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Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Renters, This Is Your Life :
After 5 1/2 years inhabiting this space in the newspaper, I'm moving out. In this, my last, column, let me begin by telling you, the composite advice-seeking renter, who you are.
Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Prevention as a Weapon Against Dust :
Q: I love my apartment, but it seems to collect an inordinate amount of dust. In one week, huge billows of dust will collect in corners and under the bed and even up the wall. I have to vacuum once a week just to keep it under control. I have asked the building manager to clean the filters; she says they are replaced every six months. I'm worried it could pose a health hazard. Am I making a big deal over nothing, or could this cause health problems, other than back pain from such frequent vacuuming? -- Washington
Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Weighing the Costs, Financial and Otherwise, of Staying vs. Moving :
Q: I have been living in my apartment for a year. It's a condominium that I rent from the owner. She just let me know that she will be raising my rent. From day one, I have been on a month-to-month lease. She would like me to sign a one-year lease and pay $100 more per month. If I stay month-to-month, the increase would be $150 per month.
Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST
Zen and the Art of Drowning Out the Neighbors :
Nobody in multifamily housing is immune to the problems that arise when people with different habits, behaviors and perspectives share close quarters. Not even me.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142940795" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142940795" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
Tenants' Unilateral Change to the Lease Shouldn't Be Honored :
Q: My tenants signed a renewed lease but scratched out the part where it says they shall keep maintained the electrical, plumbing, leaky faucets, water heater, washer and dryer, garbage disposal, fixtures, dishwasher, etc., except normal wear and tear and structural defects.
Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST
Vacation's Over: Blow the Whistle on Short-Term Subletters :
Q: I've been living in my apartment for about a year and a half. In that time, my original next-door neighbor has sublet her apartment a couple of times. Technically, this is against the rules, but management is fine with it, and I got my own apartment by subletting and then taking over the lease. The neighbor's subletters have since moved out, and now the apartment is being rented out as a vacation apartment. I'm not thrilled with this. I chose this neighborhood because it's safe for an urban area. People who are here for only a week don't have much of a stake in the building. Also, I have no idea who these vacationers are, and as a woman living alone, I like to know who my neighbors are. The vacationers aren't subject to the employment verification and credit check that leaseholders are. Should I just ignore what's going on, or should I say something to management? -- Washington
Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST
The Reason for Pet Rent: Thoughts From the Other Side :
Renters often ask me about the justification for pet rent. Pat Rheams, who has had several hundred tenants in her more than 30 years as a landlord in Northern Virginia, recently shared her explanation for those fees.
Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST
House-Hunting Credit Checks Shouldn't Harm Your Score :
Q: I am thinking of renting an apartment. The apartment application authorizes the landlord to do a credit check on me. Will this affect my credit? Will it be a hard or soft inquiry? -- Minneapolis<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142942304" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142942304" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST
If Landlord Doesn't Fix Radiator, Turn Up the Heat by Going to the County :
Q I live in a rowhouse where the heating system is obsolete. We've actually hit some records in the past few days. It's been consistently around 90 degrees in the entire apartment and over 95 in the bathroom. My fiancee's makeup is starting to melt!
Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST
When Tenant Moves Out Early, Let Landlord Rule on Security Deposit :
Q: I am moving in with a girlfriend I have known for three years. Her roommate is moving out, and my girlfriend is taking over the lease. Therefore, the girl moving out is not getting her security deposit back directly from the landlord. So we said I'd give her the security deposit when I move in and I will get back her half from the landlord when Beth and I move out. I told the girl who is leaving that I would give her 75 percent of her deposit back because she was only cleaning her room, and not the whole apartment. I thought that would be more than fair. She said she will have the entire apartment clean before I move in, but I know she won't do a stand-up job. Things like the fridge, oven, windows and cabinets will go undone. Am I being fair in only offering 75 percent of the deposit back? -- Denver
Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST
Avoiding a Bad Lease Is Worth Some Short-Term Pain :
Q: I know you're advised to read the lease before signing it; however, if you're ready to move in (the moving truck is parked outside) and you've already left your old apartment, what should you do if the lease has rules you're not happy with? Move into a motel? -- Richmond
Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST
Cat Damage to Ratty Carpet Shouldn't Cost Tenant :
Q: We've been living in our apartment for 4 1/2 years. We'll be moving out after five. How do places typically handle carpet damage and old carpets?<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142943147" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142943147" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Landlord Not Guided by Montgomery's Rent Guideline :
Q: Last year, my rent was raised 8 percent; the county guideline was 4.4 percent. This year, my rent will be raised 7.3 percent when the guideline is 5.8 percent. Incomes are down. Prices are up. And these owners are raking it in and overcharging. Can anything be done? Last year, I called the vice president of the management company that owns my building. He did nothing.
Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Demand Accountability on Handicapped Parking :
Q: I live in a high-rise apartment building. Residents are given numbered stickers for the rear windows of their automobiles so that they aren't towed. Handicapped residents are given assigned spaces as they become available. It is not unusual to be on the wait list for a year or more. There are also two spaces designated for handicapped visitors. A couple who live in the building have a handicapped card in their front window, and they park in the visitor handicapped space. The husband does have health issues, but he rarely drives. He has no problem walking and holds a full-time job.
Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:40:00 EDT
In the Case of the Missing Clothes, Drop a Hint and Let Others Do the Sleuthing :
Q The resident manager at my apartment complex has been in my apartment twice in the past nine days in response to a work request. In that time, I've noticed at least four things missing from my closet, all in the same clothing category and in shades of the same color. This manager, while not the only person who has been in there, once received an angry phone message from me after she once too often had given inadequate notice that my home would be entered (less than a day, for instance) for a non-emergency. She also would know from at least one voice-mail message asking for a surveillance camera in the laundry room (stop laughing) that I am tired of having laundry stolen.
Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Appealing to Neighbors' Reason Over Bad Parking Can Get You Out of a Tight Spot :
Q I park in a carport, and the spaces are a little tight. My neighbors insist on parking so close to my car that I sometimes have a hard time pulling in and out. I have spoken to them, but they are not always agreeable. Before this issue gets out of control, do I have any recourse to make them park in the middle of their spot? Should I contact the landlord, which I really don't want to do? I would like to settle this nicely. -- Santa Monica, Calif.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142943576" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142943576" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT
No Security Deposit? Pretend There Is One. :
Q: My friend and I are moving into an apartment where the security deposit was waived. People often recommend taking pictures of the apartment in case there is a dispute later about damage. Are there any similar steps that we should take next week, without a security deposit in the picture, to protect ourselves? What legal recourse does either side have if there's a dispute at the end but no deposit? -- Falls Church
Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Landlord's Eviction Attempt May Be an End Run Around the Law :
Q: My landlord is a friend of a friend and has been wonderful for two years. We never had a lease, but we've gotten along famously. We even exchanged Christmas gifts. But now his mother and new wife -- he already lived upstairs -- have moved in. Since then, he has taken away my garden privileges and started acting strangely.
Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EDT
In Roommate Search, Cover Ground From Grocery Store to Cyberspace :
Q: I am looking for a new roommate for an apartment I have lived in for four years. The rent has recently increased to $1,900. It is a two-bedroom, two-bath in North Arlington.
