5 Factors to Consider When Renting an Apartment

Living on your own is a big step in every person’s life. Whether you rent or buy your own place, the satisfaction will be immense. Century West Properties recommends considering the following factors before renting:

1. Location, location, location: yes the phrase it true. Location is one of the main factors that influence your decision. Ask yourself, where do you see yourself living? What neighborhood or area fits your lifestyle and budget? Consider nearby places depending on what you like to do for hobbies or on your free time. If you have children, check out the local schools in the area to make sure you are content with them going there. 
2. Price: you need to find a place that fits your budget. Consider location, size, parking, neighborhood, utilities, and everything else that may be included in the rent. It is recommended that a rental fee not exceed 30% of your monthly income, but you can decide with your regular monthly expenses what you can afford. 
3. Utilities and amenities: consider which utilities are included and which ones are left to you. Always ask if you have gas heat or air conditioner. Also, make sure to know about the amenities you need, like a furnished apartment, dishwasher, pool, washer and dryer, etc. 
4. Building rules and unit policies: if you have a pet or see the possibility of getting one in the near future, this is a required question to ask. Some buildings or landlords have pet restrictions or additional fees for pets if you have them. If you are a smoker or are allergic to cigarette smoke you also need to ask about the smoking policy.
5. Lease and landlord: read the lease very carefully and ask for help if you don´t understand something. Don´t be afraid to ask as many questions as you´d like, because leases are binding and breaking them could mean you’ll be out of a large portion of your bank account. Be very aware of the responsibilities for each part and get everything in writing.

Visit Century West Properties today and take a look at our amazing Westside rentals!

How Much Rent Can You Really Afford?

 By Trulia

Before you choose your dream rental, you'll need to calculate how much rent you can afford to pay. Of course, there may be a difference between how much you feel you can pay, what a landlord thinks you can pay, and how expensive a given area's rental market is.

To avoid signing up for a lease you can't afford or losing out on properties that interest you because the landlord wants to see more income, you'll need to familiarize yourself with three prices: What you personally feel you can pay for rental housing; what local landlords think renters can pay (typically, landlords like to see rent not exceed a particular proportion of your gross income and use that proportion to screen applicants); and what average apartments and rental homes cost in your particular area. Depending on where you are in life and where you live, the proportion of your income that you pay for rent can vary.

Read the complete article: www.trulia.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL TODAY TO FIND

AN INCREDIBLE APARTMENT ON THE WESTSIDE!
(310) 899-9580

How To Unpack in 10 Steps

1- First, make sure you have a copy of the inventory list; either the one that the mover’s provided or the one that you previously created as part of your home inventory list.

2- Next, unpack the essentials box. This should be one of the first boxes off the truck (because it was the last box loaded on) or something you moved with you in the car. If it isn’t, then keep an eye out for it. This should contain everything you need for a couple of nights.

3- Now unpack the kitchen. If you’ve properly labeled the boxes, you should be able to locate what you need fairly easily. If you have time, I strongly suggest that you line the cupboards first. If you don’t have time, unpack only what you need, including pots and pans. Get the major appliances hooked up and any small appliances that will make your life a little easier – like the coffee pot and toaster.

4- Put the beds together and unpack the linens for each bedroom. If you followed my sister’s tip and put the set of linens that usually accompany each bed in separate see-through bags, getting the beds ready for your first night should be pretty easy.

5- Now unpack the bathroom. Again, unpack the things that are most important, such as medication (which should go in your essential’s box), the shower curtain and towels.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL TODAY TO FIND

AN INCREDIBLE APARTMENT ON THE WESTSIDE!
(310) 899-9580

To Rent or to Buy? That Is the Question…

We have all been in the situation where we wonder what would be best for us in a certain period of time; to buy or to rent? We have to consider some relevant factors to decide what would benefit us more, including the current recession we are going through in our country.

