal situation.
Property Maintenance and Upkeep
The tenant's obligations do not end with the rent payments. They are also required to reasonably maintain the property while they are there. Tenants are not responsible for normal wear and tear; they are responsible for damages that were allowed to happen while they were in residency. A good rule of thumb is to treat the property as if it were their own and openly communicate with the landlord regarding any questionable items or situations that occur during the term of the agreement.
Tenant Rights / Legal Redress
Landlord/tenant laws will vary from state to state; items like rent control can vary from city to city. Problems or disputes arising from alleged violations of Tenant Rights should be reviewed only by a licensed attorney.
For more information, go to: [http://www.smithpartnerships.com/tenantrights.html]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_Edward_Smith/880025
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tenant-Rights-and-Rental-Agreements&id=5861491
Learning About the Tenants Rights Laws That Protect Your Security Deposit
By Calvin Knowles
If you lived in a rented apartment or if you know someone who does, you are quite likely familiar with the troublesome nature that a landlord-tenant relationship can often have. Sit in on the proceedings at any tenants' rights protection network or at a small claims court, and you'll find that landlord-tenant disputes tend to come on more often than they should. Cases where tenants bring legal action on their landlords for evicting them unfairly tend to be the most common kind of case. But there are plenty of obscure sounding disputes that people in these circumstances wrestle with too. There can be serious health code violations in a house that a tenant has a problem with or as is often the case, there could be really petty problems that litigious landlords and tenants just like to make an issue of. An area where tenants' rights are often seriously violated happens to lie in the matter of the security deposit.
Any state has laws governing the tenant-landlord relationship: laws that try to bring some fairness in for all. Still, landlords often find it difficult to part with a security deposit that temptingly, has just been left with them. While they don't ever completely refuse to refund a security deposit, they do often dream up reasons to make deductions out of it, in ways that tenants rarely find to be fair. Let's go in a little deeper into the whole security deposit problem and how the law protects tenants' rights here.
Every state has laws to do with the most that a landlord can collect as security deposit - usually, it can be no more than a month's rent. Tenants often find that after they move out, the landlord takes forever to pay a security deposit back. This usually occurs because the landlord hasn't been paying attention to what the law says about how he is allowed to hang on to that deposit. Often, they just spend that money. The law however requires that it be placed in an interest-earning bank account. A landlord is only allowed to touch your security deposit if something you do damages the house in a way that regular living wouldn't. The laws to do with tenants' rights dictate that a landlord using money out of the security deposit to perform repairs for damage that you caused has to show you detailed accounts of how exactly the money was spent. Once you move out and put in a claim for your security deposit, they even need to pay you the interest the money earned for the period it was with them. Many states have laws to do with what kind of interest is to be paid too.
To make sure that there are no unfair claims made on your deposit, make sure that you fill in the inventory sheet when you first move in. That's a form that the landlord asks you to document any damage in, that may already be there when you move in. It would be to your advantage to actually take pictures of the apartment to staple to the lease agreement. The laws to do with tenants' rights vary from state to state; but most of the time, the landlord is required to pay you back your security deposit within a month of your having moved out. If they don't, you can easily sue for damages that could amount to two or three times the security deposit that you paid.
Read more about author at:
wedding dress shoes [http://www.weddingdressshoesite.com/]
tiffany style lamps [http://www.tiffanystylelampsite.com/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Calvin_Knowles/673250
http://EzineArticles.com/?Learning-About-the-Tenants-Rights-Laws-That-Protect-Your-Security-Deposit&id=5733264
Rent Control in New York City
By Karl Mitchell
Throughout this essay, I will expound on the background of Rent Control in New York City; the debate/controversy over it in New York City, including historical and present opposition to as well as historical and present support for it. In addition, I will discuss opposition and support for it in other U.S. cities; my opinion of the opposition as well as support for Rent Control.
What is Rent Control? It is a program administered by the New York City Office of Rent Administration, which is responsible for regulating rents in about 1.2 million privately owned rental units statewide under four laws: the Emergency Housing Rent Control Law, the Local Emergency Tenant Control Act, the Rent Stabilization Law, and the Emergency Tenants Protection Act (ETPA). The preceding four laws are the foundation of the rent regulation systems commonly known as "Rent Control" and rent stabilization (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006). However, the focus of this essay will be centered on New York City because of the limited scope of this paper.
Rent Control usually applies to residential buildings constructed before February 1947 in 55 municipalities (including New York City, Albany, Buffalo and various cities, towns, and villages in Albany, Erie, Nassau, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Westchester counties), that have not declared an end to the postwar rental housing emergency (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006). The rules are as follows: for an apartment to be rent controlled, the tenant (or his/her parents) must have been living in that apartment continuously since before July 1, 1971. If a rent controlled apartment should become vacant, it will either become rent stabilized, or, if it is in a building with fewer than six units, it is generally removed from regulation. In addition, an apartment in a one- or two-family house without commercial units must have a tenant in continuous occupancy since March 31, 1953 in order for it to be legally rent controlled. Once it is vacated after March 31, 1953, it is no longer subject to regulation. Previously controlled apartments are usually decontrolled on various other grounds (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006).
Rent Control restricts the right of an owner to evict tenants and limits the rent an owner may charge for an apartment. It also requires the owner to provide essential services and equipment. For example, the owner must provide and maintain all services furnished or required to be furnished on the base date of May 1, 1950 for rent controlled apartments outside of NYC, and March 1, 1943 for those within NYC. Moreover, modifications required and essential services may have been ordered thereafter, with an appropriate adjustment in rent. The essential services may include, but are not limited to: repairs; maintenance; the furnishing of light; heat; hot and cold water; elevator service; kitchen ; bath and laundry facilities and privileges; janitor service, and removal of refuse (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006).
The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), outside NYC, determines maximum allowable rates of rent increases under the aforementioned regulation. Periodically, owners may apply for these increases. On the other hand, the said regulation operates under the Maximum Base Rent (MBR) system in NYC. MBR allows a maximum base rent to be established for each apartment which is adjusted every two years to reflect changes in operating costs. Furthermore, owners who certify that they are providing essential services and have removed violations may raise rents by up to 7.5% each year until the MBR limit is reached (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006). In turn, tenants may challenge the increase on the grounds that the building has violations or the owner's expenses do not warrant an increase. They may do so by filing Challenge Re: Maximum Base Rent Order (DHCR Form RA-94 MBR). Owners may challenge Maximum Base Rent Orders by filing DHCR Form RA-94 MBR, also (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006).