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT
New Tenant in a Good Position to Clear Up Division of Duties :
Q: When I moved in this weekend, my landlord gave me a lease to sign. It included a clause that said all yard work was to be split among the five tenants in the building (separate apartments, not a shared house). One tenant already told me she won't mow the lawn. How do I deal with this?<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142945486" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142945486" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Deadbeat Landlord Keeps Condo Renter Out of the Pool :
Q: I rent a three-bedroom condominium unit in a new building. The unit's owner lives in Africa. The condo's pool opened recently. When I applied for a pool pass, I was told I couldn't have one because the owner is behind on his condo association dues. My lease does not specifically say I can use the pool, but it is a common area. My landlord never answers e-mails. His local contact, his sister, never answers phone calls from the building manager. How can I protect myself against other problems that may arise if he does not pay his dues? Could I get evicted because of this? The only thing I can think of is to withhold rent, but that might create more problems. I have six more months on my lease, and I want to stay if I can. I love this apartment. -- Arlington
Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EDT
Because Lobby Isn't Lived in, Landlord May Not Have to Cool It :
Q: What is a landlord's responsibility to turn on air conditioning in public parts of the building, such as hallways, stairways and lobbies? After a few days of the hallway registering over 88 degrees last week and spending probably a fortune to cool my apartment with that heat pouring under the door, I politely raised the issue with the building manager. The air came on for a day or so, but soon it was off again.
Sat, 09 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Subleasing? Protect Your Rights by Making It Official. :
Q: My daughter is a graduate student at an out-of-state university. She found a nice off- campus apartment in an upscale rental complex. She will sublease part of the apartment from a couple who are the primary tenants. She would have her own bedroom and bathroom and would share the kitchen and living room. She also plans to rent her parking spot in the apartment garage and would be allowed to use the community's pool, gym, etc.
Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Settle Upkeep Issue With Landlord Before It Turns Thorny :
Q: My four roommates and I live in a rented house that has a relatively large lawn. The lawn requires more than a little maintenance during the summer. Last year, before I moved in, the lawn got out of control. That prompted an angry, anonymous letter from a neighbor claiming to speak for a number of neighbors and demanding that something be done immediately.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142946602" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142946602" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 12 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Damage and the Burden of Proof :
Q: You have mentioned that the burden is on renters to prove that any apartment damage found on move-out is not their responsibility, but that seems like backward logic. It requires renters to prove a negative and burdens the person in the transaction who is the least qualified. The professionals should have to prove that renters caused damage, either by insisting on an apartment check before the renters move in or otherwise documenting that damage took place after the rental. I, like many other renters, did not know I should ask my management company for a move-in check and thought I was being a good tenant by not complaining that the floor had not been refinished as promised. I realize that my management company will probably go after me for the scratched floors. What can be done to change this standard? -- Washington
Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT
A Landlord's Suspicious Request :
Q: I've always rented from established rental properties, and now I'm considering renting from an independent owner I found online. I don't know how this works. Before having seen the place, I was sent an application via e-mail, and the landlord asked that I mail a money order to a post office box for the application fee. The application asks for my Social Security number and bank account information. Can I have a credit check done on my own with a third party and have that agency mail it to the landlord? What do I need to look for to ensure that it is not a scam and to keep my identity protected? Any advice on what is supposed to happen with private landlords is welcome. -- Washington
Sat, 14 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Cleaning That Can Pay Off :
Q: I am moving out of my apartment soon, and I'm working on a little deep cleaning to avoid move-out costs. I have a gas stove, and the top of it is white. It looks a little burnt around the burners, I think from residue from the gas cooking. Is there a good way to clean this? I tried steel-wool pads, but that started to scratch. I did not pay a security deposit. I worry that management might not consider this normal wear and tear and might charge me for it. Will they be able to do that? I'm moving to a larger unit in the same building, so I'd like to keep things amicable. -- Arlington
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Room for One (Significant) Other? :
Q: I'm interested in moving into a new studio apartment in downtown Baltimore. My girlfriend was planning to join me in a couple of months. The occupancy level of the studio set by the management company indicates one person only. Would it be illegal for her to move in? Has the management company the right to set such a limit, given that it's a spacious studio? -- Baltimore<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142948259" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142948259" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EDT
A Whining Dog Calls for Humane Approach :
Q: I live on the second floor. I would hope that noise from below would not permeate, but it obviously does. This has made me sensitive and considerably more respectful, particularly from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. My neighbors have a 75-pound dog with separation anxiety that is crated. It whines all day. I'll deal with the day stuff, only because I'm home for a couple of hours. But, lately I've been waking up at 6 a.m. to a dog whining. I've jokingly said something to the neighbors about the noise to let them know that he is very loud. Is there a noise ordinance related to dogs whining? (I know it sounds petty.) Are there rules restricting the size of dogs in apartments? I know that landlords will often have size restrictions on dogs based on square footage, yardage etc. Mine does not in his lease. Do you have any suggestions? -- Minneapolis
Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST
If You're Worried About Insecticides' Effects, Tell Your Landlord :
Q: With all the recent talk in your column and Web chats about bedbugs and cockroaches, I wonder what the regulations are regarding insecticide use in apartments. I live in an older building with a bug problem. People frequently come in to spray my apartment when I am at work. I am told to cover all food and empty all cabinets.
