Tips on Finding an Apartment to Rent
Here is a List of How a Tenant Should Evaluate a Landlord
Here are useful tips on renting an apartment from Robert Barbera, of Barbera Properties in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California who takes pride in his 26 apartment buildings and single family homes.
1 LOCATION and CURB APPEAL
Robert Barbera says ask yourself if the apartment building is in a location you like and if the building's exterior has appeal to you.
"The first thing is if it doesn't have street appeal then walk away. If it has street appeal then go further," said Robert.
2 THE MANAGER'S ATTITUDE
The next test is meeting with the apartment manager and listening to how he or she speaks with you.
"If the manager approaches you with the right attitude then keep going. If they feel like they're doing you a favor then walk away," he said. "The manager has to be engaging and they also have to show pride in their apartment. Because if they're not proud of their property then you should walk away."
3 PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP
Mr. Barbera says a manager or property owner who takes pride in the appearance of the exterior and the upkeep of the interior will gladly respond to calls from tenants for necessary repairs. Ask the manager or property owner about how quickly they respond to maintenance calls.
"It works so much better for us to be on the ball and get over there and correct he situation," said Robert. "The person felt they had a complaint, it's taken care of and now its out of the way.
"If you have deferred maintenance it gets worse and worse until you get in there and make it better."
You can also ask if the management company surveys their tenants. Asking for tenant feedback is a regular practice for Barbera Properties.
4 THE APARTMENT UNIT'S APPEAL
"When you get to the apartment, do you like what you see? Are the fixtures clean and updated? Then check for the condition of countertops, wear on carpeting and the bathrooms.
"In short, everything should be a test."
Robert Barbera believes there should be a partnership between the tenant and the property owner to ensure a quality experience in renting an apartment.
Published by Don Simkovich
Works with small business owners to keep them healthy and run healthy businesses. Don interviews small business owners, writes about those who shape the culture around Los Angeles, and journals his hikes and... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a Commentthey are the worst landlords. good luck when you move out. they will keep your deposit with no laws followed. if you move out get an attorney fast....and read up on the calif civil code section 190.5
I've lived in a Barbera property for several years now and this last year when they sent me a $100 off one month incentive if I signed a new lease (how about a $100 monthly deduction?), they didn't even respond to my counter letter and I shared it with the property manager plus mailed and faxed a copy to the main office. Zip- no response.
Also, I have never lived in a complex where the management asks to enter your place at least 5+ times a year! They are always wanting to inspect this or check that and it is really ridiculous. They've asked for access to my apartment for five days in a row this week so that they can install low flow faucets or something! It wasn't until day three that they even got to my unit, and now they need an additional two days of access to do the 30 minutes worth of work. Not very tenant friendly-- they want what they want ($$ from rent) but they don't want to hear from or respond to you. Sad to say....
Very helpful :) Sheri
Super tips!!!!
Very good tips!
Great tips~!