"Rents may be increased in other ways: (1) if the owner increases services or substantially rehabilitates a building or installs a major capital improvement; (2) hardship; (3) increased labor costs; (4) in NYC, increased fuel costs (passalongs)" (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006). In turn, DHCR may decrease rents in certain cases: substantial, uncorrected code violations and reductions in services including facilities, space or equipment, or ancillary services (New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 2006).
The preceding paragraphs depict the background and the law of rent controlled housing which contribute to the debate/controversy of it. The main argument of the opposition to the regulation is that it prevents developers from building new housing as illustrated in the following quote,
"It is hard to find any economist who supports rent restraints. Price controls, even if laboriously tweaked, inevitably produce inefficiencies, reduce supply and cause bad side-effects. Black markets and bribery thrive. Building maintenance is often ignored. Landlords and tenants find themselves in poisonous relationships, since they are linked by law rather than by voluntarily renewable contracts. Unscrupulous property owners go to dangerous lengths to evict tenants in order to get higher-paying replacements; as a result, tenant-protection laws have been enacted that make it almost impossible to evict even a scoundrel" (Economist.com, 2003, para 10).
In turn, the main argument of the support for the law is that it creates stability as illustrated by the following quote,
"Now, in principle I think rent control is great-- people shouldn't be driven out of their homes because the neighborhood gets richer and they don't. Landlords getting the profits from increased real estate values is a bit of a scam to begin with since they are benefitting [sic] from social progress in a neighborhood, not their own efforts" (Newman, 2003, para 1).
If we describe supporters of price control on the renting of residential housing as good and opponents of it as bad.... Do we call greedy, opportunistic and hypocritical flip floppers ("do as I say but don't do as I do" on Rent Control) - ugly? So is the case of Robert Nozick, author of the 1974 National Book Award winner: "Anarchy, State and Utopia" which solidified the Harvard philosophy professor's reputation as the intellectual hero of libertarians. Dr. Nozick preaches the supremacy of free markets being the key to a successful society and capitalism should be given a free hand to operate without external interference such as the economic interventionism of contemporary liberals (Tucker, 2003). However, like his conservative cousins (T.V. evangelists) - Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggart: preachers of the ugliness of sin - Dr. Nozick doesn't always practice what he preaches.... Then, again, he is a living testament to the adage: "there's no atheist in a foxhole because everyone prays to God when their life (self-interest) is on the line."
Case in point: Professor Nozick - an eminent anti-price control advocate successfully used price control laws on the renting of residential housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts against his landlord, the renowned classical scholar and author of "Love Story" - Eric Segal. Eric Segal was forced to settle the lawsuit, in order, to get Professor Nozick to move out of his condominium apartment (Tucker, 2003).
The above paragraphs illustrate the make-up of the debate/controversy of rent-control. Let's continue with the opposition to such control in New York City by starting with its historical roots. According to Economist.com (2003,) - an anti-price control advocate, the law on the renting of residential housing was one of many price controls brought in during the grim, panicky period between the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 and America's move to a full wartime economy in 1943. Like rubber, petroleum, coffee and shoes, housing was looked upon as a vital commodity that needed to be regulated for 'the good of the citizens' during a time of war. The Economist.com article (2003) mentioned above continued to lament that by 1947 all the price controls were phased out, except property-price regulations. Specifically, the website pointed out that most cities eventually scrapped the preceding market distortions except the capital of capitalism - New York City (Economist.com, 2003).
From its inception to its current form, the rent ordinance is vitriolically resisted by its opponents - mainly landlords and free market economists. For example, Swedish Economist Assar Lindbeck compared the effects of the ordinance on a city to a city destroyed by bombing. Walter Block, holder of the Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Chair in Economics at Loyola University's Joseph A. Butt, S. J. College of Business Administration, offered an anecdote on his website, illustrating that it is worse than bombing (Block, 2002). (Seriously, I wondered if Dr. Block considers it to be more destructive on an urban center than the Nagasaki and Hiroshima's nuclear bombing or Washington, D.C. and New York City's 9/11 attacks)?
The main complaints against ceiling on rents in New York City seem to be centered on the following.... First, it is a government-mandated price control which is a law that places a maximum price (rent ceiling) on what landlords may charge tenants. In turn, rent ceiling causes shortages, diminution in the quality of the product, and queues, as in the case of other price ceilings (Block, 2002).
Second, it diverts new investment, which would otherwise have gone to rental housing, toward other profitable ventures. Thus, the diversion leads to housing deterioration, to fewer repairs and less maintenance. For example, price ceiling has destroyed entire sections of sound housing in New York's South Bronx whereas it has led to decay and abandonment throughout the entire five boroughs of the city (Block, 2002).
Third, it often benefits the wealthy and politically connected long term tenants instead of tenants who need it most - lower middle class and working class tenants. For example, multimillionaire Ed Koch currently resides in a rent-controlled apartment which he maintained while living in City Hall as the Mayor of New York City.
Let's take a look at the support for rent law in New York City by starting with its historical roots. The rent ceiling program in New York City, like most major cities in Western Europe and North America during World War I, was introduced to mitigate disruptive effects of the War and to prevent profiteering. Subsequently, in some cities, the programs were discontinued after the War while they lingered on in other cities. In World War II, rent freezes were imposed throughout the major cities of Western Europe and North America. Again, all North American cities were fully decontrolled by about 1950 with the exception of New York City (Arnott, 1997).
From its inception to its current form, the housing law is steadfastly supported by its supporters - mainly tenants, and liberal and socialist leaning organizations and politicians. For example, Rachel Treichler (an avid supporter) - the Green Party candidate for New York Attorney General in 2006 made it in New York City and affordable housing in general as one of her major planks in her campaign platform (Voterachel.org). Another example is Betsy Gotbaum - Public Advocate for the City of New York who vociferously campaigned against rent deregulation prior to the expiration of New York City said housing laws in 2003 (Pubadvocate.nyc.gov, 2003).
The main praises for laws or ordinances that set price controls on the renting of residential housing in New York City seem to be centered on the following.... First, it allows working class families and retirees to live in good neighborhoods in N.Y.C. For example, a minimum wage earner would have to work 154 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment at market rent. Second, New York City depends on the diverse work force for her economy; without Rent Control, working class families would have to relocate to other affordable cities. Third, it minimizes tough decisions by working class and retired tenants, such as choosing between rent and food or medication (Pubadvocate.nyc.gov, 2003).
