Is Your Rent Control Landlord Trying to Force You Out?Digg Monday, July 28, 2008 As a general rule, landlords aren't exactly in favor of rent controls. There are plenty of tactics they use to work around rent controls, including trying to force out current tenants so that the landlord can adjust the rent to market rates, thereby leasing to higher-paying renters. If you feel that your landlord might be trying such a scheme on you, you need to learn your rights in the matter.Your rights as a renter are different depending on which state you live in. The OhMyApartment Renter's Resources page is divided by state, giving you links to information on your rights in each state.You also need to recognize warning signs that your landlord is encouraging to you to move out, aside from obvious threats and coercion. Some landlords employ subtle techniques, but just because they are quiet about it doesn't mean that you can't protect yourself.
Darren Stern, a landlord who owned many rental properties through California-based Landmark Equity Management Inc., tried to convince tenants in rent-controlled properties to move out. He refused to make repairs to the point of criminal negligence, lied to tenants and illegally raised rents. Stern used a number of tactics against his tenants for over six years. It took tenants who knew their rights to bring his actions to the attention of the San Fernando Valley city attorney, who finally brought Stern to justice.If you're facing unfair eviction from a rent-controlled apartment--or even some form of coercion to convince you to leave on your own--it may be hard to prove. Do your best to document any instances of coercion or threats; even something as simple as writing down dates can be helpful in the long run. Furthermore, you can insist that your landlord do things by the books if he's actually trying to evict you. Some unscrupulous landlords might inform you that you're being evicted, but skip the paperwork. In areas with rent-controlled housing, like New York City, a landlord must complete a specific form before carrying out an eviction on a rent-controlled apartment. In NYC, the form is called an "Owner's Application for Order Granting Approval to Refuse Renewal of Lease and/or to Proceed for Eviction for Owner Occupancy." Even if it's granted, your landlord will need to go to court to evict you, giving you the opportunity to prove that it is an unfair eviction. Just remember that as a tenant, you have rights.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASE BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASE BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
Month-to-Month Agreement: This agreement is for an indefinite period of time, with rent payable monthly. A month-to-month agreement continues until either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice to end it.
Long-Term Lease: During the term of the lease, the rent cannot be raised or the rules changed unless both landlord and tenant agree. Leases for more than one year are exempt from the Landlord-Tenant Act, but only if the tenant’s attorney has approved such an exemption. A lease must be in writing to be valid.
Understand The Rules: Before making a decision on what apartment to rent, consider your needs. Make a checklist of what your place must have and those qualities that are not so important. Contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the property management company or apartment owners you are planning to use.
Once you’ve found your ideal apartment, make sure you understand your responsibilities as an apartment tenant. Carefully read your lease and be aware of the legal terms and conditions before signing the contract.
Your Lease Should Contain:
How all maintenance and repair concerns are handled. The conditions under which your rent can be increased during that term. Who is responsible for the repair of all appliances, fixtures and furnishings that come with the apartment. How many people may occupy the apartment. Whether pets are allowed. The conditions of your security deposit, including what it covers and conditions for a refund. Security deposits are usually required and offset the landlord’s cost of repairing any property damage.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Month-to-Month Agreement: This agreement is for an indefinite period of time, with rent payable monthly. A month-to-month agreement continues until either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice to end it.
Long-Term Lease: During the term of the lease, the rent cannot be raised or the rules changed unless both landlord and tenant agree. Leases for more than one year are exempt from the Landlord-Tenant Act, but only if the tenant’s attorney has approved such an exemption. A lease must be in writing to be valid.
Understand The Rules: Before making a decision on what apartment to rent, consider your needs. Make a checklist of what your place must have and those qualities that are not so important. Contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the property management company or apartment owners you are planning to use.
Once you’ve found your ideal apartment, make sure you understand your responsibilities as an apartment tenant. Carefully read your lease and be aware of the legal terms and conditions before signing the contract.
