How to Furnish an Apartment

       When you've moved out of your family's house for the first time, furnishing an apartment can seem like a daunting task. But whether or not you have the funds in the bank, there are a number of ways to create a home that suits your taste and budget. Sometimes it will take compromise, so save money by finding treasures at yard sales, at the curb on bulk garbage night or in friends' basements.

Step 1

       Go to your local home store or discount store and buy the furniture and decorative items you need, such as dressers, mattresses, tables, couches and lighting. Make sure you measure the rooms and walls in your apartment before buying to ensure that the furniture will fit once you bring it home. Many stores offer home delivery for a fee. You can also liven up your living space by painting the walls and displaying large works of art.

Step 2

       Ask friends and family if they have anything to give or sell to you. This is a great way to reduce the cost of furnishing an apartment. Often, someone has a sofa in the basement that he no longer needs, or kitchen items like blenders and mixers that he wants to sell for a nominal price. Other items to ask about are dishes, flatware, drinking glasses, towels and bedsheets, side tables and wall hangings.

Step 3

       Have a housewarming party. It's a not-so-subtle way to have friends and family come over to see your new apartment, and they're likely to bring small gifts for the home, such as bedsheets, baking pans and kitchen gadgets. If you get something you don't need, you can always return it for another item or store credit.

Step 4

       Look for bargains in your neighborhood. You'll find older furnishings at garage sales and yard sales, but many times it's a pleasant surprise to find a coffee table in good condition, or a TV stand that matches your decor. Look for items with minor blemishes. Also, haggle a bit with the seller to lower the price a few dollars, furthering your savings--you'll have more cash to spend on other furnishings for your apartment.

Step 5

       Check out local thrift stores. People make donations to stores run by nonprofit organizations and other groups that help the less fortunate. These places are great especially if you prefer a more retro look, as you can find great items from the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s to fit your decorating scheme.

Step 6

       Go "shopping" on bulk garbage night. This an especially thrifty way to furnish your apartment, since the only cost would involve cleaning the items and minor repair. A lot of private homes put couches, dining sets, TV stands and other furniture curbside for early-morning pickup following an unsuccessful yard sale or a house cleaning, and many of the offerings are in fairly good condition.

Tips & Warnings

Always shop within your budget.
Apply for store credit cards if they offer 0% interest deals for an extended period of time.
Take an inventory of what you need before you shop.
Bring a friend and a truck if you are picking up large pieces of furniture.
Decorate an apartment with your own artwork.
Be careful about what kind of items you retrieve from the curb. Many urban areas have bedbug and other pest problems, so it's best to pass on mattresses and fabric-covered furniture.

 

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Green Tips for Apartment Residents

Do your part! By taking these simple steps, apartment residents can conserve fuel and water, reduce waste and save energy:
 
Lights Out
Turn off all lights when you leave a room. Replace incandescent light bulbs with EPA ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescents (CFL) or Light-emitting diodes (LED).

Did you know?
Lighting accounts for nearly 25% of total energy costs in the home or office.
Fluorescent light bulbs consume 75% less electricity, last 4-15 times longer, and generate 74% less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Power Off
Home electronics such as computers, TVs and printers use power even when idle. Turn your electronics off when not in use.

Conserve Water
Have all leaks or drippy faucets repaired immediately. Run your dishwasher with only full loads, and use the energy-savings setting if you have the option.

Did you know?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons per year.
 
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
At the grocery or hardware store, purchase products with the least amount of packaging waste. Place newspapers, cartons, plastic and glass containers in your recycle bins. Reuse plastic bags and shop with reusable grocery bags.

Did you know?
For every ton of paper that is recycled, we save 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil, and enough electricity to power an average house for six months.
You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can.
By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours.
 
Bottled Water - Kick the Habit
If you use a water filtration system at home (such as Brita® or PUR) instead of buying bottled water, you can save money AND reduce plastic waste.
 
Avoid the Rat Race
Instead of driving yourself to work every day, try carpooling, taking public transit or riding your bike.
 
Master the Stairs
At the office or in your apartment building, take the stairs instead. You will conserve elevator energy use and get a good workout!