In other cities, opponents and supporters of laws or ordinances that set price controls on the renting of residential housing voiced similar arguments. In Hoboken, New Jersey, its advocates are able to successfully maintain the status quo despite their community undergoing a major gentrification. In Santa Monica, California, its advocates were able to introduce rent control to the community while simultaneously electing pro-rent control City council members in 1979. In Baltimore, Maryland, its advocates developed a citywide housing organization after a pro-rent control law was struck down as unconstitutional by state courts. In San Francisco, California, its advocates eventually won a rent control law despite many hurdles engineered by opponents (Policylink.org, 2006). In Cambridge, Massachusetts, its opponent Jerry Calen of Narsil.org (2003) reported that the effort to re-impose rent control in Cambridge was defeated by slightly more than a 3 to 2 margin.
I personally unabashedly support laws or ordinances that set price controls on the renting of residential housing in New York City for all the reasons and arguments by its advocates reported depicted in this essay, despite being a homeowner. My opinion of the positions taken by its opponents is similar to my opinion of the positions taken by opponents of the Minimum Wage. For example, opponents like Dr. Nozick base their opinions in their own self-interest instead of the interest of the common good.
Another personal example of the housing ordinance is illustrated in the case of my former professor and an assistant department chair (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison) who co-authored a textbook with another of my former professors (Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The textbook, like most economics textbooks, is highly critical of rent ceiling because of its relationship to the odiousness of price controls. Nonetheless, the professor maintains a rent-controlled apartment in Manhattan along with his privately owned house in Upstate New York. Is my professor's case similar to Dr. Nozick's case? I think not ...although my answer is very biased. From my personal experience, my professor's ethics are impeccable and he is of an irreproachable character. He is one of my best former professors (along with the other mentioned professor). Continuing my disclosure, I earned an A in one of his honor classes because of his superb teaching skills. He, also, selected me to be on a college academic team that earned third place in a nationwide economics competition. OK, so what is my point? My point is rent ceiling like Minimum Wage has a gray area that is situated between the extremes of 'black' (opponents) and 'white' (supporters) - a gray area best illustrated by the following quote:
"Rent control has been presented to fifty years of economics students as
an object lesson in bad policy. Over that period, however, the nature of rent control has changed from a rent freeze to rent regulation which allows each jurisdiction to choose its policy from an extensive menu of provisions. At the same time, economic theory has become more sophisticated and sensible while the standards for the empirical testing of theory have increased enormously. As a result, expert opinion on the effects of modern rent control policies has become increasingly agnostic" (Arnott, 1997).
The preceding quote represents the best way to end this essay as
it pertains to the background and history of the debate of Rent Control.
Karl A. Mitchell
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Karl_Mitchell/173560
http://EzineArticles.com/?Rent-Control-in-New-York-City&id=1012653
News for Los Angeles: New Apartments Coming in 2016, But Rents Expected to Rise
By Yanni A Raz
Los Angeles has long been one of the costliest cities in California. Its reputation is such that the real estate media writes about an "affordability crisis" that is brewing in the Golden State. Realty reports show that the California home premium - the difference between California median house prices and U.S. house price medians - doubled in the last four years, from $126,000 in 2011 to $255,000 right now. And prices continue to climb.
The City is also notorious for its growing chasm between rich and poor. Rich manage to snag the homes. Poor crouch on the street. Less poor are regularly evicted from their apartments due to being unable to pay the rent. Buildings are erected - but for commercial use only.
Finally, after pens broken, keyboards clicked, microphones pressed on and off and lots of invitations to attend meetings dedicated to redressing the problem, the City of Los Angeles has come to some sort of solution. It will erect more apartments.
That's the news for 2016.
Background
Housing prices are steeper than the famous skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles. Rental prices are no better.
The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University recently showed that in prime areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles almost 60 percent of renters consumed too much of their income for a roof over their heads. About 58.5 percent of the renters from Los Angeles/Orange County (LA/OC) metro areas use more than 30 percent of their income for rent and losing out on other necessities such as food and healthcare. The JLL calls this "burdened". As much as 32.8 percent of renters, they said, are "severely burdened" which means that they consume over 50 percent of their income for rent's payment. Los Angeles, JLL reported, had become the 22nd least affordable city in the country. It has become the place with one of the largest levels of homelessness. Too many renters are evicted due to their failing to pay their rent.
Head-splitting rents
Most people prefer to rent apartments rather than buy. Buying a home in LA is beyond the purse strings of most. The problem is that the level of rent almost approaches that of buying a house. In Los Angeles alone, rents jumped 12 percent in 2015, according to the apartment search site Zumper. Vacancy rates hovered around 3 percent. Researchers at USC predicted that rents will reach more than 8 percent of what they were in 2013 by mid-2016.
Stories are agonizing.
A new Harvard report found that 59 percent of people in metropolitan LA are spending too much of their paycheck on rent - 30 percent or more. The Business and Economy section in the LA radio channel, scpr.org, interviewed one Heather M. O'Brien, an artist and founding member of the Los Angeles Tenants Union, who estimated that she devotes about half of her income to rent. Still, she has not seen the rent hikes other members have because she lives in a rent-regulated apartment. The lucky ones are forced to move or share rooms. The unlucky ones -and there's daily more of them - drop to the street. Even so-called "Affordable housing" units are still out of reach for many residents.
True, Los Angeles increased its building momentum and mass at the start of 2013. Also true that during 2015 alone, builders brought 5,700 rentals to market, concentrated downtown and in the San Fernando Valley, according to a report by the real estate firm Marcus & Millichap. But how many of these buildings are affordable? Few, if any, according to the Harvard report.
Construction has quadrupled its pace. At the same time, homes have sped out of reach for the regular person (namely lower to middle class individuals). Minorities are especially pressed. In the last few years, many a working- to lower middle-class family has relocated to the closest downtown LA suburbs but prices have escalated there too.
Experts trace climbing prices to a variety of factors.
These include lack of space. Los Angeles is crammed. Skyscrapers step into and make up for housing room. The city sweats to cramp as many people as possible into minimal space. The results remind some of sardines. The basic law of Economics sums up the situation: Lack of space leads to higher prices.
Then there's the phenomenon of foreign all-cash buyers who flock to this Golden City and buy residential and commercial spots. Just a few days ago (late December 2015), British hotel firm Huxton staked out prime property in the Los Angeles downtown area. So houses are built but they are constructed on scales that appeal to the wealthy. And the less-wealthy working class or middle-class families remain without.
Opponents of the system have spent large amounts of time and money writing about the problem, fielding meetings, even trying to get the government involved. Activists point to the growing chasm between rich and poor and argue that everyone - regardless of fortune - needs a place to call their home.
The activists may have won!
News of new apartments for 2016
Thousands of new apartments are expected to come online in the tight Los Angeles rental market next year. News goes that the city has approved $7 billion in construction in the past year. This is the largest building activity Los Angeles has seen in about three decades.