Considering the opinion of many, it all started with the real estate issue of the Banks lending money to people not qualified for housing, we all have to wonder how appropriate it is to invest in a house at this moment and how convenient is to pay rent.

Century West properties invites you to consider the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a property. At the end of this helpful list you will be able to draw your own conclusions:

Renting Advantages:

1. More fixed costs for the term of the lease

2. Provides more mobility or flexibility when your lease is up. You can choose whether leaving or renewing your lease.

3. If there are damages or pending repairs, unless they are caused by your poor handling, the landlord or property management will carry with the costs of repairs.

4. When renting you only have to pay the application fee, security deposit and monthly rent.

Renting Disadvantages:

1. Regardless of the increase or decrease in value of the property, you will never gain equity.

2. You cannot decide on remodeling or making changes to the property to adapt it to your personal preferences, unless authorized by the owner.

3. You do not get any tax breaks, they all are a benefit that the landlord will profit from.

Buying Advantages:

1. Down the road your mortgage balance will decrease and you will start building up equity, even if there is no increase on the home value.

2. You are able to remodel or redecorate your property as you wish.

3. If there would be tax advantages attached to home ownership you would be entitle to enjoy of its benefits.

Buying Disadvantages:

1. Your equity is variable: it might go up, down or stay stagnant.

2. If you decide to move, you might have to sell your property

3. All repairs and remodeling are to your cost.

4. In order to move in to your property, you will need a larger amount or down payment.

5. With the current recession in the country, it is very risky to invest in real state because of the economy’s instability.

Our property management company in Los Angeles offers you a large and constantly updated selection of apartments. From the much searched apartments in Brentwood to the exclusive apartments in Bel Air to those in quieter areas, you will find that Century West Properties always has the right place to suit each prospect’s wishes and needs!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL TODAY TO FIND AN INCREDIBLE APARTMENT ON THE WESTSIDE! (310) 899-9580

Questions a Tenant Always Wonders when Renting an Apartment!!

Century West Properties provides very useful answers to questions tenants always wonder at the moment they rent an apartment according to our tenant policies. Simple things are sometimes important to have into consideration when you are a tenant in a certain situation, this is why our property management company in Santa Monica offers you this information:

How long can I have a visitor stay with me in my apartment?
Visitors are limited to 14 days per year. Longer visits must receive written approval.

Can I paint the walls in my apartment a different color?
Making any changes to the unit without permission is strictly prohibited in your lease and may be grounds for eviction. Please obtain prior written approval from Century West Properties beforehand. 

I did some repairs around my house; can I take that amount off of my rent?
Making deductions in your rent without prior approval can be cause for eviction. The amount of rent due is your contracted amount. There are some situations where rent deductions are allowed, but only if they have been pre-approved by management.

I am having a plumbing problem! What do I do?
Call your resident manager or our office immediately!

What should I do in an emergency?
In case of fire or flood or other major emergencies, please dial 911. Other maintenance emergencies can be reported to our 24 hour maintenance emergency line at 310-899-9480.

Who pays for repairs in my unit?
You will only be billed for repairs if the repair was a direct result of actions that were the tenant’s responsibility.

When is my rent due and who do I make the check payable to?
Your rent is due on the first. Please check with your resident manager or the management office to find out who to make the check payable to.

Can I break my lease?
Breaking your lease can be detrimental to your credit and rental history. In special circumstances, a tenant can break their lease, however, fees to re-lease the unit, including leasing, advertising, administrative and maintenance costs, will be incurred. Please refer to your rental agreement for more information.

What do I do if a roommate leaves but I am staying?
All tenants vacating should give a written notice of vacating the unit. This will release them from financial responsibility of the rent if the current tenancy is month to month. 

When can I expect to receive my security deposit refund?
Your refund check will be mailed to you in accordance with state laws or within the time stated in your rental agreement. For more information about the security deposit refund process, please visit California Department of Consumer Affairs publication titled California Tenants-A guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities.

For More Questions Click Here!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CALL (310) 899-9580