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How to Keep the Apartment Spring Clean Year Round

Take solace in the fact a neat house is easier to keep clean

       If you've successfully begun – or better yet – completed your spring cleaning for your apartment…then congratulations, you're in the minority. If you can see the floor of your rented place, if you've actually thrown items away and/or given them to your local charity, and you have indeed achieved "the illusion of clean," you've accomplished quite a feat. Most of us dream of spring cleaning but never do it. Why upset the "order" of things? After all, that might look messy to everyone else, but there's a method to your madness. If you were to rearrange your possessions in your apartment, you'd never find anything again. Think of the time you'd waste just trying to find things afterward.

        Sooner or later, you've got to clean up the clutter where you rent, and you'll feel better for it. But how do you keep it clean after you've finished the job? The fact that your apartment becomes messy so soon after cleaning only provides the allowance to never really clean everything thoroughly. Do you have to lock your family or roommates out? Crack the whip? What does it take to keep your apartment in order for longer than 10 minutes?

        Getting from messy to neat is the hard part, maintenance of your apartment is a bit easier.  Whether the apartment you are renting has 3 bedrooms or you are living in a studio apartment, keeping things clean and organized in your space can change the way you view your life. 

Create Set Spaces for Your Clutter:
       We're really talking about a few lifestyle alterations here. If you come home each day after work and toss your keys, your briefcase and your coat on the sofa, you've started a precedent that your roommates will follow. Your kids will dump their backpacks on the sofa, your spouse will drop his or her coat and bag there, and the dog will park himself on top of the mountain. You've got to remind the kids or roommates and the spouse that each time they arrive home, they're to bypass the sofa and head to the hall closet or their bedroom closets. You could purchase a coat tree if you want your belongings on display at all times. Your chances of getting your family to cooperate with your requests are probably greater with a coat tree, which is closer to the door than the sofa in your apartment, anyway. The point is that you've got to create an easy drop-off spot for your clutter.

Organize Your Mail:
        We're all "spammed" with paper junk mail, especially in your apartment mailbox. If you can throw it away before you even enter your apartment, that's best. If not, head immediately to the garbage can upon your arrival. Too many of us let those paper sales pitches collect in haphazard piles throughout the house -- on the kitchen table, kitchen counters, coffee tables or side tables, even the floor. A week's worth of junk mail represents a tree; a month's worth, a forest.

Recycle Your Newspapers:
        If you're being an environmentally conscious renter, and you're making an effort to save your daily newspapers, purchase a similar large-size container that the city uses to recycle newspapers at your local grocery store or hardware store. Place it in a utility closet or other out-of-sight place, and establish a family rule that at the end of each day, all newspapers are to be placed in the bin, finished or not finished.

         If you can avoid excessive amounts of magazine subscriptions, do it. Those "12 issues for $12" offers are tempting, yes, but in case you hadn't noticed, your local public library has a periodical room that contains a wide assortment of magazines from this month. You can literally spend hours in that room perusing the latest titles and saving yourself money and clutter in the process.

Other Tips for Maintaining Order and Sanity in Your Apartment:
        Designate one kitchen drawer as your "junk" drawer. This drawer is the place to deposit odd items like stray rubber bands, twist ties, paper clips and even coupons. Parents may want to give each of their children a "junk" drawer in their respective bedrooms. It gives them some freedom within parameters.

       Purchase clothes hampers for your kids or ask your roommates to keep a laundry basket to keep clothes from accumulating around the apartment. Keep bags and purses out of sight by hanging them on hooks placed on the inside of closet doors.

Use common sense and think consolidation, and you will notice how much better your apartment will feel when it is constantly cleaned and maintained.

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Your Renter’s Insurance Coverage

       Renter’s insurance is not expensive!  In real terms, renter’s insurance can cost as little as a movie or one pizza a month!  The price can be as little as $15 or $20 a month, depending on the amount of coverage you choose. 

       Renter’s insurance covers your personal property loss due to fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, water escape from toilets or water heaters, frozen pipes, roof leaks, etc.

       Renter’s insurance also covers you for liability claims, and can protect you in case of a liability lawsuit.  For example, if a guest’s or your negligence causes a fire or flooding, you will be held responsible for the damage to the property of others, including Tonti Management’s property.  Similarly, if a guest has an accident in your apartment, you may be personally liable for the guest’s injuries.