That's the good news.
The bad?
Rents are expected to rise.
There's one small consolation for renters in LA: Compared to other cities, it doesn't have the highest rents. That would be San Francisco, New York, Boston, Oakland. Los Angeles is down the list at number 8, according to Zumper.
But if you live in LA and are looking for affordable housing that's minimal consolation.
Meanwhile, the City's union is hoping to control rents in Los Angeles by advocating that the city's rent-stabilization law apply to more units than those built before 1978. That may be one solution.
Another may be hard money lenders. These give you loans by focusing on collateral rather than credit. Some borrowers who are shunned by banks turn to them. Interest is high, but terms are flexible and aggressive competition sometimes lowers costs. For more details, see other articles I have written on hard money loans.
Yanni Raz is a hard money lender and trust deed investing specialist from Los Angeles California. Yanni write related blogs to educate potential real estate investors. "Before investing your money in any deal, read my articles."
Yanni Raz's main Blog: Trust deed investments [http://www.lioncrestfunding.com]
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Yanni_A_Raz/239019
http://EzineArticles.com/?News-for-Los-Angeles:-New-Apartments-Coming-in-2016,-But-Rents-Expected-to-Rise&id=9274680
The Tenant Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights
By Abraham Avotina
Many people are unaware of the many rights they have with their landlord. A tenant lawyer looks after those rights and helps protect residents in a rental situation from being exploited or taken advantage of in a legal situation. They are experts in the law as it pertains to a landlord/tenant relationship and are often called in not only to represent a resident who feels they have been slighted, but to mediate and settle disputes. For those individuals who can't afford legal representation, some communities have law schools, which provide outreach programs for just such individuals.
There are few aspects of American law which aren't complicated to the average individual, but the laws governing the relationship between a landlord and his renters can be among the most difficult to discern. This is why a tenant lawyer provides such a valuable service. There are a number of steps and options available to a renter when they feel backed into a corner. They may not even know they have legal recourse in many situations. Rather than trying to determine their rights and finding the right way through a legal maze, hiring a good attorney can give them the guidance they need to see that their rights are upheld.
As stated above, there are many law schools around the country that provide free or reduced cost services to those individuals who cannot afford to hire a tenant lawyer. This may come in the form of clinics where the average citizen can learn more about their rights and options, or it could come in the form of assistance from final year students who have been granted special certification to provide legal advice to the public. If this isn't an option where you live, you may also look into a tenant's rights organization, which exists for the sole purpose of helping people find qualified legal assistance and matching problems to solutions.
If you can afford it; however, it is usually best to find a specialized tenant lawyer who has experience and training in the field of apartment and rental law and can help guide you through every aspect of a dispute. As with any other legal dispute, it is almost certainly a poor idea to try and navigate these waters on your own. Even if you don't know your rights, your landlord probably does. If he is taking advantage of your ignorance in this area, you need to have the kind of representation that will put you on an even playing field.
A Chicago tenant lawyer [http://www.evictlaw.com/commercial_and_residential_landlord_tenant_law.html] works with you to not only help you with specific issues, but also to educate you to protect yourself for the future. To learn more, visit: [http://www.evictlaw.com/]
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Abraham_Avotina/663190
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Tenant-Lawyer:-Protecting-Your-Rights&id=5945337
Houston Real Estate Leasing
By Ken Marlborough
Houston real estate prices may be quite unaffordable to some people. Leasing Houston real estate properties may be a great option for those who cannot avail themselves of housing loans but are still deciding whether the Houston lifestyle will fit them and are in the process of enjoying Houston without investing their money on real estate ventures. There are a lot of options available for consumers to choose from when leasing Houston real estate. In order to find the best leasing choice, there are several important factors to consider.
When leasing real estate, clients are advised to stay focused and committed in the leasing process. Smart tenants conscientiously weigh the advantages of disadvantages of leasing real estate first before s/he makes a decision. Careful planning, sound professional advice, adequate time, the tenant's effort to shop for the right properties, and a good credit standing are very important when deciding to move to Houston and eventually lease real estate.
It is also useful to hire a tenant's agent to represent the prospective renter. Tenant's agents are hired with the tenant's needs in mind and will work to actualize these needs. The services offered by a tenant's agent may avail the best deals at reasonable prices. They also offer sound advice and countless leasing options.
Those who lease real estate should first check on the ability of the prospective tenant to pay rent. Good credit standing is very important when renting real estate. Credit requirements are always checked by landlords since leasing real estate may prove to be more expensive than buying properties.
Houston real estate leasing also depends on location a great deal. Leasing real estate properties in exclusive neighborhoods would inevitably cost more than leasing in other less elite locations. Deciding on where to rent and its accessibility to schools, work, hospitals, and business areas over the value and exclusivity of the neighborhood would be more beneficial to would-be tenants.
Houston Real Estate [http://www.WetPluto.com/Houston-Real-Estate-Companies.html] provides detailed information on Houston Real Estate, Houston Real Estate Agents, Houston Real Estate Schools, Houston Real Estate Listings and more. Houston Real Estate is affiliated with Austin [http://www.i-TexasRealEstate.com].
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_Marlborough/44832
http://EzineArticles.com/?Houston-Real-Estate-Leasing&id=408706
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Apartments - All You Should Know
By Ruth Caldon
If you are planning to move to Philadelphia and looking for Philadelphia Pennsylvania apartments, you have hundreds of reasons to do so. One of the largest cities of US, Philadelphia also happens to be the sixth most populous city in America. The economy is very strong and is constantly growing; some of the topmost economic segments include tourism, oil refining, financial services, healthcare, biotechnology, manufacturing and food processing. It is really an attractive place if you are seeking an impetus in your career.
If you are one of those lucky residents in one of those much-coveted apartments in Philadelphia, you can pay a visit to the various art galleries and museums like Philadelphia museum of art, Rodin Museum, National liberty museum, African American Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Please Touch Museum. If you are adventurous enough, you can even head for Philadelphia Insectarium. The city has several places where you can enjoy delicious local as well as ethnic American cuisines; so, if you are a gourmet, you have every reason to be here.
With countless gardens and parks like Palumbo Playground, Smith Playground, and McAlpin Playground, you can definitely take a stroll or go for jogging to refresh your mood. There are other options to offer you swimming, boating and hiking experiences. Life will never be boring for you and while you choose to live in Philadelphia Pennsylvania apartments, you need not opt for a confined existence. Nightlife is amazing too with a number of bars and clubs like North Bowl, Jacks Firehouse, Cantina Los Caballlitos and many others.
