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Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Of the estimated 211,154 residential units foreclosed on in California during 2009, roughly 77,145 were rental units, according to a new report focused on tenant rights.

The foreclosures resulted in the displacement of an estimated 208,795 tenants who were living in single-family homes, condos, and multi-family apartments, despite likely making on-time mortgage payments every month.

From 2008 to 2009, there was a 70 percent increase in the foreclosure rate of apartment buildings of five units or more – single-family foreclosures fell 3.1 percent year-to-year.

An overwhelming 85 percent of the foreclosed properties went back to banks and mortgage lenders in 2009, while private investors took the rest.

During the year, banks forfeited more than $776 million in rental income, focusing on booting tenants by hiring lawyers to litigate eviction cases and having real estate agents carry out cash-for-keys deals.

“Once the properties are vacated, they become prime targets for vandalism, further contributing to plunging property values, and creating legal liability for banks as the owners of blighted vacant property,” the Tenants Together report said.

“Furthermore, banks continue to tarnish their standing in local communities by maintaining their policies to evict rent- paying tenants.”

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have implemented post-foreclosure programs to assist renters, but many banks apparently continue to see tenants as obstacles to future profits.

Tenants Together is calling for better tenant protections, including making the “Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act” (PTFA) permanent, passing local “just cause for eviction” laws, providing tenant notification when a landlord receives a foreclosure filing, and boosting legal funding for tenants in foreclosure situations.

Currently, PTFA provides tenants with the right to a 90-day notice to vacate after foreclosure and requires new owners to allow tenants with leases to continue occupying properties until the end of the lease term, unless sold to a buyer who intends to occupy the property as their primary residence.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

While pundits and fusspots continue to question whether we’re headed for another housing bubble, consider this: The most recent mortgages were among the highest quality (lowest risk) since 2001.

Indeed, mortgages originated during the fourth quarter of 2016 were of the utmost quality, exhibiting even less risk than those funded a year earlier, this according to the latest CoreLogic Housing Credit Index (HCI).

The Housing Credit Index (HCI) Factors Include:

  • Credit score (the higher the better)
  • Loan-to-value ratio (LTV)
  • Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
  • Documentation type (generally only one game in town nowadays: full doc)
  • Occupancy status (owner-occ is the best occ)
  • Condo/Co-up share (SFRs are safer)

While the mortgages look pretty darn good, the company did note that the reduction in risk from both a year and a quarter earlier could be partially attributed to a higher refinance share.

Per CoreLogic chief economist Frank Nothaft, refinance borrowers tend to have lower loan-to-value ratios (LTVs) and debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) than their home purchase counterparts.

And because mortgage rates have since moved higher from late last year, default risk could increase as lenders loosen underwriting guidelines to accommodate “harder-to-qualify borrowers.” Nothaft added that fraud could also rise as the mortgage market becomes more purchase-heavy.

Credit Scores Up, DTIs and LTVs Steady

  • Credit risk remains very low in the housing market
  • Relative to what was seen a decade earlier
  • Thanks to very high borrower credit scores
  • And DTIs and LTVs that are in a healthy range

As you can see from the chart above, mortgage credit risk has gone down sharply over the past several years. It was highest in 2006 when home prices peaked and options arms were all the rage (they aren’t slated to resurface anytime soon or ever).

During the fourth quarter, the average credit score for home buyers was 737, up 4 points from the fourth quarter of 2015.

Additionally, the share of buyers with credit scores under 640 (not quite subprime but on the riskier side) was roughly one-tenth the rate seen in 2001.

In other words, mortgages continue to go to really creditworthy borrowers, which is generally a good thing, though not completely immune from risk.

Meanwhile, the average DTI ratio for home buyers in Q4 2016 was 36%, unchanged from a year earlier. At the same time, the share of buyers with DTIs greater than or equal to 43% (the Qualified Mortgage cutoff) was up “slightly” compared to levels seen in 2001.

Finally, LTVs were up by less than one percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter, rising from 86.7% to 87.1%. The only potentially troubling data point was that buyers with an LTV of 95% or higher increased by more than one-fourth compared with 2001.