Tonti Management Does Not Carry Insurance to Cover You

       Our insurance policy only covers the dwelling – not your personal property or your liability.  It does not cover your belongings in case of loss, and it does not protect you if the negligence of someone in your apartment results in an injury or damage to the property of others, including Tonti Management’s property.  Tonti Management requires a minimum of $50,000 in Personal Liability insurance.  Without liability coverage, your current and future earnings could be at risk!

DID YOU KNOW??

Fire can ignite an entire building in 3 minutes!

Water can overflow and flood several apartments at once!

IMAGINE...

 What would happen if you, or someone in your apartment, fell asleep or left the apartment unattended?

- While a pot was cooking on a hot stove,

- A candle was burning on a tabletop,

- A fire was smoldering in a fireplace,

- A lit cigarette set fire to a sofa or bed,

- An iron or clothes dryer ignited clothing,

- A faucet was running in a sink or tub,

- A dishwasher or washing machine leaked!

It could take years for you to buy back lost belongings, and decades to pay for the damages and legal costs that result from accidents like those listed above...

...UNLESS

You Have Renter’s Insurance!

If you do not already have renter’s insurance, please consult with an insurance agent immediately.  Call your agent to review your personal and liability needs and acquire appropriate coverage now.

If you have any questions for Tonti Management's office, you can Contact Us Directly at 504-889-6800, toll-free at 1-800-315-3365, or e-mail at info@tonti.net.
 

Keep Pests Away With an Ounce of Clean Prevention

       Many people pay attention to mice, cockroaches, ants, and other pests only once they've become a problem. Pest control can be particularly challenging for people who live in apartment buildings, because there are so many kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and other areas that pests find alluring.

       Rather than handle pest problems each time they arise, the better strategy is prevention. By adopting clean lifestyle habits, you can help keep unwanted critters and rodents out of your apartment for good.

Here's What You Can Do

Clean up!

Above all else, keep your apartment clean by following these tips:

•  Don't wait until tomorrow to pack up or discard food you enjoyed today.
•  Keep snack bags clipped shut or use Ziploc bags.
•  Promptly wipe up messes and spills on countertops and floors.
•  Consider hiring a cleaning service to visit at least every other week.
•  Keep garbage in sealed containers and dispose of your trash daily.
•  Clean up promptly after a party -- you'll go to sleep even happier.
•  Check for crumbs and wrappers that may get hidden under sofa cushions or bedspreads after snacking.
•  Clean out your fridge and freezer on a regular basis (once a week).

Declutter!

       You probably know that decluttering can do wonders for organizing your apartment and even getting a firm handle on your life. It's also a useful tool for keeping pests away. Piles of papers and other objects strewn about your apartment can provide food or shelter for pests, such as cockroaches.

Keep It Dry!

       Many insects thrive in wet environments, so keeping your apartment dry helps keep these tiny folks away. Make sure your bathroom has proper ventilation. If there's no exhaust fan in the upper wall or ceiling, open the window after showering and keep your bathroom door open to let the room air out.

As you can see, keeping pests away from your apartment doesn't require a certain expertise or even a serious time commitment. If you're proactive and consistent, you should be able to enjoy your apartment for years without the annoyance of a pest problem. Also, since these tips require you to adopt a clean and organized lifestyle, you'll feel healthier and happier to boot.




 

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How to Be a Good Tenant

       Once you move into your apartment, there are tips of the trade to help you and your apartment management company stay on good terms.  By following these tips, you will not only be able to have an enjoyable renting situation, but it will also help when you are ready to renew your lease.  Be a dream tenant, and your management company will have no reason to complain. Here's how to win the heart of the person who owns and/or manages the roof over your head.

Step1
Know and comply with the conditions of your lease or rental agreement.

Step2
Refrain from damaging the premises or allowing guests to cause damage.

Step3
Keep your rental unit clean, and properly dispose of garbage.

Step4
Submit requests to your landlord in writing to avoid disputes and misunderstandings; keep copies of all correspondence.

Step5
Notify your landlord in writing of needed repairs to keep components in good working order.

Step6
Allow your landlord to enter your rental unit for safety or maintenance reasons, with proper advance notice.

Step7
Keep noise levels to a minimum.

Step8
Purchase renter's insurance to cover your personal property in the event of loss.

Step9
Give proper advance notice to your landlord about your intentions to vacate the property, according to the terms of your lease or rental agreement.