Your Lease Should Contain:
How all maintenance and repair concerns are handled. The conditions under which your rent can be increased during that term. Who is responsible for the repair of all appliances, fixtures and furnishings that come with the apartment. How many people may occupy the apartment. Whether pets are allowed. The conditions of your security deposit, including what it covers and conditions for a refund. Security deposits are usually required and offset the landlord’s cost of repairing any property damage.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Assessing Laundry Needs
Assessing Laundry Needs
The first step in making the right purchase for a washer and dryer is a little advanced planning. Know your needs. For example, how much time do you spend doing laundry? Do you have a large family requiring daily clothes laundering, or are you a single person or a couple with no children?
It's also important to consider where your laundry room or washer and dryer will be located. If you are an apartment dweller, available space is probably an issue.
If you have a multilevel home, space is probably still an issue, but more from a sense of location within your home and how far you have to go to change a load. Do you need to consider wheelchair accessibility or other health needs?
Thinking about when and how you do your laundry will help you decide what size of washer or dryer to purchase and what cycle options are important to your family's needs. If you are energy-conscious (or are trying to become so) there are several options and models available to meet this requirement.
In any case, the main points for consideration on any washer and dryer include size and style, capacity, cycles, temperatures, controls, and energy efficiency For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
The first step in making the right purchase for a washer and dryer is a little advanced planning. Know your needs. For example, how much time do you spend doing laundry? Do you have a large family requiring daily clothes laundering, or are you a single person or a couple with no children?
It's also important to consider where your laundry room or washer and dryer will be located. If you are an apartment dweller, available space is probably an issue.
If you have a multilevel home, space is probably still an issue, but more from a sense of location within your home and how far you have to go to change a load. Do you need to consider wheelchair accessibility or other health needs?
Thinking about when and how you do your laundry will help you decide what size of washer or dryer to purchase and what cycle options are important to your family's needs. If you are energy-conscious (or are trying to become so) there are several options and models available to meet this requirement.
In any case, the main points for consideration on any washer and dryer include size and style, capacity, cycles, temperatures, controls, and energy efficiency For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, July 21, 2008
Length of Lease
Length of Lease
The quest to find an apartment can be both fun and stressful. There are so many exciting possibilities and as many potential obstacles. This article will guide you through the process, so you can find an apartment with confidence.
First, you must decide how long you will live in this space, which will dictate what kind of apartment to look for. Most leases require at least one year's commitment, so if this is too long for you, consider a sublet or a month-to-month apartment.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
The quest to find an apartment can be both fun and stressful. There are so many exciting possibilities and as many potential obstacles. This article will guide you through the process, so you can find an apartment with confidence.
First, you must decide how long you will live in this space, which will dictate what kind of apartment to look for. Most leases require at least one year's commitment, so if this is too long for you, consider a sublet or a month-to-month apartment.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"Downsizing Your Home With Style"
"Downsizing Your Home With Style" begins by helping you decide whether to get rid of what you have or if your things are worth saving. Is the piece the right size for your new space, is it in good condition, is it comfortable, or does it have special meaning to you and your family?
I love Lauri's list of things to always keep, including a sofa and matching chairs, armless chairs, any chair that swivels, anything with storage, and matching lamps and end tables.
And just as helpful is the list of things to get rid of like stuff you never use, books you'll never read again, things that are too big or too old, pillows that look old and dated, chairs that are uncomfortable, magazines, newspapers, and personal papers that you won't ever need again.
If you follow Lauri's advice, you'll discover storage space where you didn't know it existed, new uses for furniture that you thought had only one purpose, ways to make your new small space look bigger, and ways to make one room serve two or more purposes. In short, she helps you make a small space really work.
What you won't find in this book is beautiful, full-color photos of extravagant custom-designed, cutting edge rooms. What you will find are great ideas, photos of real homes for real people, and useful tips to make a move to a small space feel not so hard. In fact, clearing out and cleaning out can be very liberating! Try it. You'll see!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
I love Lauri's list of things to always keep, including a sofa and matching chairs, armless chairs, any chair that swivels, anything with storage, and matching lamps and end tables.