Sat, 17 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST
Renters Insurance: Cheap, Easy, Indispensable :
Q: I'm confused about renters insurance. Do I need it? I hear conflicting opinions. We had a fire in our complex (very small, confined to one unit) that was a bit of a wake-up call. How do I shop for renters insurance, how much is too much, and can you direct me to any other sources for information? -- Denver
Sat, 03 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST
Put Out Your Own Feelers to Test the Truth of Online Roach Complaints :
Q: I am moving to the Bethesda area to begin a job. The more time I spend looking online for a place to rent, the more terrified I become. It seems as if every apartment building has a cockroach infestation. Is this some problem specific to the area? Every single review I find describes in detail the cockroach problem in the apartments. It's disgusting and, quite frankly, I am terrified to move to the area now.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142949018" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142949018" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 20 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST
Whether You Get a Refund Depends on What the Lease Says :
Q: Can the landlord keep my deposit if I was depending on a Section 8 rental assistance voucher that did not go through? I never moved in. I never received a key; however, I did sign a lease. When my voucher was transferred to another city, they denied my Section 8. I cannot afford $1,000 per month for rent.
Sat, 06 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST
District Renters Get Right of First Refusal in Landlord's Property Sale :
Q: I recently moved out of a house in the District because my landlords decided to sell the place. Upon our walkthrough, my roommates and I were each handed a check for $100 to cover something called a "Topaz agreement." I have never heard of such an agreement, and my research turned up nothing on the subject. Can you tell me anything about this? Not that I'm complaining, I mean, it was essentially free money, but is this something all renters in the city are entitled to? -- Washington
Sat, 23 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST
Prospective Renter Finds Background Questions Too Close for Comfort :
Q: I have been trying to rent an apartment. I have been taken aback by the information requested on application forms. I would like to know what information landlords have the right to acquire, what information it is prudent to provide, and what responsibility landlords bear to keep this information secure?
Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST
Tenant Lives Under a Cloud Thanks to Secondhand Smoke :
Q: I hope I live long enough to see your answer. My downstairs neighbors smoke, and they smoke so much that I am having an increasingly severe allergic reaction! Runny nose, stuffed sinuses, intensifying nausea and headache are my reactions to the chemicals they're putting in my air. I know they have the right to smoke in their apartment, but don't I have a right to stop them from making me sick? Unfortunately, talking won't help; they are spoiled rich kids, contemptuous of everyone else. -- Washington<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142950311" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142950311" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 25 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST
Landlord Should Understand the True Meaning of 'Implied' :
Q: I always thought that paying rent meant that I would be free from the headaches of home maintenance. I don't mind paying a premium (my rent payment is much higher than my mortgage was) if that is the understanding. But now I have been told by the rental office that services are only "implied" in the rent at my community. Bottom line is that I am upset because I reported a broken dishwasher three months ago (with weekly reminders) and still nothing. A friend of mine who used to live here told me that not only will they not fix it, they will charge me for it when I move out. Is this legal? -- Germantown
Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST
When the Heat Is On, but You Can't Feel It :
Q: I live on the third floor of an old townhouse, and it is getting pretty nippy up there. I thought it was because the heat had not yet been turned on in the building, but the downstairs neighbor told me it has been on for a while. He also said the top apartment has been notoriously cold in the winter and that the only way to reach a comfortable temperature is to crank the heat so high that the other apartments get swelteringly hot.
