9344 National

Q1. When is rent due?

Q2. How do I pay my rent?

Q3. What happens if I can't pay my rent?

Q4. How do I request a repair?

Q5. What counts as an emergency?

Q6. Will I be notified before a repair person enters my home?

Q7. How do I get my security deposit back? Can I use it for last month's rent?

Q8. I'm locked out — what do I do?

Q9. My roommate wants to move out — what are my options?

Q10. My neighbor is too loud — what should I do?

Q11. Can I host a party or use the common areas?

Q12. Someone is parked in my spot — what do I do?

Q13. Someone broke into my unit or car — what do I do?

Q14. Am I allowed to have a pet?

Q15. I want to add someone to my lease — how?

Q16. I want to break my lease — what happens?

Maintenance Tips & Tricks

Keep the Refrigerator Working Efficiently

• Dirty coils hold in heat and make your refrigerator's motor work harder to cool the inside compartments.
• Keep coils clean by removing the cover from below the door and vacuuming out the dust that has accumulated.
• While you're there, remove the drip pan from underneath the coils. Wash it well, and check the drain for clogs before replacing it.
• Next, check the freezer. It needs to be defrosted if more than 1/4 inch of ice has accumulated on the walls. Don't chip away at it with a sharp object. Instead, remove the contents to a cooler, place a pan underneath the ice to catch the drips, and either let the ice melt at room temperature or help it along with a blow dryer.

Taking Care of the Flooring

• Dirt is a floor's worst enemy! When embedded into rugs and carpets, it wears out the fibers. On harder surfaces, like wood, laminate and vinyl, dirt causes scratches.
• Place mats inside and outside your door to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your apartment.
• Vacuum low-traffic carpets at least once a week; vacuum high-traffic areas more frequently.
• Protect wood, laminate and vinyl floors by sweeping every day and mopping weekly with a product recommended for the floor type.
• Use the minimum amount of fluid needed to clean wood and laminate, as saturation damages wood's finish and causes laminate to warp.

Keep Heat and A/C Dust Free

• Preventive maintenance of the heating and air-conditioning units is all about ensuring proper air flow.
• Vacuum vents before using the units for the first time each year, and then inspect the vents periodically to make sure new dust hasn't accumulated. Change filters as soon as they become soiled.
• Keep furniture and window coverings away. In the case of heat vents, this is as much a safety issue as a maintenance one.
• Don't turn off your heat or A/C when you leave for the day. Instead, turn the heat down or the A/C up just a few degrees. You'll actually save more energy by maintaining a steadier temperature!

Prevent Plumbing Problems

• Keep drains flowing freely. Avoid pouring oil, coffee grounds or other solids into the kitchen sink.
• In the bathroom, remove hair from the sink and tub promptly so they're not washed down the drain.
• Sink and toilet clogs usually can be unclogged with a plunger. Fill the clogged vessel with water and then push the plunger straight down in a quick, firm motion. You may need to repeat a number of times before the clog is removed.
• Do not put feminine hygiene produces in the toilet, paper towels, dental floss,
• Do not put baby wipes, or wipes of any type even if they say “ flushable” , they are not .
• Kitchen sinks:
• Please do not put fruits or vegetables of any type in the disposal, no oil or grease, meat cuttings,
• Be careful not to drop bottle caps, silverware in the disposal.  Our suggestion is to throw everything in the trash. Damage can result in a $150-300 charge to you.
• Dishwasher” Please make sure dishes do not have food on them before you put in the dishwasher.  If you do this will result in a dishwasher drain line backup which you will be charged.

Know When to Seek Help

• Sometimes it's best to leave the work to the pros.
• Report malfunctioning appliances, water you can't turn off, and clogs that don't respond to plunging. Also report broken or missing grout in the bathroom.
• Grout isn't just cosmetic — it keeps water from seeping into walls and floors.

Apartment Rental Tips

Preferences
Depending on your need and budget, you will have to look at various rental options and decide accordingly.
Depending on the number of tenants, you may require a certain size apartment. For 3 tenants, a two-bedroom or a one-bedroom with a den is recommended.
Factor in your commute. When you factor in the famous LA traffic and limited public transportation, going even a few miles could take you an hour! Make sure you account for your commute to work when apartment hunting.

Lease
An apartment can usually be leased for a term of 14-18 months. By signing a lease, both you and the landlord are agreeing to your long-term occupancy.
You should carefully review the apartment lease agreement. It is a legally binding document, and it is your only proof of residency in a particular place. Your landlord is required to give you a copy of the rental agreement.
You should generally not spend more than 30 percent of your take-home salary on rent. This, of course, can vary based on your needs and circumstances.

Damages
When you sign a lease, you agree to keep the home clean and in good shape. You may be charged for any extra damage to the apartment.
If you see any damages, you must ask the property manager to note it promptly. Otherwise, the landlord may deduct some or all of your security deposit when you move out.
Talk to your landlord before you move out to find out what you need to fix in order to receive your full security deposit.