And just as helpful is the list of things to get rid of like stuff you never use, books you'll never read again, things that are too big or too old, pillows that look old and dated, chairs that are uncomfortable, magazines, newspapers, and personal papers that you won't ever need again.
If you follow Lauri's advice, you'll discover storage space where you didn't know it existed, new uses for furniture that you thought had only one purpose, ways to make your new small space look bigger, and ways to make one room serve two or more purposes. In short, she helps you make a small space really work.
What you won't find in this book is beautiful, full-color photos of extravagant custom-designed, cutting edge rooms. What you will find are great ideas, photos of real homes for real people, and useful tips to make a move to a small space feel not so hard. In fact, clearing out and cleaning out can be very liberating! Try it. You'll see!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, July 14, 2008
Renting an Apartment?
Renting an Apartment?
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Renting an Apartment?
Renting an Apartment?
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Renting an Apartment?
Renting an Apartment?
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Keeping Warm
Keeping Warm
Nothing is nicer than coming home to a warm apartment. But nothing is worse than getting the electric bill for all those warm, toasty winter days. Running the central heat or air conditioning unit is the number one cost of your electric bill. So now would be a good time to learn how to cut those costs and decrease those nasty bills.
Balancing the heat: You may have noticed already that some rooms and areas of your home gets warmer than other areas. This is the impact of air balancing. If you have a central heating unit (which most units have), the heat goes along some duct-pipes in the ceiling and through room vents into the room. To prevent heat from coming into the room, simply close the vent or close the path in the actual duct.
Rooms that you don’t use very often or closets should have their vents closed to prevent wasted heat loss. This will direct the heat to other more used rooms. If there is more heat blowing into those rooms then the heating unit does not have to work as hard or as long (and thereby saving you money).
If you live in a two-story or multi-story unit or an apartment with a loft, close the vents on the upper floors. As we all know, heat rises. The bottom level will warm up and eventually the heat will dissipate to the upper floor. As the heat from the bottom floor rises, the heating unit will not have to work extra-hard to heat the upper level.
Keep doors closed to rooms that do not need heat. As heat flows through a home, it moves into rooms with open doorways. This means it takes longer for the entire home to heat because the heat keeps spreading out or thinning out. If, however, some of the closets and bathrooms are closed, the heated air will move down the hall to the next room which needs more heat. Or, if you want those rooms to be heated, leave the doors open. Keeping doors open also increases the circulation throughout the entire house. It is good practice if you don’t have roommates.
Lower the Temperature: A good way to save money is simply to lower the thermostat. If you followed the above suggestions, you won’t need to run the heating unit on a high temperature to feel comfortable. The heat should be balanced and your entire home comfort-level should remain constant. It takes some trial-and-error to get a balanced home (and you will need to re-balance for the summer months when you run the air conditioning unit), but in the end it is worth it.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Nothing is nicer than coming home to a warm apartment. But nothing is worse than getting the electric bill for all those warm, toasty winter days. Running the central heat or air conditioning unit is the number one cost of your electric bill. So now would be a good time to learn how to cut those costs and decrease those nasty bills.
Balancing the heat: You may have noticed already that some rooms and areas of your home gets warmer than other areas. This is the impact of air balancing. If you have a central heating unit (which most units have), the heat goes along some duct-pipes in the ceiling and through room vents into the room. To prevent heat from coming into the room, simply close the vent or close the path in the actual duct.
Rooms that you don’t use very often or closets should have their vents closed to prevent wasted heat loss. This will direct the heat to other more used rooms. If there is more heat blowing into those rooms then the heating unit does not have to work as hard or as long (and thereby saving you money).
If you live in a two-story or multi-story unit or an apartment with a loft, close the vents on the upper floors. As we all know, heat rises. The bottom level will warm up and eventually the heat will dissipate to the upper floor. As the heat from the bottom floor rises, the heating unit will not have to work extra-hard to heat the upper level.