Here are five things you should look for before choosing from the Philadelphia apartments and closing the deal:
1. See if the neighborhood is safe or not; also check out the kind of people who reside there.
2. Your apartment must have good public transportation system in the vicinity.
3. Make sure that your apartment provides you parking facilities.
4. Make sure that there are markets, gyms, healthcare clinics, and drug stores nearby.
5. The Philadelphia apartments you choose from must provide nice-shied from precipitation; remember that the city experiences rainfall throughout the year.
You could opt for Philadelphia apartments for rent as well; apart from the aspects already mentioned, here are five things you should check out:
1. how affordable the rent is
2. what your rights are as a tenant
3. if you are allowed to smoke and to keep pets
4. if it is free from legal complications
5. whether you can sublet in case you go away
The neighborhood of apartments in Philadelphia must suit your needs. For instance, go for South Philadelphia if you are an outdoor-kind-of a person and you need reasonable priced apartments. West Philadelphia would suit you if you were a student. Northeast Philadelphia if a good option if you want to go for affordable Philadelphia apartments for rent or if you want to buy one.
If you are looking for Philadelphia apartments [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/], internet is the best place to look. For hassle free experience finding Philadelphia Pennsylvania apartments [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/ratings/pennsylvania/philadelphia.htm], get a local realtor who is experienced. Good apartments in Philadelphia are available in plenty, but you have to rely on the best resource there is. There are quite a few Philadelphia apartments for rent as well if you are not looking to buy one right now.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ruth_Caldon/696881
http://EzineArticles.com/?Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Apartments---All-You-Should-Know&id=5692490
Phoenix Apartments - What Should You Look For?
By Ruth Caldon
If you are looking forward to settling down in the city of Phoenix, it is but natural that you would require one of those Phoenix apartments that suits your needs best. You would love to reside in the city if you do not like cold weather and days without the sunshine streaming in your bedroom. Phoenix experiences only some degree of seasonal changes in the course of the year. Phoenix is one of the largest US cities that have a population of almost 4.5 million people.
Here are a few things you should look for while choosing among the Phoenix Arizona apartments:
-� Your apartment must be located near to your place of work or your university. With so many colleges and universities like University of Phoenix, Phoenix Institute of Technology, Phoenix school of law and such others, you must go choose your Phoenix apartments near to the location of your office or institute.
-� The area or the neighborhood is of primary importance. It should be in keeping with the kind of lifestyle you want to lead. With more than one hundred urban parks and twenty-nine public swimming pools, various golf courts and other options of entertainment, make sure that your place of residence among the Phoenix Arizona apartments allows you to access at least some of these options so that you can unwind after a hectic week.
-� There are many public markets in Phoenix; make sure that the place of your residence is near to a market place so that you do not have to travel long distances in order to procure your daily necessities.
-� There should be proper public transportation facilities near your area of apartments in Phoenix. It must allow you proper access to the buses, trains, roads and freeways.
-� Since snowfall and rainfall is extremely rare in phoenix, try to opt for airy ones. On the contrary, look for insulation system in the apartment because the summers are very hot and the winters warm.
-� If you are going for Phoenix apartments for rent, make sure that the apartment is affordable, free from legal snags and you enjoy adequate rights as a tenant.
Some of the best-known areas in and around the city of Phoenix are Downtown, South Phoenix, North Phoenix, Midtown and Biltmore Area. Phoenix apartments for rent are becoming more and more common in the city because the rates are lower as compared to other cities like New York. However, in the city itself, North Phoenix is an area, which is becoming increasingly popular among swelling hunters because it has many affordable options to offer and there are many attractions in proximity like numerous golf courses, Ludden Mountain, Deem hills, elementary and high schools, and adequate transportation facilities.
If you are looking for Phoenix apartments [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/], internet is the best place to look. For hassle free experience finding Phoenix Arizona apartments [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/ratings/arizona/phoenix.htm] get a local realtor who is experienced. Good apartments in Phoenix are available in plenty, but you have to rely on the best resource there is. There are quite a few Phoenix apartments for rent as well if you are not looking to buy one right now.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ruth_Caldon/696881
http://EzineArticles.com/?Phoenix-Apartments---What-Should-You-Look-For?&id=5692512
Signing a Lease on Your Apartment
By Kim Shufelt
Understanding and completely reading your apartment rental lease is important. There is legal ease and there is straight language. Here are a few things to consider before signing your new apartment lease:
o Check to see when the rent is due.
o Find out where to go to pay your rent, who it should be given to, or where it should be sent.
o What are the late charges for rent not paid on time? -When do these charges begin?
o Exact amount of deposit needed.
o When is this deposit returned?
o How can you lose this deposit?
o Is there a pet deposit? If so, how much is it? When can it get refunded? Can you get this deposit back if you no longer have your pet?
o How soon after you move out is the deposit returned?
o Can you have roommates and what is the building's policy on adding someone to the lease if necessary?
o What exactly does the rent include?
o Does the rent include any utilities? If so which ones?
o What appliances and/or furniture, if any, are included in the apartment rental fees?
o Is parking included in the apartment rental or is there an additional charge?
o Are there any additional charges for the use of any building amenities such as the gym or community center? If there are additional fees, what are they and if you don't use the amenities will you still be responsible for those fees?
o What repairs are covered within the lease? If something happens and repairs need to be made by building management, who needs to be called? Are there any charges for repairs not covered in the lease? If so, what are those costs? How quick is the turn around for something to be fixed that is covered in the lease?
o How much advance notice is needed when you come to your lease term and you are planning to move?
o If you need to move out before the end of your lease term, what fees will you be responsible for?
o Check if there are any specific cleaning instructions that need to be followed before you move out. If these aren't followed to the letter, part of your deposit may be accessed to cover these cleaning costs.
Most leases have a clause regarding noise and disturbance. This means the tenant (the lessee) and anyone in his or her apartment won't disturb the other tenants in the building, or use the apartment for illegal purposes.
Other common regulations include who pays for losses, how notice will be given between the tenant and the landlord, when subletting is allowed, if it is allowed, when a landlord can enter your apartment.
Depending on your state, there are laws regarding what a landlord can or can't require within your lease, so do some research and find out your rights.
If you need to make a change to your lease, ask to add a provision to your lease. Ask that the change on the lease be written in and then both you and the manager should initial the change. Never agree to something only verbally, make sure all agreements are put in writing.
If you don't understand something, ask questions. And don't feel pressured to sign the lease right there and then on the spot. Take some time with your lease agreement and make sure you understand everything and everything is covered within it.
And last, don't forget to get a copy of your lease for your records!
