You have gone through the process of qualifying for affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More, and you’ve just signed the leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More on your new home. Congratulations — you’ve just crossed two of the largest hurdles in obtaining an affordable place to live. But that’s just the beginning. Once you’ve moved in, you need to set up some good practices to ensure you have a long, pleasant experience in your new home. Whether you’re first-time affordable housing renter or not, the following tips will help you make the most of the opportunity.
Know Your Lease Inside and Out
Your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More agreement is a binding contract between you and the landlord. It details your rights and responsibilities as a tenantA legal resident of a rental property. More. If you violate the terms of the agreement, the landlord has the right to terminate the leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More. The leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More also gives you recourse if your landlord fails to meet his/her obligations — for example, making timely repairs or making sure the home is safe. Read your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More carefully and make sure you’re okay with the terms before you sign. For more guidance, here are 11 questions you should ask before signing the lease.
When You Move In
For many renters, the move-in process comes with a lot of unnecessary stress. Get off to a good start in your new place by planning ahead, unpacking smartly and pacing yourself. We’ve put together a guide for what to do in the first 24 hours after move-in to help you get settled quickly and easily.
Keeping Safe and Secure
Once you’re settled in your new place, establish a set of practices to keep you and your householdAll the people who occupy a housing unit. A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the hous... More safe and secure. Keep doors locked, especially when you leave the apartment. Check your smoke detectors and have an escape plan in case of fire. Take steps to keep safe and warm during the winter months when there’s an increased risk of fire and other hazards. And since your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your belongings, make sure you purchase renter’s insurance. You can find more apartment safety tips here.
Watch Your Budget
Even with affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More, it’s important to maintain a smart household budget to make sure your rent and other bills get paid on time. There are plenty of cheap ways to decorate your new apartment without putting a strain on your finances, for example. The holiday season can be a real budget buster, so follow these tips to keep your holiday budget in check. The goal of affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More is to help you live comfortably without financial strain. A bit of planning can go a long way to keep it that way.
Keep Open Communication with Your Landlord
Bringing home a new pet? Taking on a roommate? Notice signs of mold? These are examples of things that you need to discuss with your landlord right away. Keeping secrets from your landlord can lead to unexpected fines, strained relationships and even termination of your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More. Make sure any maintenance issues are reported right away, and bring your landlord into the loop with any significant changes to your living situation.
By following these tips for affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More renters, you can make your new living experience, safe, enjoyable and relatively stress-free. If you’re looking for affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More in the Southeastern United States, we can help. Call Olympia ManagementOlympia Management, Inc. exists to meet the needs of the affordable housing community by providing top-quality living conditions, excellent management, compassionate interaction with tenants, and cons... More at 256-894-2382.