Using these steps will ensure a great relationship with your apartment management company as well as your neighbors.  Happy Renting!

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Tips on How to Organize a Studio or Small Apartment

Concentrate on making your apartment both attractive and functional. Keep those two concepts in mind in all that you do; you're more likely to keep your place clean and organized if you like the way it looks and works.

Consider how you'll use your apartment. Is it just a crash pad for yourself, or will you entertain guests? Do you work at home? Do you have sports equipment or hobby supplies? Define your floor plan and storage options accordingly.

Separate your sleeping area in a studio with freestanding screens or bookcases. Paint the back of the bookcase with chalkboard paint and use it for messages and brainstorming, or cover it with fabric and use it as the headboard for your bed.

Buy a bed that's designed for small spaces: a loft bed, Murphy bed, sleeper sofa, daybed or futon. These let you reclaim the sleeping area when you're awake. Also look at beds that have storage drawers under the mattress instead of a box spring.

Get a drop-leaf table. Fold out one leaf and use it as a desk, fold out both leaves for dinner parties, or fold up the whole thing and push it against a wall when not in use.

Look for home office furniture that can fold up and roll out of the way when not in use. If you already have a favorite worktable or desk, put it on easy-rolling casters.

Group most of your belongings in one or two areas. More floor space will make your place seem larger.

Go ahead--use large furniture in a small space. It can actually make a small space seem larger. Many pieces of small furniture tend to look cluttered.

Think vertical. Get 7-foot-tall (2.1 m tall) bookcases instead of the standard 6-foot-tall (1.8 m tall) units, and put baskets of small items and papers on the top.


Use mirrors to make a small room seem larger.  Lean very large paintings or prints against walls. Use a freestanding easel to showcase a favorite piece. Get an over-the-door hook, like those used for holiday wreaths, and hang art behind the front door.

Follow these tips, and you will enjoy a comfortable yet stylish apartment you can be proud to show off!

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How to Insure Goods You Move Yourself

       Renting a truck and moving your goods yourself is a great way to save money. But don't skimp on the insurance! Here are some ways to make sure your property is adequately documented and covered in transit.
 

Step1
Seriously consider buying insurance from the truck rental company.

Step2
Talk to the truck company's customer service representative about insurance offered by the company. Ask about damage/waiver protection, cargo protection and medical/life protection and what is covered and not covered under each plan.

Step3
Make an inventory list of the items you are moving, and take photographs of antiques before they get packed.

Step4
Document your possessions on videotape before you move.

Step5
Have antiques and other valuable items appraised before the move.

Step6
Document any damage that occurs in transit, both in written and photographic form, and submit a claim with the rental company.

How to Find the Right Apartment Without the Stress

       Apartment hunting can be a stressful experience, and with good reason. Not only might it require much of your time, but the process can leave you feeling frustrated, disappointed, desperate, or even overwhelmed. For your search to be as effective as possible, you need to try your best to keep stress out of the picture.

Fortunately, this isn't as tough as it sounds. Here are five tips to help you find the right apartment without the stress:

1. Know what you want. Before you venture out there to look at apartments, take the time to decide on what you want in an apartment. Ask yourself questions such as:

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need?

How much closet space do I need?

How important is size?

How important is location?

Are any features -- such as a good view, crown moulding, an updated kitchen, or built-in shelves important?

Where will I park my car, or where can people who visit me park their cars? Where can I put my bike?

What amenities are important to me? Do I need a pool, laundry in the building or on the floor, or a washer/dryer?

Are pets allowed?

       As you ask yourself these questions, decide what your limits are. For example, if you need to live within a short distance of work, shopping, dining, or transportation, actually take a drive around the area so you can decide just how far away you'll be.
 

       Once you're set on exactly what you're looking for in an apartment, go hunting while keeping all your criteria in mind. Don't waste time checking out listings for apartments that won't fit the bill. For instance, if you must live with your dog, then ask a potential landlord whether she allows pets in her building.
 

2. Stay focused and don't get discouraged. When you start feeling frustrated with your apartment search, don't despair! Instead, stay focused and keep your eye on the prize. Remember just how excited you were when you started your search, and try to visualize how happy you'll be once you find the right place.
Many apartment hunters also get discouraged when they find what they think is the right apartment only to lose out to someone who beat them with an earlier deposit. If this happens to you, tell yourself that it wasn't meant to be, and just keep at it. So many people have stories about how they missed out on their "dream apartment" only to wind up with something even better. Just think that you'll have such a story to tell one day.
 