Kim Shufelt is the CEO of http://www.Dallas-Apartment.com, the leading Dallas apartment locater offering free personalized Dallas apartment listings and all other areas of the Dallas Metroplex. For more information, please visit http://www.Dallas-Apartment.com.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kim_Shufelt/151216
http://EzineArticles.com/?Signing-a-Lease-on-Your-Apartment&id=966934
Seven Reasons to Go For San Antonio Apartments
By Ruth Caldon
Are you thinking of relocating to the city of San Antonio and want to start looking for San Antonio apartments in the 'Heart of Texas'? If that is the case, you would benefit a lot if you have a basic knowledge of the city and what to expect from this city, which also happens to be the seventh largest city of U.S.A. It is known as the 'River City' as well as 'Alamo City'.
A city that boasts of a population of almost 1.5 millions, this place is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a metropolitan and multi-cultural outlook.
Here are top seven reasons for you to buy this place Texas apartments or get San Antonio apartments for rent:
1. It has an expanded economic structure and there are ample opportunities for careers in tourism, financial services, health care and Government sectors.
2. If you like a combination of dry and humid weather, this city with humid subtropical climate will definitely suit you.
3. There is little hassle of snow accumulation in the city and you can reside here peacefully without having to worry about disruptions resulting from wintry precipitation.
4. An ambitious student has every reason to look for apartments, because there are no less than 100000 students building their academic career in this city that hosts the University of Texas, University of Texas Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Trinity University, Our Lady of the Lake University and so many other institutions. There are almost thirty private and charter schools as well. You could also choose to stay here to boost the career of your child.
5. There are various kinds of apartments in the city and you get a range of apartments in this place to choose from, as per your requirements and your budget.
6. San Antonio Texas apartments are varied, since the real estate industry is quite developed. So you can find a home that is traditional, as well as modern, contemporary ones.
7. San Antonio has been the place of residence of many a notable politician, architect, artist, mayor, fashion star and other personalities. If you have fascination to live in a city that has such a historic and cultural value, San Antonio is the place for you.
While you choose apartments in San Antonio, try to choose a neighbourhood that has access to at least some of the major freeways like McDermott Freeway, Lucian Adams Freeway, Connally Loop, McAllistor Freeway and others. There should be proper transport facilities and basic amenities available in the vicinity.
Ensure that your San Antonio apartments for rent provide the basic tenant rights and the comforts you want. Your rented apartment must be free from legal hassles and be affordable too.
If you are looking for San Antonio Apartments [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/], internet is the best place to look. For hassle free experience finding San Antonio Texas apartments [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/ratings/texas/san-antonio.htm], get a local realtor who is experienced. Good apartments in this place apartments are available in plenty, but you have to rely on the best resource there is. There are quite a few apartments for rent as well if you are not looking to buy one right now.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ruth_Caldon/696881
http://EzineArticles.com/?Seven-Reasons-to-Go-For-San-Antonio-Apartments&id=5953054
Renting A Las Vegas Real Estate Property
By Johnathan Beatty
Las Vegas Real Estate business has been growing stronger and stronger Every year. Last year alone most Sites which were sold or bought fetched extravagant costs. Yes, this is the Right time to buy a Property but then there are other ways you may enhance your earnings margins. in the modern environment, innovation is the key to good results. The fact is which, in order to strive ahead you want to think out of the box. To do which You'll need to rent Buildings. Yes, it may sound pointless to construct a Property and then rent it, but this is one of the easiest ways to earn extra income besides recovering your investment costs.
This is one strategy that has become quite well-known with Las Vegas Real Estate entrepreneurs who appear to maximize their profit margins. What's critical here is that, individuals who have negative credit could also lay their hands on the Properties as there are friendly schemes in place to invite easy purchase of the Sites. people who have the bucks to splurge may simply Get one within days as renting involves little documentation as you may count on to move into your Property Correct after you sign a rental long term contract with the tenant.
Las Vegas Real Estate as a organisation is quite a profitable endeavor as the average international income levels seem to have risen considerably which basically implies that the need for high quality Sites will also increase and so it has. But when most do not have the time to invest and see Via the entire treatment of building a Property, they appear to secure a Asset Through rent. This is a Lucrative organisation and If you think on your toes, good results is lurking just around the corner. Just a basic rental agreement for 1.5 or 2 years could fetch you up to 350$ on a monthly basis and this is just for only one tenant.
The ideal component about Las Vegas Real Estate dealings is which all monetary choices are flexible and In case you are renting the Property then you call most aspects of the deal. There is also a possibility of the tenant purchaser wanting to purchase the Asset. In which case you might effortlessly earn a whole lot more. The perfect portion about renting is which, it lets you be under complete control.
We sell Las Vegas Real Estate [http://www.homebuyersnotebook.com] homes of all sorts. If, you might be Preparing to buy one which fits your lifestyle and budget, then call us. If you are searching for Las Vegas Realtors [http://www.homebuyersnotebook.com] in your area please visit our web site today by simply clicking the link.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Johnathan_Beatty/836617
http://EzineArticles.com/?Renting-A-Las-Vegas-Real-Estate-Property&id=5467168
San Francisco Rent Control
By Wayland Burns
The San Francisco Rent Board has some of the strongest and most stringently regulated rent control policies in United States. The San Francisco Tenants Union is one of the most influential and powerful organizations of its kind in the entire country. Rent control has been a part and parcel of tenant landlord relationship for a long time now. Unlike some cities where the state or city rent control board may not have a majority of the rental properties under the regulation, the tenants union, over the decades, has ensured that most properties in the city are governed by the Rent Board.
San Francisco limits the increase of rent on an annual basis and also safeguards the tenants on an increase of any associated costs that the landlord may deem to be justified. However, that does not imply that landlords do not have a possibility to challenge a specific case. The normal mandates of the Tenants Unions, approved by the Rent Board, restricts landlords from increasing rents, with due consideration to inflation, to a maximum of 10% on an annual basis. Other associated charges, if any, that may be regarding costs of maintenance for the landlords or anything else, can be increased to a maximum of 7%. Apart from these stipulations, there can be some exceptions when some specific case may justifiably demand a further increase. In such a scenario, all such requests or changes to rent terms need to be put forth to the Rent Board which will in its own right determine if the petition is worth considering or if the rent control policies should restrict such amendments from taking shape.
There are a few exceptions that the San Francisco Tenants Union does not cover via the rent control laws. New buildings, which are technically the properties that have been built after 1979, are exempted from rent control policies. There are some other exceptions as well such as if one is renting in a dormitory and the likes and also if tenancy is not continuous. The latter category defines continuity as a period of 28 days, beyond which a tenant must stay to avoid being classified as temporary tenancy.
