For Those Who May Need a Moving Checklist…

        Tonti Management offers apartments for rent in Jefferson, Metairie, Kenner, and River Ridge, Louisiana.  We offer studio, one, two, and three bedroom apartments as well as some townhome floorplans in many different square footages and price ranges.  Please visit our Apartments Page or our Corporate Apartments page to find the perfect apartment for you.  If you can’t find the exact apartment that you are looking for, please Contact Us at 504-889-6800, toll-free at 1-800-315-3365, or info@tonti.net.

       Now that you have found the perfect website to rent a new apartment in the Greater New Orleans area, all you have to do is move in, right?  Sometimes it’s not as easy as it seems.  Some renters dread moving and some people who rent are old pro’s.  No matter in which category you fit, below are some tips for moving that will help the experienced and the amateurs in moving into a new apartment by Tonti Management. 

45 Days in Advance

Find a new school for the kids
Find a new daycare for the kids
Find a new babysitter for the kids
Start gathering moving supplies
Inventory your belongings
Change your address with the USPS
Make sure your children's vaccinations are up to date
Find a new vet and pet hospital (if applicable)
Go to current doctor and vet for check-ups and get medical records for family and pets transferred to new doctors' offices
Find new doctors for the family
Locate the nearest emergency centers and their numbers

30 Days in Advance

Request auto shipping estimates, if required
Order electricity service
Order natural gas service
Order home phone service
Order high-speed Internet service
Order TV service
Put in your 30 day notice, if required
Take donation items to designated organizations
Schedule charities to pick up donated items
Have a garage sale (if necessary)
Obtain copy of school, medical, vet, legal, and various other records
Notify subscription & prescription suppliers of address change
Get your car serviced
Organize closet & attic items for moving
Pack knickknacks and other non-essential items
Make a "Moving with Kids" kit
Rent a moving truck
Hire movers
Schedule professional cleaners
Book flights or hotels if your move requires it

2 Weeks in Advance

Make sure all home services and utilities have been ordered or transferred
Schedule babysitter and pet sitter for moving day (if applicable)
Update your driver's license & car registration
Schedule final walkthrough with landlord, if required
Pack all but essentials
Map the nearest grocery store and hardware store to your new home
Get any medications for family and pets
Get storage quotes
Book friends to help you move

The Week of Your Move

Last minute errands
Withdraw emergency moving money
Load your moving truck
Pack your plants
Plan or order meals for move day
Conduct final walkthrough
Pack essentials   
 

After Your Have Moved In

Unpack
Ensure your address has been updated
Sign up for renters insurance

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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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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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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 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 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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