Ten Rental Housing Tips for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees
The following information was taken from the Texas Apartment Association Web Site:
1. You will probably be asked to fill out a rental application . You will probably be asked for a photo ID such as a driver’s license or other government-issued ID when you fill out the application. Provide as much information as you can so that the owner can process the application as quickly as possible.
2. The application may ask for employment and other information. Tell the property owner if your employer cannot be contacted because of the hurricane. The property owner may be able to verify current or past employment in another way.
3. The application may ask for your income . Tell the property owner if you do not have copies of your pay stubs or bank statements. Someone may be able to assist you in printing or finding copies of these documents. Also tell the property owner if you have registered for and are eligible for money from FEMA, the American Red Cross, or other agencies.
4. The rental application may allow the property owner to check your credit history . This is a common procedure for most property owners. Some owners may choose not to check your credit if you will only live on their property for a short time.
5. The application may allow the property owner to check your criminal history . This is a common procedure for many property owners. Please be sure to answer questions about your criminal history honestly. If you do not, you may be evicted in the future. This process helps ensure the safety of you and your family, as well as the other residents in the community.
6. In most cases, you will need to sign a written lease before you move into an apartment or house. It is in your best interest to sign a written lease. Even if you are not paying rent, the lease outlines your rights and responsibilities as a renter.
7. Read the lease carefully. Pay attention to how long you are agreeing to rent the apartment or house, how much the rent is, where to pay the rent, and when the rent is due.
8. Look at the lease language about security deposits . This describes what you must do to be eligible to get your money back at the end of the lease. Pay particular attention to how much advance notice you must give when you want to end the lease.
9. Make sure you read the termination notice provisions in the lease. If you think you will only be staying in North Carolina for a few weeks, you should probably ask for a month-to-month lease. Be sure to give a written notice to end your lease and provide the right amount of notice.
10. Review the move-out information in the lease. This will tell you what you have to do when you move out of the apartment or house. You must give the right amount of advance notice to meet the terms of the lease.
|
Home Buyers
Renters