Moreover, some properties may have limited rent control policies regulated upon them while some can have completely control.
Consulting with the San Francisco Tenants Union or learning about San Francisco Rent Control and its detailed control polices is a must for people renting properties in the city.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Wayland_Burns/1069739
http://EzineArticles.com/?San-Francisco-Rent-Control&id=7066289
How to Prevent Landlord Harassment In San Francisco
By Wayland Burns
California state regulations and local ordinances safeguard tenants against harassment from their landlords. Landlords cannot harass tenants from their homes. It may be the landlord's property, but it's the tenant's home. Some landlords have a very tough time understanding this.
Proving Harassment
Landlord harassment claims can sometimes be difficult to prove. It is important for tenants to be extremely diligent, notating every harassing occurrence. Keep a log with dates and times. If possible, get statements from friends and neighbors, pictures, and recordings. These cases often come down to the tenants' ability to prove the harassment.
Over the last several decades, courts have expanded tenant protections to prevent harassment. Where a landlord's harassment has forced a tenant to relocate or caused serious emotional distress, the tenant will have many civil claims against the landlord.
Breach of Contract
Implied in every residential lease is an agreement of quiet enjoyment, guaranteeing that tenants will have the ability to enjoy their homes. Civil Code � 1927. Where a landlord has substantially interfered with a tenant's peaceful enjoyment of a unit, the tenant may sue for back rent. Through use of expert appraisers, a court will determine if, and by how much, the rental value of the property declined due to harassment. In Guntert v. City of Stockton, 55 Cal. App. 3d 131 (1976), for example, the court granted a tenant back rent where the landlord gave several arbitrary eviction notices. When a tenant is under constant threat of eviction, receives unlawful eviction notices, is verbally or physically threatened by a landlord, and is not benefiting from proper and timely repairs, the tenant can file a breach of contract claim against the landlord. Id. at 139.
Constructive Eviction
If a tenant is forced out of a rent-controlled residence because of landlord harassment, the tenant can sue for the cost to replace the rent-controlled home. At least one court has allowed a tenant to recover twenty years worth of increased rent. Where a landlord is determined to get a rent-controlled tenant away from rent control, this rent differential may be trebled.
San Francisco Anti-Harassment Provisions - Rent Control
The San Francisco Rent Ordinance prevents a landlord from harassing a tenant by 1) failing to make repairs, 2) threatening to evict, 3) abusing right to access, or 4) making threats towards the tenant with word or gesture. Wherever the tenant can prove the mistreatment, the landlord will be evaluated a statutory penalty of $1,000 for each instance of harassment. The tenant can also seek an award of three times out-of-pocket and emotional distress damages. In addition, the award under this cause of action is cumulative, this means a tenant can collect this and anything awarded under a different cause of action. The statute also provides for punitive damages and lawyers fees.
State Anti-Harassment Protections Violations of CA Civil Code �1940.2 and �1942.5
Under state law, tenants can be awarded $2,000 for each harassing incident where a landlord does any of the following: steals, extorts, threatens force, and blocks access. Civil Code � 1940.2.
A state anti-retaliation statute prevents a landlord from harassing a tenant after the tenant has asserted rights under law. Civil Code � 1942.5. Landlords who violate this prohibition are liable for $100-$2,000 per retaliatory act.
Examples of Outrageous Landlord Conduct
In cases of particularly outrageous conduct, a tenant may sue a landlord in tort for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The elements of the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress are "(1) extreme and outrageous conduct by the defendant with the intention of causing, or reckless disregard of the probability of causing, emotional distress; (2) the plaintiff's suffering severe or extreme emotional distress; and (3) actual and proximate causation of the emotional distress by the defendant's outrageous conduct." Molko v. Holy Spirit Assn., 46 Cal. 3d 1092, 1120 (1988) (emphasis added), quoting Cervantez v. J.C. Penney Co., 24 Cal. 3d 579, 593 (1979). Where a tenant can prove that harassment is intentional or has a reckless disregard, the landlord will be required to pay actual and punitive damages.
In the San Francisco case Richardson v. Pridmore, 217 P.2d 113, a tenant suffered a miscarriage as a result of being intentionally and wrongfully evicted. The landlord in that case broke into the tenants' apartment while they were gone for a few days, put all their stuff in a basement, and changed their locks before giving the place to new tenants. The jury awarded plaintiffs a sum of $7,250 ($63,910 in 2009 dollars) as compensation.
In Aweeka v. Bonds, 20 Cal. App. 3d 278 (1971), a landlord raised the rent on tenants in retaliation for a repair and deduct against tenants who used rent to repair. The court noted that no physical injury need be present to award damages for emotional distress.
In Spinks v. Equity Residential Briarwood Apartments, 171 Cal. App. 4th 1004 (2009), the court determined that an unlawful eviction may be outrageous despite the "polite and sympathetic" attitudes of a landlord's agents. A tenant's particular vulnerability at the time of the eviction, in this case a recent reconstructive surgery of the arm, can make an unlawful eviction outrageous conduct on the part of the landlord.
Information from this article was obtained with consent from the Tobener Law Center, San Francisco Tenant Law Specialists. Tobener Law Center has additional information on Landlord Harassment as well.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Wayland_Burns/1069739
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Prevent-Landlord-Harassment-In-San-Francisco&id=6294356
Mandatory Disclosures - Seattle Tenants
By Peter Ku
There are primarily five disclosure items to keep in mind if you are a Puget Sound property owner. The first is with regard to the Landlord-Tenant laws themselves. A summary of the Washington State and City of Seattle Landlord-Tenant laws must be supplied to the tenants at least once per year. This summary highlights the obligations of both the landlord and the tenants, including provisions regarding evictions. Tenants can recover actual damages, legal costs, and penalties through private action against landlords who violate this law.
The second is with regard to the lead paint. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that landlords provide prospective residents with notice of certain known information regarding lead paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. This is a federal rather than a state or local requirement, but it is a law and it is mandatory. You can find the HUD Pamphlet on lead paint and lead-based paint hazards online at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development site. If your building was built before 1978, print out the pamphlet, give it to your tenant, and have them sign or initial an acknowledgement indicating that they have received and reviewed the pamphlet.
