by: Christine Zafra
If you think messy rooms and delayed payment for bills and rental are tolerable for you, then the next room mate problem might make you change your mind.
Your things and your room mate’s are mixed. There is a high tendency that he or she will meddle with yours. Also, if your room mate gets a little complacent with you, chances are, he or she might borrow your things without permission. For example, if your room mate ran out of perfume and he or she needs it for the night, your room mate can just get yours without asking from you first. Watch out!
Photo taken from http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com
by: Christine Zafra
Before you accept any room mate to board with you, make sure that his or her credit rating is up. Do a background investigation. The main reason why you are looking for one is for you to lighten the burden of your rental or your mortgage. If you happen to get a room mate who cannot put up with the bills, then your objective might not be achieved. Some room mates are a burden when it comes to paying the rental/mortgage or bills. Look for someone who has a stable job and be wary about those do not have jobs.
Photo taken from http://pro.corbis.com
by: Christine Zafra
If you plan on having a room mate in your apartment, you better be ready about the consequences of having one. Yes, room mates can be helpful in times of (financial) desperation as they do share with the rent fees, but, do you really think they won’t be a mess in the future? Having a room mate can be a dilemma. First, if your room mate can be compared with someone who just relocated from the jungle, expect that all of his or her belongings will be jumbled up. If you cannot keep up with this kind of room mate, then better screen all those who apply.
Photo taken from http://blogs.move.com
Apartments are some of the most fire prone structures around due to the close proximity of units and other factors. Apartment complexes should have proper safety equipment and access provisions such as fire escapes, evacuation routes and fire extinguishers at regular intervals specified by law. If you hear a fire alarm (you should also teach all other people who live with you on what to do) go off, never treat it likely for there may be a fire anywhere in your complex so get out as quickly as you can. If the fire is in your unit, check doors for heat by using your hand on the doors and door handle before opening it to prevent it form burning you. Smoke is by far the worst killer, so if smoke is present, head for the floor and crawl out quickly. If the smoke is too much, use a wet cloth as a filter to prevent smoke from getting to you. Leave the rescue work to the fire department for they have the equipment and training to effectively and safely do their jobs.
Emergencies, Fire Alarms, Fires, Smoke Detectors
There are a lot of fires in apartments complexes all over the world and most of them are caused by neglect and poor maintenance. When you do look for apartments to rent, do check for fire safety equipment such as extinguishers and smoke detectors (they are mandatory by law). Also check for evacuation routes (the building owners should have a lay-out planned and posted for all tenants that is also required by law), and other safety equipment and be aware of their proper use. All houses and other forms of dwellings must have alarms and safety equipment so fatalities are avoided. There should also be a fire alarm for large structures such as complexes and condominiums.
Emergencies, Fire Alarms, Fires, Smoke Detectors
Any changes to the living conditions to your space should be dealt with promptly and no action by the owner may mean they do not care. If nothing still happens, then start looking for a new space that would be better and have more acceptable noise levels for your needs and privacy. Look for a place nearby to limit the costs on time and effort spent on moving. Also check with the conditions and terms that are stipulated in your contract being careful of any stipulations about noise, that way you get your rights to complain and tell the landlord to do something about noise as they are bound by the contract as you are.
Noise Complaints, Noise Pollution, Noisy Neighbors
An apartment however nice is still subject to a lot of environmental factors and noise is one of them. A well built one will have good insulation that not only saves on cooling and heating bills but also provides ample protection from noise. Noise is one of those annoying truths about living in apartments that one cannot simply tolerate and complaints should be voiced out with your landlord or property manager. The noise levels in such an enclosed space can reverberate and bounce around walls till they lose energy and simply dissipate. Noise from the street from traffic, airplanes and railroads can also contribute to noise pollution.
Noise Complaints, Noise Pollution, Noisy Neighbors
You should also check with your landlord if the acceptance of a room mate is allowed and if you do not have to pay extra or lose some provisions of your contract. Have the contract amended if you have one to include the details of your sharing space and the amounts of liabilities you are both to share. If you get a room mate on your own, that may fall under a sub-lease and many owners do not allow such practices. If the owner does agree, have them talk to your prospect room mate first before making any commitments so you avoid disappointment for you both.
Apartment Living, Room Mates
Choose wisely for anyone can be a roommate, friends, co-workers or total strangers you just happen to have met on a trip to the grocery who just happened to be looking for space (get to know them a bit more for they are the most risky ones). If the apartment has enough space with more than one room, then you can still maintain privacy even with a roommate. Remember, living with another person is totally different form living on your own and the selection process with some prior discussions on your dislikes and likes can mean the best or worst roommate ever.
Apartment Living, Room Mates
There are many ways of making apartment living an enjoyable one that allows both function and fun to exist in the same space. Some apartments are small some are just right but some are real bargains and you get all that you could expect for, a nice view (do expect to pay premiums for these apartments, an apartment with a view of Central Park would be more expensive than one that faces a wall), pleasant landlords and tenants and all the amenities that makes life easier for the city dweller. There can be more fun if you do choose to live with a room mate who can give life to an utterly bland and lifeless space.
Apartment Living, Room Mates
