deal with a landlord<\/a>. Most of the time, you luck out with a great landlord. Other times, you\u2019re out of luck. There are a number of different things a landlord could do that could give you an indicator that you\u2019re stuck with a bad landlord. For example, if a landlord doesn\u2019t get back to you right away or is overly intrusive, be wary. <\/span><\/p>\nThe best practice is to get everything in writing so you know what they can and can\u2019t do. Create a contract between the two of you that covers things like acceptable time for repairs, acceptable time for them to get back to you, privacy agreements, and such. If they break the contract on a consistent basis, seeking professional legal advice might be the next step.<\/span><\/p>\n2. Fix a Leaky Faucet or Pipe<\/b><\/p>\n
While landlords or building superintendents are often in charge of repairs, they may not always be around. As a result, it\u2019s a good idea for you to know how to make a few minor repairs yourself. One of the most common complications you might be faced with is a leaky pipe or faucet. Not only can the constant dripping drive you a little insane but it can make a big mess. All you normally have to do here is get the right tool and tighten it back up to stop the leak. Be careful not to make things worse though.<\/span><\/p>\n3. You Don\u2019t Have The Rent Money<\/b><\/p>\n
Let\u2019s face it, things happen. An unexpected expense or unplanned medical bill could derail your finances and stop you from coming up with rent money. First and foremost, be upfront and honest about it with your landlord. If you have a good relationship with your landlord and they trust you, they might just be willing to work with you and let you pay at a later date. However, if they don\u2019t agree to this, you might have to resort to asking family\/friends for more, taking out a loan or selling things. An emergency fund is a savior in times like this.<\/span><\/p>\n4. Neighbors Who Aren\u2019t So Neighborly<\/b><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re renting an apartment it\u2019s hard to escape neighbors. Most of the time, neighbors are aware of their surroundings and usually respectful, but that\u2019s also not always the case. We\u2019ve all heard horror stories regarding bad neighbors. If you have a conflict with your neighbor you should try to work it out on your own. Having a conversation with them about concerns you might have (as well concerns they might have) can go a long way. If they won\u2019t cease disruptive activity despite the initial conversation you should make the landlord aware of what\u2019s happening.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Critter Visitors<\/b><\/p>\n
When it starts to get a little bit chilly outside little critters like mice and rats try to escape the rough conditions. This may include coming into your apartment or walls for protection. While the landlord should definitely be alerted if you feel you have a rodent problem you can also be on the proactive side. Do a search of the apartment and look at places where you think they could possibly be getting coming in from. Once that has been determined, set some traps and hope for the best.<\/span><\/p>\n6. Bored With The \u201cLook\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
Sometimes, renting can just get boring over time. A big con about most rentals is that you can\u2019t paint or make any permanent cosmetic changes to the apartment. However, it doesn\u2019t have to be boring. There are many different options you can use to give your apartment that personality it might be lacking. Artwork is always a great option, as is upgrading your decor. If you have a really great landlord, they also may allow you to paint the walls if they approve of the color choice, or if you agree to paint it back before you leave. Being proactive and asking them before making a large and permanent change is always advised, or you can say bye-bye to your damage deposit.<\/span><\/p>\n7. Patch a Hole<\/b><\/p>\n
Holes are almost surely to accumulate throughout your time renting an apartment. Whether they are smaller holes from nails or screws, or larger holes from a doorknob most holes can be fixed by anyone. A bit of spackle and some sanding is enough for almost all holes. If you have a larger hole you may need to find some scrap drywall, screw it into place, and then sand and paint for a seamless finish.<\/span><\/p>\n8. Fixing the Toilet<\/b><\/p>\n
The toilet is definitely one of the most used items in any home and as a result it goes through some wear and tear. One of the most common problems with the toilet is not being able to flush. Don\u2019t waste your maintenance guy\u2019s time. This is normally a simple fix. If the toilet can\u2019t flush, first tip is to check the chain. If it\u2019s loose or unattached, simply attach and try flushing. If the chain wasn\u2019t unattached, you may have to release the handle and its inner components, which can all be bought on the cheap. <\/span><\/p>\nNote: All electrical work should be done by a trained professional. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Renting an apartment is a common choice. It allows you more flexibility than buying and it\u2019s perfect if you don\u2019t know where you might be in a few years. Also, you will save a ton of money when it comes to maintenance and repairs. However, it isn\u2019t always peaches and cream. There are some problems […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4433,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[439],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4423","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-how-to-guides"},"yoast_head":"\n
Common Rental Complications and How to Fix Them - Real Estate Topics, Tips, and Guides<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n