The third is with regard to deposits. The City of Seattle requires that landlords give tenants a written receipt for each deposit. The term "deposit" can only be used with regard to money that can be refunded. If the money is not going to be refunded, such as a non-refundable "pet" deposit, it should not be called a "deposit." Call it something else instead, like a "Non-Refundable Pet Service Fee.". The rental agreement must be in writing and it must state what each deposit is for and what the tenant must do to get the money back. A checklist describing the condition of the unit must be filled out and the tenant must sign it and the tenant must be given a signed copy. The deposits must be kept in a trust account with a bank or escrow company and the tenants must be informed in writing where the deposits are being kept. The landlord, however has no obligation to pay interest to the tenants on the deposits being held.
The fourth is with regard to rent increases for Seattle tenants. The City of Seattle requires that landlords give tenants at least sixty (60) days notice if the landlord intends to increase rents by more than ten percent (10%) within a twelve (12) month period. Seattle landlords are also not allowed to require a month-to-month tenant to stay for more than one rental period. Rental provisions that penalize a tenant any such violations are not enforceable.
The fifth is with regard to mold. The Washington State Department of Health has a website listing Frequently Asked Questions about mold. Mold can impact human health. For some, the impact of molds can be significant. Molds may trigger asthma attacks or allergy symptoms (not unlike hay fever). Although mold and the mycotoxins they may produce are still a topic of considerable debate, they should not be tolerated in your investment properties, even if you don't live there. Landlords notify new tenants starting on July 24, 2005 and current tenants by January 1, 2006. Landlords must supply information to tenants about the the health hazards associated with mold and what steps a tenant must take to control mold. This information may be posted in a visible, public location. The mold pamphlet, which has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containing the required disclosure can be found here.
Anything else I should do to ensure a great landlording experience?
The best thing that a landlord can do to ensure a great experience for himself and his tenants is to manage firmly, but fairly. By that, I mean that you should fix problems promptly when they are reported, be reasonable when tenants ask for things to be done or improvements to be made, make yourself reasonably accessible in the event that they need to contact you for any reason (my tenants have my cell phone number and my email address, both at work and at home), keep the property in a well-maintained state, and try to go above the call of duty if you can. If situations arise that are unforeseeable that cause your tenants some inconvenience, consider giving them a slight break on their monthly rent simply as a gesture even if you are not contractually obligated to do so. Even a $10 reduction in rent will buy a significant amount of goodwill, which will translate into fewer calls, more reasonable requests over time and, if something really does go wrong, your tenants will be more inclined to work with you to resolve the problem.
Federal law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to a person or imposing different rental terms on a person on account of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (having children or seeking custody of children), or national origin. State law gives protection as well to the same individuals regarding marital status, creed, the presence of sensory, mental or physical disability. Anyone of feels that they may have been a victim of housing discrimination may file a written complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission or the federal Fair Urban Housing Section of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Peter is an active real estate investor in the Puget Sound Area. Peter has been married to Grace for 12 years, and they have two daughters, Sydney (7 years old) and Ashley (2 years old). Find out more about Peter at [http://www.peterku.com].
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Peter_Ku/42518
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mandatory-Disclosures---Seattle-Tenants&id=256500
Apartment Rental Prices in Orlando
By Joy Michelle
If you're looking for Orlando apartments, you should first start researching what these housing units rent for in and around the city. You may soon realize that the enormous demand for Orlando apartments for rent is high because vacationers looking to get away to a sunny locale are using these housing options for short-term stays and shunning the traditional hotel vacation. Right now, the average price of one-bedroom apartments in Orlando is $768 per month and the average rent on a two bedroom is $862 a month. Three or more bedrooms can run you closer to $1,000 a month, and that doesn't include utilities. Each of these types of apartments have gone up considerably in the past decade. We're talking $100 or more a month, thanks to these sun-seeking tourists who will do anything to get the best deals for their vacation dollars.
Take Brevard County, for example: a one-bedroom apartment starts in the mid $600s and goes up to $1000. Two bedrooms cost a lot more and can run you more than $1,600 a month. Of course, rents depend on all the amenities being offered by each of the apartment complexes and the size of each of the apartments. Look at Harbor Bay. There you can find a one-bedroom apartment for $619, which comes with a swimming pool and pool area that has Wi-Fi access, 24-hour emergency maintenance, a car wash area, and even window treatments. Two-bedroom units have the same amenities but they will cost $50 to $200 more because of the extra space.
Now, the Preserve at Longleaf apartment complex will run you a bit more because it's a more luxurious development with higher end amenities. Single bedroom apartments will cost you $925 to $950 a month. Two bedrooms will run you $1,035 to $1,350 and rent on three-bedroom apartments range from $1,355 to $1,550.
Apartments in Airport North range from $590 for a one bedroom, $690 for a two bedroom, and $940 for a three bedroom unit. The Airport North area is convenient because of its close proximity to Orlando International Airport. Lee Vista Club apartments located at 5903 Lee Vista Blvd offer a range of amenities. These include: volleyball courts, pools, fitness center, business center, club house, and a playground. One bedrooms go for $613, two bedrooms are $724, and three bedrooms cost $829.
Downtown Orlando apartments tend to cost a little more due to the close proximity to many popular restaurants and entertainment venues. One bedrooms start at $800, two bedrooms start at $1150, and three bedrooms start at $1350. Most of the apartment communities in Downtown Orlando offer fitness centers, pools, parking garage, concierge, and business centers. A popular apartment is Post Parkside located at 425 E. Central Blvd. One bedrooms go for $975, two bedrooms for $1640, and three bedrooms for $2155.
The prices on Orlando apartments for rent shouldn't be the only consideration when looking at the lengthy offerings of Orlando apartment listings. That's because some of the complexes offer to pay the utilities - water, sewer, trash -- for their tenants, while others don't. You'll want to make sure you compare apples to apples, and not apples to oranges. The best way to do that is to ask for the average bill for utilities in the apartment complex you're considering so you can accurately judge if you can afford the costs.
Still, more consideration should be given to the Orlando apartments that offer other invaluable amenities like garages, carports, and additional storage that can be another monthly expenditure. And don't forget about the different options for laundry services. Are there washer/dryer hookups in the units or is there a central laundry facility on the premises? These are things you'll want to know before you select the apartment that's right for you.
The amount of rent an apartment building or complex charges should be just one of many things you need to consider when figuring out your housing costs each month. With a little bit of research and due diligence before choosing one of the many Orlando apartments for rent, you'll be sure to select the right one.
Joy Michelle is an Internet marketing consultant and enjoys helping people find great products on the Internet.
Please visit my website to read more reviews and information related to Orlando Apartment Reviews [http://www.apartmentreviews.net/ratings/florida/orlando.htm]. View Orlando apartment listings complete with pictures, floor plans, pricing and more.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joy_Michelle/848287
http://EzineArticles.com/?Apartment-Rental-Prices-in-Orlando&id=5553878