every tenant's legal guide 3rd (2002)

[...]... Good Lawyer 20/2 C Fee Arrangements With Lawyers 20/5 D Resolving Problems With Your Lawyer 20/7 E Doing Your Own Legal Research 20/8 Appendix I State Laws and Agencies Appendix II Tear-Out Forms Index I Introduction I/ 2 D EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE ealing with your landlord or property manager can be challenging, to say the least Doing it successfully requires not only knowing... may become a combat manual, something you study closely to discover legal weapons to protect your rights You’ll probably find there is much you can do to fight back Be warned, however, that an attractive legal solution to every problem may not be possible Even though the law is far friendlier to tenants than it was 25 years ago, the legal playing field in most states is still tilted in the landlord’s... www.apartmentguide.com This site is loaded with ads and resources, some of which are a bit far-fetched (selling your car? need a date?), but it does include a helpful link to a website for military tenants A roommate-matching service (with the dubious criteria noted above) is included • www.rentals.com A clear and straightforward listing service, no roommate matching 1/10 EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE Apartment-Finding... long they’ve been in business and their knowledge of the area Be sure to check if any complaints are on file with a local consumer agency or Better Business Bureau 1/12 EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE 7 Management Companies 9 Apartment Rental Guides or Magazines Property management companies often contract with landlords to rent units and manage all aspects of the rental property In many areas, a handful of... Illegal Discrimination 1/26 G Finder’s Fees and Holding Deposits 1/26 1 Finder’s Fees 1/26 2 Holding Deposits 1/28 H Choosing Roommates 1/28 1/2 I EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE t goes almost without saying that choosing a place to live is an extremely important decision A good apartment or house should provide more than shelter, warmth and a place to lay your... reading it for the first time with a pen in your hand Be sure to read Chapter 2 for details on leases and rental agreements and how to negotiate terms before you sign on the dotted line 1/4 EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE Rental Priorities When you’re making your list of priorities, consider these issues: Rent Figure out the maximum you can afford to pay Be sure to include utilities and any additional charges,... investigate this from the start This book does not cover these options, so you’ll need to check the real estate section of your bookstore or library (or online sites) for advice on the subject 1/6 EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE Rental Priorities Worksheet Address: Contact: Rent: Term: 178 West 81st St., #4F Emily Greenwood (Broker) (212) 555-1212 Phone #: $2,000/month Deposit: $2,000 Other fees: $2,000 (broker’s... work numbers: Dennis: phone 609-555-2345; e-mail Dennis@work.com Hannah: phone 609-555-4567; e-mail Hannah @work.com Thanks so much for your help! Regards, Dennis Olson and Hannah Silver 1/8 EVERY TENANT’S LEGAL GUIDE 2 Pound the Pavement In addition to enlisting the help of friends, you can do much looking on your own In some neighborhoods, landlords simply post “Apartment For Rent” signs in front... example, if your landlord refuses your request to move in a roommate, first read about the legal occupancy limits that apply in your situation (Chapter 5) You may find that your unit is large enough for two, meaning that an absolute rule prohibiting roommates is illegal Your next step might be not only to explain the legal realities to your landlord, but also to demonstrate that the person you want to bring... I Your Abandoned Property 16/27 17 Termination Notices Based on Nonpayment of Rent and Other Illegal Acts A Termination Notices 17/2 B Late Rent 17/3 C Other Violations of the Lease or Rental Agreement 17/5 D Violations of Your Legal Responsibilities as a Tenant 17/6 E Illegal Activity on the Premises 17/7 F Negotiating With the Landlord 17/8 G Getting Help From .