Is Down Payment Still the Biggest Problem?

  • The biggest hurdle to ownership continues to be the down payment
  • While borrowers may have excellent credit and solid income
  • Many aren’t able to muster even a 3-5% down payment on a home
  • Which could lead to trouble again if they buy at the height and slip into an underwater position

That tells me down payment continues to be the biggest hurdle to homeownership, and perhaps the biggest risk facing the housing market as home prices ascend to new heights.

While many borrowers have excellent credit scores and no problem making monthly housing payments, a large proportion are unable to put down a sizable down payment.

Aside from making it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage thanks to private mortgage insurance and a higher mortgage rate, it also means these borrowers are at greater risk of falling underwater if things take a turn for the worse (again).

And if there’s an expectation this time around that home buyers will be bailed out in such a situation, we could have another big problem on our hands during the next crisis.

But because the mortgages being underwritten today are of the utmost quality, we may actually avoid a similar fate.

You have to remember that aside from being upside down on the mortgage, many of those same borrowers couldn’t actually afford to make their payments.

Today’s borrowers can. And that’s a very important detail.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Have you ever noticed that all the credit cards in your wallet are exactly the same size?

That’s because every credit card issued in the U.S. — and around the world — must be 3.375 inches wide by 2.125 inches high, according to requirements established decades ago by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Credit card issuers can get a little creative with their logo and some other design features, but there are rules regarding credit card size, including how high, wide, and thick they can be. (And, by the way, those same rules apply to debit cards and government-issued IDs.)

Read on to learn why, when it comes to credit cards, size matters.

Why Are All Credit Cards the Same Size?

It makes sense that all credit cards should be a uniform size so they can fit conveniently in the slots of any type of wallet. But that’s just a happy byproduct of card standardization.

The dimensions were put in place so that payment-processing technology can accept any credit card, no matter where the card came from or where it’s used. This means the same cards you use to make purchases or withdraw cash in the U.S. can go with you when you take a vacation trip to Paris, France, or any of the ISO’s member nations.

All financial transaction cards must follow the ISO’s ID-1 format. It specifies the dimensions of a credit card in inches must be 3.375 wide by 2.125 high, with a thickness of 0.0299 inches, and the corners must be rounded. The sequence of the digits in your credit card number and other card features also must follow standards set by the ISO.

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When Did the Size of a Credit Card Become Standardized?

Although credit cards have gone through several major changes over the past 60 or so years—especially when it comes to developing new ways to pay and protect against identity theft—they’ve actually looked pretty much the same since the late 1950s.

There were different versions of credit “cards” before that — made from clay tablets in ancient times, dog tag-style metal plates in the 1930s, and even paper and cardboard in the ‘40s and ‘50s. But when American Express and Bank of America began issuing cards in 1958, and other banks followed suit in the next few years after that, credit cards quickly evolved to the size and shape they are today. Even that magnetic “swipe” stripe on the back has been around for decades: It was invented in the 1960s by an IBM engineer and became the standard worldwide by the early ’70s.

Recommended: What Is a Contactless Credit Card and How Does It Work?

What Are Credit Cards Made Of?

American Express is credited with creating the first plastic credit card, in 1959, and that’s still what most cards are made of. A card is typically created using a plastic resin known as polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVCA) that makes it bendable, durable, and water resistant.

Some credit card companies also issue metal credit cards, which are sturdier than plastic cards and usually heavier, too. (We’re only talking about a few grams here, however, so not nearly enough weight to put extra stress on a pants pocket or purse strap.)

What Is the Weight of a Credit Card?

While most plastic credit cards weigh about 5 grams, metal credit cards—which may be made from stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or a mix of metals—may weigh in at anywhere from 10 to 18 grams.

These heavier cards are sometimes considered more prestigious, as many premium cards are made of metal. And feeling that distinctive heft in your hand can make a metal card stand out from plastic cards. But metal cards aren’t as rare as they used to be. And the way a credit card works is basically the same no matter what material it’s made from.