3. Set realistic goals and expectations. It's hard to find tenants who can tell you that they found the perfect apartment without much effort. Don't expect anything different for your search, and you won't be disappointed. This way, if you find an apartment immediately, great. If not, you'll just take it in stride and know that it's just a matter of time until you reach your goal.
 

4. Stay organized and take good notes. Once you start to see more than a few apartments, it's easy to get them confused. Stay organized by taking good notes about your apartment hunting efforts. For example, make a chart (by hand or on your computer) that lists the following:

          •    An apartment's address
          •    The owner or tenant and their contact information
          •    The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
          •    The pros and cons
          •    Any promises that were made
          •    Additional notes
 

       Use an accordion file to hold any brochures, advertisements, floorplans, listings, photos, or other printed material you have.
 

5. Ask questions. Choosing a place to live is a serious matter, so don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't like the answers you hear or you suspect that a landlord isn't being honest with you, move on.
Hopefully, you're already feeling less stressed just from having read these tips. If you keep them in mind as you search for your next apartment, you can look forward to a more pleasant path toward finding that perfect place you'll soon call home.
 

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How to Rent a Furnished Apartment

       As a renter, you will need to first determine what type of apartment you will want to rent.  If you are settled in your life and have a collection of furniture and personal items that you have collected after completing high school and college, you will probably not need to rent a furnished apartment. 

       Most furnished or corporate apartments provide a place for renters who have 2 homes - where they are working out of town and still maintain a residence in another place.  Another reason to rent a furnished or corporate apartment would be if a renter had just gone through a change in a relationship and did not retain many of his or her belongings. 

       Whatever the reason, below are some simple steps on how to rent a furnished apartment.  Click here to view a selection of Corporate Apartments from Tonti Management.  If you would like to contact Tonti Management directly, you can call us at 504-889-6800, Toll Free at 1-800-315-3365, or e-mail at info@tonti.net.
 

Step1
Determine the features that you desire in a furnished apartment, such as location, space requirements, rental costs, dates of availability and type of items to be furnished.

Step2
Search for a furnished apartment through classified ads in your local newspaper, rental guides or on Internet sites.

Step3
Call selected properties to schedule appointments for touring available rental units.

Step4
Find out if utility costs and such items as linens and kitchenware are included as part of the rental package.

Step5
Check with the landlord about security deposits and fees.

Step6
Carefully review the terms of any rental agreement before signing.

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Before You Move Clear Out the Clutter
 

       One of the biggest hassles of moving to a new apartment is packing and unpacking your belongings. Although it's tempting to just throw everything in any box, packing isn't that straight-forward. Breakables and odd-sized items need to be protected, boxes need to be light enough to lift and carry and items that are housed in various rooms need to travel together.

       One terrific way to make packing and unpacking much easier (and save money on your moving costs) is to clean house and clear out the clutter before you even begin to pack. There's simply no reason to go on storing things you'll really never use, especially when you're investing the time and money to move those things to your new home.

       Disposal options are many and include giving things to family, friends and neighbors, donating things to charitable organizations and selling things.

       If you want to dispose of expensive electronic gear, sporting equipment or recent-year designer clothing, consider offering the items at a consignment store. These stores have become more up-scale in recent years and they offer a neat way to sell your more valuable but used belongings at a fair price. Check the telephone directory for consignment shops in your area.

Other Tips and Reminders:

Get receipts for your donations, so you can take an income tax deduction.

Take all hazardous wastes (e.g. spent batteries) to the designated drop-off area in your community.

Don't stock up on groceries or personal care items right before you move. Instead, use up your canned goods, frozen foods and spare boxes of tissues, so you won't have to move them to your new home. Then restock after you've moved and unpacked.

Many professional movers don't handle open liquor bottles, so you'll have to give those away to your neighbors, transport them yourself (be mindful of vehicle code rules on this one) or have a party.

If you really can't bear to part with your unused belongings, consider a storage facility. Be sure to ask about access hours, key control, lighting, climate control and security at the storage site.

