City Year LA Orientation Guide May. 2015 | Page 49

Other websites: • • • • • • • • • Padmapper.com Apartmentratings.com Hotpads.com Apartments.com Apartmentguide.com Zumper.com Onradpad.com LArentfinders.com Mynewplace.com Tips for staying safe Whether you’re brand new to the city or a native Angelino it’s important to be cautious when conducting your apartment search. Below are some tips and resources to help you avoid being an open target. California Renters Bill of Rights: if you’re going to be a renter in LA it’s important to know your renter’s rights. Review them here: How to avoid scams: • Do not send any checks in the mail to someone you do not know. • Do not wire money in response to an ad until you have met the landlord and visited the apartment. • Give rent money and security deposit in person so you can guarantee it is going to a real human in exchange for a room or apartment • Pay attention to the advertisement and means of contact: avoid answering ads with typos, ads that do not list the address, or if you receive an automatic reply immediately after responding • Do not pay your security deposit or first month’s rent with a personal check as your banking information is attached to this, and it puts you in a situation for an unfamiliar landlord to take advantage of you. Apartment Safety: As you consider apartments and after you move in there are a few important tips to ensure you have the best experience that can be easy to overlook. Stay Clean and Infestation Free Your landlord is responsible for keeping your apartment free from insects and rodents. If you have an infestation problem, contact your landlord so that appropriate measures can be taken to get rid of the unwanted guests. Do your part:  Infestation by rodents can often be avoided by storing trash in appropriate locations. Even with all the best planning and safety its best and even mandatory depending on where you live to have renter’s insurance. https://www.geico.com/g etaquote/renters/  Make sure trash containers have lids and remove trash from inside the residence frequently.  Ask your landlord about the proper location for trash and recycling. 49 | C o r p s M e m b e r O r i e n t a t i o n & R e s o u r c e G u i d e Return to Navigation