Go4Rent Magazine: Renter Edition
Go4Rent publishes a bimonthly magazine for tenants intended to be informative, educational and enjoyable to read.
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I was headed out the door two days before Christmas, and I’d already told relatives to hold off on picking me up for the holidays until after a mandatory extermination check was done. From past multi-unit rental experiences, I’d learned the hard way that tenants may either be ashamed or worried about the costs once property owners realize they have a bug or rodent problem. Meanwhile, as both a prior tenant and a current condo unit owner, my door is wide open. Spray it down!
With my indoor and outdoor security cameras already set to record video and audio while I was away, I waited for the exterminator to show up. Almost an hour later, nothing happened. I was confused. I saw the property manager’s assistant walking around the building with the exterminator, and I opened my door to ask why they’d walked past my unit.
Imagine my look of surprise when the property manager’s assistant said he was ordered to not service my unit. It was the kind of conversation that would be considered hearsay if I didn’t have proof for the condo board. To my surprise, the property manager’s assistant was willing to admit this in a communal hallway—and my security cameras were already rolling.
I was oddly grateful to have programmed those cameras before this incident occurred. This verbal altercation was what led to the cover story idea, “Know Legal Ramifications of Recording Tenant-Landlord Disputes.” Although I wouldn’t let this dispute ruin the family gathering, I did contact legal counsel in the new year. I needed to know whether this recording could be used in court. Tenants should also be aware of their legal rights when they’re bumping heads with a landlord or property manager. Sometimes it’s worth the courtroom fight. Many times, it is not.
Also in this issue, other legal and insurance topics come up, including “Small Claims, Big Problems: How to Resolve Security Deposit Disputes” and “In the Event of an Emergency.” In the latter story, if you don’t have an In Case of Emergency (ICE) list in an obvious place, you should create one immediately.
Our team also touches on lighter issues for tenants with green thumbs (“Hard Freeze: How to Care for Plants in the Winter” and “Setting Up a Community Garden Without Violating the Rules”), tenants who want to make the most of outdoor amenities (“Clean Pool, Happy Tenant”) and tenants who want to increase the peace and quiet (“Quick and Easy Ways to Soundproof a Room”).
We hope this seventh rental issue answers questions you may already have and some you didn’t even know to ask. Is there a topic you’d like us to talk about? Contact me at shamontiel.vaughn@go4rent.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Shamontiel L. Vaughn, Editor-in-Chief
The unapologetic dog lover also owned two prior dogs (German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix) before becoming a two-year dog walker (523 walks with 93 different dogs) and adopting a third dog of her own on Juneteenth 2021: a Hound mix named Junee. When she's not writing, editing or playing with her dog, she's a current condo owner, former condo board president and treasurer, and a five-year officer for a community Toastmasters club.
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Know Legal Ramifications of Recording Tenant-Landlord Disputes
Whether it’s the tenant’s fault, the landlord’s fault or the calendar dates changing, there will come a time when tenants will have to contact property owners to make repairs. But what happens when a landlord refuses to do so and the tenant needs a record of their discussions?
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In the Event of an Emergency
Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Harvey were important reminders about the need to stay prepared for any type of emergency. Here’s how renters can try to keep themselves and their homes safe.
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Small Claims, Big Problems: How to Resolve Security Deposit Disputes
After the move is complete and keys are turned in, tenants wait anxiously for their landlord to return their security deposit. But what happens when a landlord withholds a security deposit? And what legal rights does a tenant have to get that money back?
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Hard Freeze: How to Care for Plants in the Winter
Dealing with freezing temperatures isn't out of the question for those living in Texas and Florida. In fact, both states have seen unusually cold, and sometimes record-breaking, winters in recent years. Here’s how tenants can protect their homes and greenery when freezing weather strikes.
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Clean Pool, Happy Tenant
While a pool (or hot tub) can be an attractive rental amenity, it can also be an added burden due to maintenance and upkeep. The signed lease agreement should dictate a specific maintenance routine, but the tenant will frequently be responsible for caring for the pool or hot tub on the property.