Do Landlords Look at Your Facebook Page?

February 12, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Chances are that you’ve applied for a job at some point in your life, so you’ve likely heard the common notion that you should keep your Facebook page squeaky clean – potential employers might look at your social media pages, and if they see something there they don’t like, they can easily disqualify you and…

A Short Guide to Your First Apartment Viewing

August 10, 2017 | By Kristen AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the most important parts of finding an apartment is seeing it. You need to schedule an apartment viewing and thoroughly check out the space that will potentially be your home for the next year or longer. The viewing is the time to make sure that this is the kind of space you want…

My First Apartment’s Guide to Dealing with Landlords

September 21, 2015 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the important adult life skills you learn living in your first apartment is how to deal with your landlord. If you manage that relationship right from the beginning it will help to make the first year on your own a great experience. If you mess it up, you may lose your security deposit…

Your Rent Just Went Way Up: What Are Your Options?

March 5, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

You love your place, you’re getting a deal, and you’re all set to renew. Your landlord slips the renewal notice under your door … and then you see it. Your rent is going up. Way up – like 30% or more. You’re floored. You love your place, and now you have to move. How can…

Apartment Hunter’s Checklist

September 18, 2013 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

Searching for an apartment is exhausting. There’s no question about that. By the time you’re actually looking at an apartment, you’re often already tired of the process. And, yet, this is the time when you most need to pay attention! Somehow, though, that’s not always what happens. Perhaps the property manager is rushing you through the viewing,…

How to Check Out Your Potential Landlord

July 29, 2013 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

A landlord can single-handedly make or break a living situation – and yet many people don’t bother to check out their landlord before signing a lease. Imagine if your apartment was broken into, and no one came by to put up a new door. Or if your refrigerator went kaput one month into the lease…

What’s Your Landlord’s Responsibility? And What’s Yours?

June 17, 2013 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

When you first move into an apartment, you might be a bit confused. Who takes care of what? Is it your problem if the refrigerator breaks? Or is it the landlord’s problem? If the toilet runs, do you need to fix it? Does it matter? If you’re new to the apartment world, these are common…

Make Yourself a Renter Every Landlord Will Love: 7 Tips to Get Approved for the Perfect Apartment

November 28, 2011 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our this week’s guest blogger, Joe, shares his tips on how to score your dream apartment. HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF A RENTER CANDIDATE EVERY LANDLORD WILL LOVE by Joe At one time or another most renters have experienced the angst involved with applying for a new apartment or rental property. You may have searched for months to find…

How to Spot Illegal Apartments -10 Tips for Apartment Seekers

April 24, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Do you know what the NYC DOB is? You should – The DOB is a great resource for apartment dwellers: The NYC Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of over 975,000 buildings and properties by enforcing the City’s Building Code, Electrical Code, Zoning Resolution, New York State Labor Law and New York…

Lowdown on Your Tenant Rights in NYC!

October 22, 2009 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Signing a lease gives you legal rights. It also gives you legal responsibilities. Do you know what they are? Thanks to New York State Senator Liz Krueger’s 2009 Housing Update — there’s one easy place where you can find out everything you need to know and more. Here’s a thumbnail version. Tenants Are Entitled To:*A…