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What It Means to Get Your Apartment "Broom Clean"

       If you're like most tenants, as you near the end of your lease term, you start thinking about what you need to do to ensure you'll get your security deposit back. The first place you would look for the answer is your lease, but you'll probably find it's not too enlightening on this subject. Chances are, your lease says little more than that you need to leave your apartment in "broom clean" condition. What does this mean, and do you need to go out and buy a broom?

       The term "broom clean" has become the standard real estate lingo for the condition in which a landlord should expect a tenant to leave her apartment. There's no universal definition of this term that lays out the specifics, but below are some tips on what you should do when it's time to move out.

Contact Our Office at 504-889-6800, toll-free at 1-800-315-3365, or by e-mail at info@tonti.net.

How to Make Your Apartment "Broom Clean"

•    Reasonable wear and tear is the norm. It's not time to start making repairs, and it's probably not your responsibility anyway. Hopefully, unsightly or defective parts of your apartment, such as cracks in the ceiling or damaged windowsill moulding, are items that you brought to the landlord's attention when you moved in.

•    Don't repaint the apartment. Your landlord may give your apartment a fresh coat of paint between your move-out and the next tenant's move-in. But you don't need to do this. However, if you've painted any of your apartment walls -- with or without permission -- during your tenancy for decorative purposes, you should paint it back. At most, you might want to treat some tiny areas with touch-up paint or with products such as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Although this may not be required, sometimes small aesthetic fixes can contribute greatly to the overall impression of an apartment.

•    Remove nails from walls. Inspect your walls to make sure that any nails, hooks, or other devices you've used to hang frames and other items are gone. Take the extra step and spackle the area to remove the small holes that remain.

•    Put yourself into your landlord's shoes. Think what would make you satisfied if you were the landlord inspecting the apartment after your tenant moved out. Another strategy is to pretend you've been renting the apartment for free from your best friend and you want to leave it looking as presentable as possible for when your friend returns.

•    Consider hiring a cleaning service. If you have a person regularly clean your apartment, schedule the last cleaning for a day or two before you move out. If you've been handling the cleaning on your own, do a thorough job before you leave for good, or hire a service to help you out this last time.
 

       If you follow these pointers, you should meet your lease's requirement to get your security deposit back -- even if you don't own a broom.

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How to Find a Rental Property That Allows Pets

Your pets are like children to you, and you couldn't think of not having them at home. How do you get a landlord to accept your pets, when landlords have the right to not allow pets in the properties that they rent?  Most apartments that are rented in the Greater New Orleans area by Tonti Management allow pets.  We do, however, require a non-refundable pet fee.

***By the Way, Contact Us Directly to learn about our Cleaning Fee Special***

If you are looking for an apartment in Metairie, Jefferson, Kenner, or River Ridge, then you will have no problem finding an apartment that allows small pets.  If you are looking in other areas in New Orleans, then here’s how to take care of the pet allowance issue while you are looking for a new rental in the classifieds.

•  Scratch off the properties that are clearly marked no pets.

•  Consider smaller properties rather than apartment complexes. A smaller property will usually be handled by the landlord directly, rather than a management firm.

•  Bring up your pet over the phone and give specifics.  There are usually pet restrictions.

•  Be honest. Let the landlord know what kind of pets you have, their habits and current size. Do not give the landlord a picture of your Great Dane when he was a puppy.

•  Offer to pay an additional security deposit.

•  Make it easy for the landlord to say yes. Send a letter of reference from your current landlord that shows that you are a responsible pet owner, or consider writing a resume for your pet.

•  Respect your landlord's decision. No means no.

Other Tips to Consider

You can get suggestions for making a pet resume from your local ASPCA.
Back up claims with paperwork wherever possible. Vet records and obedience school certificates can be that little extra which swings a landlord your way.
Violating a landlord's clearly stated refusal to allow pets on the rental property can result in eviction.

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How to Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report

Knowing your credit score before you fill out an application to rent an apartment from Tonti Management in the Greater New Orleans area will give you the security of knowing that you will be able to qualify for the apartment you are trying to rent.  Credit is one of the most important steps to being able to get out on your own and lease an apartment.  Following the steps below will help you with this process.  Getting a copy of your credit report is fairly simple, and it also allows you to keep track of your credit history and check for errors after you have moved into your new apartment.

