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Rents May Be Moderating, but Do the Math

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Edited questions from Apartment Life, Sara Gebhardt's online discussion about rental issues.

Tenants Can Be Charged for Damage Beyond 'Normal Wear and Tear'

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q A friend of mine recently moved out of the apartment where she lived for three years. When she moved in, she was not required to put down a security deposit.

Don't Assume All Resident Managers Are the Same

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q I have lived in several apartment buildings in Washington over many years. While resident managers were once older women (sometimes men) who often ran the building as if they were den mothers or fathers, some buildings now hire much younger, more professional and better-educated people.

Rental Agreement? Returned Keys? Get It All in Writing

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Edited questions from Apartment Life, Sara Gebhardt's online discussion about rental issues.

Landlord's Behavior May Signal Her Intention to Not Renew Lease

Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and Ted Smith — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q My husband and I are concerned about the relationship between our on-site resident managers and our landlady. There is none.

'Houseguest' Overstays Terms of Lease, if Not Welcome

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q I recently signed a sublease that includes the following: "Occupancy of the Premises shall be limited to the Sublessee.

Moving Without a Job Presents Challenges

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Arlington: I am thinking of packing it all up and moving to California. I won't have a job when I get there, so how do apartments rent to folks like me?

Be Wary of Making Repairs Without Landlord's Consent

Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and Ted Smith — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q We have been renting a home for many years on a month-to-month basis. Over the past few years we have had situations where repairs were needed because of either safety or health risks.

You Don't Have to Be Seen as a Crank If You're Right

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q I have a problem with my landlord's maintenance of my rental home.

General Advice: 30% of Gross Pay for Rent

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Washington: Is the 30 percent guideline for housing payments based on gross or net income? Also, does it include utilities or just the rent itself?

Landlord Should Allow Tenant to Switch Apartments

Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and Ted Smith — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Is it legal to deny an existing tenant the ability to switch to another apartment in the same building?

When Your Roommate's 'Guest' Never Leaves

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q My roommate's girlfriend has been living with us for a few months now and isn't paying rent. It's not that she is staying with us occasionally; she has moved in.

Water Damage Makes Another Argument for Insurance

Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and Ted Smith — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q I came home after work to find firefighters in my rental condominium removing my belongings.

No Protocol on Flirting With Other Tenants

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Washington: Lately I have found myself chatting and joking with a resident in my building -- in the elevator, in the lobby, checking mail.

Let Your Nose Lead You Out of the Winter Doldrums

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Do you know of any ways to give my apartment a little bit of life during these cold winter days?

Ask for Proof of Water Usage Before Paying Communal Bill

Robert Griswold, Steven R. Kellman and Ted Smith — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q I live in a large apartment complex where the tenants pay for water, sewage and garbage services.

Trying to Move Here, Trying to Move Out

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Edited questions from Apartment Life, Sara Gebhardt's online discussion about rental issues.

How to Evict an Ex? Carefully

Sara Gebhardt — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Last month, I bought a house on Capitol Hill and an old boyfriend of mine moved in as a roommate.

Similar Apartments Often Go for Varying Rents

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:16:32 GMT

Q Alexandria: My lease is expiring soon and I have been looking at some other apartments.