Sat, 28 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Lofty Standards Are Met With Higher Price Tags :
Q: I am a 22-year-old recent graduate without a job yet. I plan to get a cosigner, but I am still having problems finding an affordable but nice and safe apartment. I have focused much of my attention on the Connecticut Avenue apartment corridor.
Sat, 14 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Rent Raised, Objection Raised: How Much Notice Is Enough? :
Q: I have a one-year lease in a large apartment complex. It is about to run out. About a month ago, I received notice that the landlord will be raising rent at the end of this term.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142952177" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142952177" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Bedbug Problem, Getting Tougher to Lay to Rest :
Itching. Pain. Welts. These are some of the irritating symptoms of bedbugs, which are frustrating many apartment dwellers, homeowners and even hotel guests locally and nationally.
Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Boisterous Tenants, Landlord All Have Lessons to Learn About Respect :
Q: I am renting an apartment for my two sons, ages 20 and 18. The landlord was fully aware they would be living there by themselves most of the time. The landlord keeps calling me to complain that the boys are making too much noise. I know what he means -- they stay up at night and watch TV sometimes with their friends. They move furniture, and they drink beer like other normal teenagers would.
Sat, 02 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Lack Rental History? Treat Meeting the Landlord Like a Job Interview :
Q: What advice do you have for people who don't have much of a rental history? I rented an apartment my last year of college, then served in AmeriCorps for two years, with housing provided. I have been living at home for the past year while I decide where I want to live. I'm ready now, but I feel landlords are holding my lack of rental history against me. Any thoughts? I don't think I should list my parents as my current landlord. -- Arlington
Sat, 19 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Getting a Handle on the District's Rent Control Changes :
Q: When does the new D.C. rent control law take effect? My lease is up in September, and my landlord told me he would not issue a new lease until the laws come out. I'm not sure what this means for me. Will he be able to raise my rent more? Will I fall under the new or old rent control law? I'm hoping for the new law, because under the old law my rent ceiling is around $6,000 per month. -- Washington, D.C.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142952853" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142952853" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Recognizing Code Violations and Their Remedies :
Q: Could you elaborate on what constitutes a violation of the housing code? I have a suspicion that my basement apartment is not up to code, but I don't know what kind of stuff I should look for. If I find a violation, what should I do to try to remedy it?
Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Finding a Place Friendly to Your Pit Bull :
Q: I want to move out of my parents' house and into my own place. However, I own a pit bull and I have found almost no apartments willing to rent to me and my docile doggy. She is sweet and sociable and has never been aggressive. Can you please give me any tips for apartment hunting with a rather large four-legged companion? What can I do to dodge restrictions on allegedly aggressive breeds? -- Takoma Park
Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT
A Cosigner Can Help First-Time Renters Assuage Landlords' Concerns :
Q: I am a 22-year-old recent college grad trying to find an apartment in the District, but I am having a really hard time of it. I have been rejected by several landlords because I have no rent al history and because I haven't found employment yet. I went to a great school and had a great grade point average and think I give a good first impression, but I can't seem to rent. Any suggestions for someone in my position? -- Baltimore
Sat, 24 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT
He's in Love -- With Her Building :
Q I just started seeing a guy, who, it turns out, is looking for a new apartment -- and he loves my building. It is affordable and in a good location. I want to help him, but I think it's a potential disaster if he moves to where I live. I mean, a shared elevator ride post-breakup? Could there be anything worse? I told him I'd check with my landlord to see if there are openings, but I know there are. Is it okay to fib and say there are no vacancies? -- Washington<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142953876" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142953876" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 10 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Within the Law, Landlords' Decisions Can Be Subjective :
Q: I recently submitted an application for an apartment. A few other people submitted their applications at the same time. Assuming that we are all approved, how should management decide who gets the apartment? -- Washington
Sat, 27 May 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Personalize Your Place With Homemade Decorations :
Q I sold my darling Capitol Hill condo and moved into an apartment. It's okay but has plain, white walls and no painting is allowed. I'm missing all the personal touches I added to my condo. What can I do to make my new home feel "homey," short of dozens more throw pillows and candles? -- Washington
Sat, 13 May 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Rents Are Rising Overall, but It Can Pay to Test the Market :
Q: Have you heard of significant rent increases in the area? Is it normal for rent to go up more than 15 percent in one year? It seems high to me, yet my landlord (a large property-management company) and at least one other I know of are doing this. I know there is no rent control, but this seems especially rare. -- Rockville
Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Persistence and Management's Help Are Needed to Drive Out Mice :
Q: Your recent article let me know how to deal with mice infestation (Apartment Living, April 15), and I appreciate that. But I am frustrated with the inability of the managers of my building to find out how mice are continuously getting into my apartment. I don't feel it is my problem to figure out how they are finding their way in. I have had an ongoing problem and even called the health department, who came and fined the company. The maintenance engineer has plugged holes under the sink and behind the stove and he has also supposedly closed those holes in the furnace room. I may not see mice for a few weeks, and then I catch three or four at a time. This leads me to believe that there is still some access to my unit. I have traps in every corner imaginable. Sometimes, the mice elude those and then I find droppings elsewhere. I have even heard them scratching inside the walls in my closet, and I fear they'll come into my bedroom. Please tell me what else I can do to make the management take more serious steps to address the problem. -- Washington<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142954838" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142954838" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 15 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT
Don't Feel Trapped by Landlord's Response to Mice -- Catch 'Em Yourself :
Q: My apartment building has been experiencing a mice infestation for months. The management has set traps. This week, they entered every apartment to do something, although I'm not sure what.
Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EST
Roommate's Inability to Pay Could Become Your Problem :
Q I have had issues with my roommate since July. Her boyfriend practically lives with us rent-free, she is messy, and she is about to be laid off. Although she has known about her job situation for months, she has decided to collect unemployment. My landlord isn't privy to the situation, and I don't think it is my role or responsibility to mention it to him. However, I do think that he should be aware of the situation. Am I right? If she can't pay her rent on time, do I then become responsible for her half? Should I encourage her to speak to the landlord? -- Washington
Sat, 18 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST
Check With Police, Landlords and Neighbors on Safety :
Q: My wife and I will be moving to Washington this fall and will be renting. Can you give us any tips about how to assess an apartment's security? We're most concerned about looking at units in houses, such as ground floor or English basement units. -- Albuquerque, N.M.
Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST
Urging Understanding Isn't Setting a Double Standard :
Q In November, you had a column about combating negative feelings about gentrification. I sympathize with the person who asked the question. We are going through the same thing here in Pittsburgh. My issue is that it seemed as if you were telling that person to, in effect, "shake it off" when it comes to misdirected graffiti concerning him or her. If it were reversed and there was graffiti decrying the "low-rent peeps" living there, then there would rightfully be an outcry. Doesn't the person who asked your advice have the same right to live there as anyone else? I hate double standards. -- Pittsburgh<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142955817" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142955817" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST
Roommate Seekers Must Mind Anti-Discrimination Laws :
Q: When you are looking for a roommate, how restrictive can you be in the advertisement? No pets, drinking, etc., seems reasonable, but can one vet people due to their religion? -- Germantown
Sat, 04 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST
Cosigning a Lease Carries Risk, Responsibility :
Q: Does cosigning a lease for a friend who does not meet the minimum income requirements for an apartment hurt my credit? Would that cosigned lease show up on my credit history? -- Baltimore
Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST
When Noisy Radiators Come Howling in the Night :
Q I live in an older building that has radiator heat. We don't have any control over the temperature in our apartment other than turning the radiator valves off and on. From what I've read, most people get a banging noise from their radiators, but ours scream. Periodically, in the wee hours of the morning, they scream bloody murder in my bedroom for a few minutes, then stop, then start back up again a little while later. I remember something similar last year, but not at this volume or for this duration. Is there anything I can do? -- Arlington
Sat, 07 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST
A Few Simple Rules for Making the Renter's Life Easier :
Living better, living smarter, living fuller lives are often the themes of New Year's resolutions. And resolving to follow better rental practices can make for a better life.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142956569" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142956569" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 24 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST
Don't Just Shiver. Call Your Landlord About Heating Breakdowns :
High fuel prices mean that many renters are concerned about their heating bills this winter. Those whose rent includes utilities are worried that their landlords will try to push high costs off on them. Those paying directly for their heat are trying to figure how to spend less. Here are some heat-related questions from readers, as well as a few tips on how to remain comfortable while keeping your costs down.
Sat, 10 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST
Cat Owners Complain About Inequities of Paying Pet Rent :
Q The rationale that apartment managers gave for pet rent in your last column concentrated on damage to common areas by pets and their irresponsible owners. I won't argue that this damage happens or that management companies have to find some way to recoup the costs. However, apartment complexes that charge pet rent to dog owners also charge these fees to cat owners. Apartment-dwelling cats are exclusively indoor creatures. I can assure you that my cat has never even seen the hallway outside my unit, never mind made a mess of the landscaping!
Sat, 26 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST
There Is a Rationale Behind Pet Rent, Landlords Say :
Q Could you please tell me what the justification is for pet rent? I can understand a pet deposit, even a nonrefundable one, although, I think that could be unfair if you clean up. Pet rent suggests that the management has to go out of its way to accommodate pets, when actually the renter is just utilizing the space that he or she already pays for. I assume it is just another way to make money off a renter, but is it even legal? I know that I have the right not to move to places like that, but it is getting harder to find an apartment that allows pets at all. -- Falls Church
Sat, 12 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST
Living With the Tensions of Gentrification :
Q: I rent a great, affordable apartment in an old building. In my neighborhood, like in a lot of the city, low-income, mostly minority residents live in apartment buildings, while young, mostly white professionals are rehabbing town homes and snapping up new, luxury condos. Lately I've noticed a lot of anti-gentrification graffiti and I feel like I'm a target: I'm young, white, financially stable, etc. How do others deal with living in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods? -- Washington<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142957395" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142957395" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 29 Oct 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Heating Costs Are Going Up; What Does It Mean for Renters? :
Q I keep hearing about how heating bills are expected to increase dramatically this winter. How does that affect renters with utilities included? I am renting month to month since my lease expired at the end of August. My rent went up by a small amount, a cost-of-living increase, on Sept. 1. As far as I can tell from the District Web site, there are restrictions on when the rent ceiling can go up, and the actual rent charged can be changed only once every six months, with 30 days' notice. However, what I'm paying is far below the ceiling. As I'm reading it, the management company could raise my rent to the ceiling (about a $400 leap) starting March 1, with only 30 days' notice. Is that correct, or is there any limit to how fast they can increase the rent actually charged? -- Washington