Step1
Visit the Web site for one of these credit reporting agencies: Equifax (www.equifax.com), TransUnion (www.transunion.com) or Experian (www.experian.com).

Step2
Decide whether you want to order a report online, by phone or by mail.

Step3
Have a credit or debit card handy if ordering online or by phone.

Step4
Include your full name, current address and any other addresses you have had in the last two years, Social Security number, date of birth, current employer and phone number if ordering by mail. Sign your request and include a check for the applicable amount. You can expect to receive a paper copy of your credit report within 15 business days.

Step5
Review the report closely for errors. If you do find errors, inform the bureau in writing that you believe the information is in error. Include copies of any documentation to support your position.

Step6
Consider using one of the services that reports information from all of the major agencies - they can sometimes report information differently.

Information to Note:

You may qualify for a free copy of your credit report if you can verify one of the following: You are unemployed, on welfare or plan to seek employment within 60 days; you have recently been refused credit due to something in your credit report; you believe you are a victim of fraud; you live in Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Vermont, Massachusetts or New Jersey.

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How to Understand and Use Rental Classified Advertisements

      So many decisions have to be made about renting your apartment.  In your own mind, you know in what type of apartment you are interested - "I want a 2 bedroom apartment with 1 full bath and 1 bath with just a sink and toilet.  It has to have a patio and be on the second floor.  I want a place with a pool..."and these are just the basics. 

      Imagine your surprise when you start looking at ads for renting an apartment and find out that the ads you are reading look like "Greek" to you.  Before you launch a search for the perfect place to rent, you will need to understand the terms in classified rental ads.  Below are some pointers which will help you in this process.

Number 1: Know that common abbreviations in classified rental ads include WIC (walk-in closet), F/P (fireplace), W/D (washer-dryer) and EIK (eat-in kitchen).

Number 2: Know that common terms in classified rental ads include walk-up (a multistory building without an elevator), studio (a combination living room and bedroom) and cozy (a descriptive term that usually means small, rather than snug).

Number 3: Know the definitions of rental leasing terms in classified ads, such as month-to-month lease, lease-option or lease-purchase.

Number 4: Determine the specific features that you desire in a rental unit - such as pool facilities, washer-dryer hookups or a month-to-month lease - and take note of the classified ads that mention such features.

Number 5: Check the classified rental ads for the date of availability, amount of security deposit, and application procedures.

Number 6: After reviewing the classified rental ad, compile a list of unanswered questions to ask the owner of the rental property.

Contact Tonti Management by phone at 504-889-6800 or toll-free at 1-800-315-3365 and ask pertinent questions about features not mentioned in classified ads before you make appointments to tour properties.  If you would like to reach a certain apartment rental office directly, visit our Apartments page, choose the apartment in which you are interested in renting and contact that office directly.  If the choices of apartments in the Greater New Orleans area are too overwhelming, feel free to contact our corporate office, and an agent will personally walk you through the process of choosing a Tonti Apartment.

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How to Qualify for a Rental

It can be a scary process doing the financial paperwork to qualify for a rental in the Greater New Orleans Area.  The expert sales staff at Tonti Management properties are here to help you every step of the way, but below are some tips of how to get started with the qualification process. If you feel overwhelmed by this process, do not hesitate to contact Tonti Management at 504-889-6800, toll-free: 1-800-315-3365 or by e-mail at info@tonti.net. 

To qualify for a rental, you'll need to prove to the landlord that you can meet the terms and conditions of the lease.  Follow the steps below to start this process:

Step 1:

Know the addresses of previous residences and have telephone numbers of previous landlords on hand when you start the application process. This is basic reference information that is always required.

Step 2:

Present yourself, your personal history and your ability to pay rent in a favorable light. This is particularly true if you're in a special situation - say you're a recently divorced woman who finds herself stretched financially; if you get alimony or child support from your ex, make sure the landlord understands this.

Step 3:

Be completely honest in all the information you give. If you supply false information, the landlord has just cause for denying your application. False information could even be cited as a reason to cancel the lease after you've signed it, or to evict you after you move in.

Step 4:

Be patient while you're waiting for your application to be processed. Normal processing time is between one and two days.

Step 5:

Create a good first impression. Dress neatly and groom yourself well. You are trying to present an image of someone who the landlord would like to have living in their property.