Keep doors closed to rooms that do not need heat. As heat flows through a home, it moves into rooms with open doorways. This means it takes longer for the entire home to heat because the heat keeps spreading out or thinning out. If, however, some of the closets and bathrooms are closed, the heated air will move down the hall to the next room which needs more heat. Or, if you want those rooms to be heated, leave the doors open. Keeping doors open also increases the circulation throughout the entire house. It is good practice if you don’t have roommates.
Lower the Temperature: A good way to save money is simply to lower the thermostat. If you followed the above suggestions, you won’t need to run the heating unit on a high temperature to feel comfortable. The heat should be balanced and your entire home comfort-level should remain constant. It takes some trial-and-error to get a balanced home (and you will need to re-balance for the summer months when you run the air conditioning unit), but in the end it is worth it.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Monday, July 7, 2008
How to Move to a New Apartment
How to Move to a New Apartment
Moving can be a fun and exciting adventure. But it can also be lots of work--not to mention very stressful. Here are some suggestions that might make your transition a little easier.
[edit] StepsGet boxes from grocery stores (or other stores) rather than buying them. Don't disregard the value of large plastic trash bags - just be careful not to throw them out!! Choose boxes in sizes that will be easy for one person to carry, just in case you find yourself moving most of it on your own. Start the moving process as soon as you can find time to. The more unessential items you can pack as early on as possible, the less you'll have to worry about when it gets down to the wire. Make sure that you wrap breakable items (dishes, knick-knacks, pictures, et cetera) in old newspaper, towels, bedsheets, even clothing. If you have a lot of books, pack a few in many boxes, rather than all in a few. Label your boxes as you pack - kitchen, living room, bath, etc. Also make a list of contents on each box, to make it easier to find certain things when unpacking. This will save you loads of time and grief when you arrive at your new place (and label BREAKABLES as such so your movers will know to be careful--hopefully they will be). Color-coding can be a good idea too. Just get colored stickers, and slap a red one on the box for kitchen, blue for bedroom, green for living room, etc. After you have securely packed all of your belongings... now you face the decision of hiring movers, and finding out who your real friends are or being a real friend (and saving $$$) and doing as much of it on your own as you can! (if you CAN afford it, hire a reputable, insured moving service listed with the BBB for the heavy stuff and transporting it all) (*save $ by doing your own packing!) GOOD LUCK & GET MOVING!!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Moving can be a fun and exciting adventure. But it can also be lots of work--not to mention very stressful. Here are some suggestions that might make your transition a little easier.
[edit] StepsGet boxes from grocery stores (or other stores) rather than buying them. Don't disregard the value of large plastic trash bags - just be careful not to throw them out!! Choose boxes in sizes that will be easy for one person to carry, just in case you find yourself moving most of it on your own. Start the moving process as soon as you can find time to. The more unessential items you can pack as early on as possible, the less you'll have to worry about when it gets down to the wire. Make sure that you wrap breakable items (dishes, knick-knacks, pictures, et cetera) in old newspaper, towels, bedsheets, even clothing. If you have a lot of books, pack a few in many boxes, rather than all in a few. Label your boxes as you pack - kitchen, living room, bath, etc. Also make a list of contents on each box, to make it easier to find certain things when unpacking. This will save you loads of time and grief when you arrive at your new place (and label BREAKABLES as such so your movers will know to be careful--hopefully they will be). Color-coding can be a good idea too. Just get colored stickers, and slap a red one on the box for kitchen, blue for bedroom, green for living room, etc. After you have securely packed all of your belongings... now you face the decision of hiring movers, and finding out who your real friends are or being a real friend (and saving $$$) and doing as much of it on your own as you can! (if you CAN afford it, hire a reputable, insured moving service listed with the BBB for the heavy stuff and transporting it all) (*save $ by doing your own packing!) GOOD LUCK & GET MOVING!!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
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