After three months my fight with my former residence is done.  I quit – threw in the towel – for the first time in my life I gave up.  The ongoing fight cut too close, they tried to touch my beautiful credit score.  They went too far for me.

The fight all began in July, while I was enjoying a family vacation in Tybee Island.  Imagine, relaxing at the beach with the beautiful Georgia sun beaming down on you.  You hear the ocean waves lapping at the sandy shore.  Suddenly a tranquil beach vacation turns into a fury of angry phone calls after you are notified that you have been turned over to collections for outstanding payments on damages to your former residence – the vacated apartment from almost a month ago.

The bogus charges were for water damage from a faulty pipe in the laundry room.  Apparently, after we moved out the pipe decided it was his time to quit.  The damages were minimal, but the fees and “emergency services” racked up a nice bill that was promptly sent to collections (which is outrageous in itself).

Having said all of that, I’m going to say this: renter’s, protect yourselves!  I’m serious folks.  After learning a life lesson in which I had to take blame for damage that was no fault of mine, I felt that others should too learn from my ignorance and mistakes.  After all, today, there are a lot of renters out there.

My first piece of advice, always keep a paper trail.  My downfall in my previous living situation was that our apartment complex rarely “burdened” you with paperwork.  Strategic for them, and harmful to me, this lack of paperwork caused me to foot a bill that was not my own.  Having absolutely no proof to dispute the matter, I was up the creek.  Your paper trail should include:
     – Canceled check and receipts from your security deposit
     – A copy of your lease (make sure you read and understand this before you sign)
     – Copy of your renters insurance policy information (this is a no brainer here… get the insurance)
     – A walk through checklist that you review with the landlord before you move in.  List any items damaged, broken, missing, etc.  If these items are not fixed before move-in day, photograph and document these items.  Give a copy to your landlord and keep one for yourself.
     – An outline of the exact condition you find the apartment in.  Include the slightest details (carpet stains and paint chips).  Keep a copy for yourself and give a copy with your landlord.
     – A walk through checklist that you review with the landlord before you move out.  Discuss with your landlord proper move out procedures and document anything that may be useful.

My second piece of advice, never assume your property manager or landlord is on your side.  My case is simple.  I assumed that my property manager at the time had my best interest in mind.  When it came time to move out of my apartment I did so, following the brief list of instructions that I had picked up at the office.  After scheduling my final walk through and never hearing back, I assumed that all was well and I could go on my merry way.  Wrong – o! 

My third piece of advice, take care of your apartment as if you owned it.  If the apartment has been well taken care of, you have paid you rent in full and on time each month, and you are a courteous neighbor and renter, you are more likely to receive your security deposit back.

My fourth and final piece of advice, do your research.  There are countless websites out there to help you find the perfect apartment for you.  Do you research by utilizing these sources, read reviews, ask current residents their thoughts of the property, the management, the maintenance crew, the safety of the community and the parking situations.  All of these aspects combine to help you make the most educated and best decision in your living situation.

Once you make your final decision and move in, enjoy your community.  After all, it will be your home until your lease is up!

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