Tips to Remember:

Take action to clear up any unpaid rent issues with your previous landlords before you start filling out rental applications.  A bad payment record is a big hindrance to finding another rental.

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How to Win Over a Prospective Landlord    

Finding an apartment is only half the battle when looking for a new apartment in New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana.  Apartment landlords and apartment managers want to make sure that your credentials, credit, and rental history are a good fit for the apartment rental you are wanting to rent.  In order to make that important "first impression," you will need to be armed with more than your good looks and a smile!  Make sure to be prepared.  But relax, Tonti Management has MANY different Apartment Communities as well as MANY different price ranges from which to choose.  There is a great probability that your apartment choice is waiting for you.

Tips to Consider

How to Inspect a Prospective Apartment

Once you sign a lease, your options for improving the conditions in and around your rental will be limited. Take the time before you sign to make sure the place you are considering meets your standards.

Inspect the Outside

Inspect the Unit

 

Check the size of the rooms and the doorways to make sure they will accommodate your furniture.

Make a note of the number and size of closets, and try all the doors to make sure they work.

Examine the bathroom. Give everything a test run. Watch out for leaks, bad water pressure, poor drainage and poor ventilation.

Examine the kitchen. Make sure everything works well, and look for easy-to-clean surfaces, good ventilation and adequate work and storage space.

Find out about heating and cooling arrangements for your unit.

Tour the utility room and storage spaces. Check for adequate lighting, cleanliness, security and signs of vermin.

Inspect Common Areas

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How to Evaluate a Lease Before You Sign

Step1
Make sure the lease covers the basic terms of your tenancy including the amount of rent and all payment terms, such as due dates, payment methods, late fees, grace periods and penalties, and the period of time for the lease (such as 1 year, 6 months or month-to-month).

Step2
Check to see if the lease spells out the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant, such as who pays for utilities, taxes, maintenance and repairs.

Step3
Review the lease for specific policies about pets, subleasing, inspections, parking, running a home business or any restrictions on guests.

Step4
Evaluate the terms about security deposits, such as when the deposit will be returned and the conditions for a full or partial refund as well as the conditions of any nonrefundable deposits.

Step5
Determine if the lease requires advance notice of your intent to vacate the premises or the landlord's intent to enter the premises for safety or maintenance reasons.

Step6
Look for provisions about the conditions and procedures to end or break the lease.


A lease is a legal document - so review the terms of your lease carefully.
Landlord-tenant laws can be confusing and complex. Make sure you understand all of the terms and policies.  If not, please Contact Tonti Management with any questions you may have.

By eHow Personal Finance Editor

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Finding an Apartment That is Right for You

The rental markets in many cities are cyclical: a few boom years with renters scrambling for any available studio followed by a glut in availability. In either scenario, the most desirable rental units are snapped up the quickest. Do your homework, then hit the pavement.

Conduct the search

Step1
Be prepared: Create a renter's re'sume' with your current and previous five addresses and landlord phone numbers, your employer and length of employment, your current salary and other income, personal references, among other information. Include a copy of your credit report. You want to look as good on paper as possible to stand out from other applicants.

Step2
Look in the newspaper classifieds, apartment hunter publications, college campus bulletin boards, and online for available units to investigate. Ask friends for recommendations.

Step3
Consider how much you can afford to pay. A good rule of thumb is no more than 30 percent of your take-home monthly income.

Check it out

Step1
Inspect the apartment carefully. If there's any damage, note this on the move-in check list because you don't want to be blamed for it later.

Step2
Check out common walls (walls shared with adjoining apartments). The more walls in common, the greater the chance of noise from next door. Also consider noises from apartments located above or below your apartment.

Step3
Ask about amenities such as enclosed parking, a yard, storage, laundry facilities, pool, tennis, gym or maintenance services.

Negotiate the deal

Step1
If you find an apartment you love, but it is a stretch financially, ask if you can sign a longer-term lease or give a higher security deposit to secure your ability to rent the apartment..

Step2
Examine your lease in detail: How much notice is required prior to moving, how large a deposit you will have to make, how much cleaning is required upon leaving to get your deposit back, and other provisions. Some agreements require first and last months' rent plus a security deposit--a significant chunk of change. Is the lease month to month, or a 6- or 12-month period?

Step3
Find out if and what kinds of cosmetic changes you can make.

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