Sat, 15 Oct 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Condo Conversion: What to Do if Your Fears Come True :
Q Because of a string of recent landscaping and renovation efforts, I am afraid that the owner of my rent-controlled D.C. apartment building is looking to sell. To be prepared, I want to learn about our options ahead of time, both for tenants looking to buy and those looking to continue renting. What options do we have and what laws apply? How do you recommend we research more? -- Washington
Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Preliminary Cleaning Fee Should Be Mentioned in Lease :
QI just signed a lease for a one-bedroom English basement. After I signed the lease, the landlord informed me that I had to pay a $125 cleaning fee so the apartment could be cleaned before I move in. I don't want to start off on the wrong foot with this guy, since it's his house and he'll be living above me, but does this sound right? If I can find something in writing to send him that says it's his responsibility to clean and not mine, that would help. Of course, maybe he has the right to charge me the $125. Any advice? -- Alexandria
Sat, 17 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Property Owners Can Help Renters Hurt by Katrina :
Q As I watch and read news reports of the terrible circumstances people in New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., and other places are facing after Hurricane Katrina, I wonder what I can do to help. I am a small-time landlord with two rental properties and I want to know how I can figure out a way to lend my financial support.<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142959349" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151142959349" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 03 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Organized Tenants Find There Is Strength in Numbers :
Q I am the president of a new tenants organization in a multifamily complex. What benefits come with being a tenants organization? What are the kinds of things we can expect to gain from our new association? I was told that once you are an organization, the landlord can not make any changes with first consulting with the organization. -- Germantown
Sat, 20 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Self-Employed Renters Often Face Obstacles :
Q I fear I am in a pickle. A few months ago, I left my normal, stable, full-time job. After a break, I decided that I wanted to go out on my own and do my own thing. So far, it is working. But the excitement of the new entrepreneurial adventure was quashed when I started looking for a new apartment. It seems landlords don't want to hear about my new gig -- they want stable income. I have savings to cover my living expenses for a year while I build my business, but they say they require self-employment tax forms for all self-employed applicants. These are documents that I don't have yet, as I just started.
Sat, 06 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Landlords Aren't Required to Pay For Cosmetic Upgrades, but You Can Ask :
Q My roommate and I will be signing our lease for the third year. We have never asked for anything to be cleaned or painted during our stay. I know that between tenants, they do these things routinely. Do landlords typically or ever do these things for long-term residents? Is there anything we can expect or ask for when we sign again this year? I really want to have the carpets cleaned, but I'm not sure what else landlords may do. I don't mind hiring an outside company to do it, but want to check to see if the landlord would do it first. -- Bethesda
Sat, 23 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EDT
From Rent to Roommates, Checklist Can Help You Decide Where to Live :
Q I'm new to renting. I just graduated from college, and a friend and I are looking at places. What are some top things we should look for or warning signs regarding the apartment and the lease? I've never signed a lease before, and a few basic tips would help. -- Fairfax<br clear="all"/><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151143001042" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/wpni.rss/opinion/columns;pos=ad9;tile=9;ad=rss;sz=479x40;ord=151143001042" border="0" vspace="5"></a>
Sat, 09 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Question an Extra Charge for Using an Air Conditioner :
Q I am renting an apartment where I pay for electricity. I own an air conditioner. During the summer, the management company charges an additional $50 per month for each room where an air conditioner is used. It seems as if I am paying double for electricity. Is this some kind of violation? -- Washington
Sat, 25 Jun 2005 00:00:00 EDT
To Rent It Out, Make Condo Livable for You -- and Then Some :
Q I'm a fairly new owner of a condo in Dupont Circle. After my two years of primary residence are over, I plan to rent out the condo. Obviously, there's a lot I need to do between now and then, but from the renter's point of view, what do I need to get to make the condo "rentable"? -- Washington
Sat, 11 Jun 2005 00:00:00 EDT
Renters Insurance a Good Option to Protect Yourself, Your Stuff :
Q I am about to sign a lease that says I'm required to have renters insurance. (The apartment is being rented by an owner, not by the building.) I called the building manager and he said insurance is not a requirement for all the tenants, but because this guy is the owner, it's basically his call. Is this right? I have no clue about renters insurance, where to get it or how much it costs. Any help would be appreciated. -- Arlington
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