If you’re thinking about applying for a credit card, you may want to start by finding the card that’s the best fit for you based on its financial benefits rather than its appearance or physical weight. It can be helpful to compare the type of rewards a card offers, if it has low or no fees, the interest rate and credit limit you can qualify for, as well as other perks.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit and How Can You Increase It?

Are There Other Design Features that Can Vary?

Although all credit cards are the same size and share other important features, if you lay out your credit cards side by side in front of you, you’ll also likely spot a few differences.

Your credit card number may be on the front of some cards and on the back of others, for example, and those numbers might be flat or slightly raised (embossed). There may or may not be a space for your signature. And the security hologram and code verification value (CVV) — features that are there to protect you from fraudsters — also may vary a bit from card to card.

The magnetic stripe and chip used for making payments are located in the same spot on every card, though. Again, this is designed to make processing transactions as universal and convenient as possible. Mastercard plans to slowly get rid of the swipe stripe on its cards, however, starting in 2024.

Recommended: Guide to Choosing a Credit Card

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The Takeaway

Although there have been significant advancements over the years in how credit cards can be used, how payments are processed, and the technology that helps shield consumers from theft, the standard credit card size and shape hasn’t changed in decades. And thanks to the international standards that dictate credit card dimensions, all your cards should fit in any card reader used worldwide — and in the slots in your wallet.

This means you can focus on other factors when choosing which credit card or cards you want to own, including the card’s interest rate, the types of rewards offered, and other benefits and protections.

Looking for a new credit card? Consider a rewards card that makes your money work for you. With the SoFi Credit Card, you earn cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases. You can then use those rewards for travel or to invest, save, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. (It’s also a pretty good-looking card… if you’re into that sort of thing.)

The SoFi Credit Card: The smarter way to spend.

FAQ

What size is a credit card in centimeters?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifies that credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards must be 8.56 cm by 5.398 cm (which is 85.6 mm by 53.98 mm, or 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches). The ISO standard for credit card thickness is .076 cm (that’s .76 mm, or about .03 inches).

What is the print size on a credit card?

Print size, font, and color may vary from one credit card to the next. Some credit card issuers even allow their customers to personalize a card with their own custom or semi-custom design.

How can visually impaired consumers tell a credit card from a debit card?

Credit card issuers are increasingly moving away from using raised letters and numbers as part of their card designs. Mastercard, for instance, plans to introduce the Touch Card, which uses a distinctive notch on the side (rounded for debit, squared for credit, triangular for prepaid) to aid those who may struggle to identify the card they’re using.

Photo credit: iStock/Sitthiphong

SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. Cardholders earn 1% cash back rewards when redeemed for a statement credit.1
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

When the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card debuted in 2016, everyone talked about its high reward rate, lucrative six-figure welcome bonus, and amazing benefits. In fact, there was so much interest in the card that the company was depleted of metal credit cards when they couldn’t keep up with demand. For years, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® … [Read more…]

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Living in the City by the Bay comes at a steep cost

Ever since its early days as a coastal California boom town, San Francisco has been an expensive place to call home. But with the rise of Silicon Valley and the tech industry in the Bay Area, the cost of living here has skyrocketed even more in recent years.

In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Of course, that high cost of living comes with plenty of perks like outdoor access, multicultural cuisine and walkable neighborhoods of historic architecture.

If you want to better understand why San Francisco‘s cost of living is so high, we’ll explore five things that are affecting the rising cost of living.

  • Housing costs
  • Food prices
  • Utility costs
  • Transportation costs
  • Healthcare costs
  • Goods and services costs
  • Tax rates
  • How much do you need to earn to live in San Francisco?

San Francisco cost: housing prices

As you may have heard, housing prices are at the forefront of San Francisco’s cost of living crisis. In fact, it’s 206.6 percent higher than the national average. Currently, a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $3,498. Studio units go for around $2,781 a month. If you want extra space, be prepared for a significant jump in price as three bedrooms average a whopping $4,696 a month. Prices are going up the most in trendy, popular neighborhoods like Nob Hill, Dogpatch, the Lower Haight and Northeast.

A small beacon of hope is that studio and one-bedroom prices are down 5 percent and one percent, respectively, from last year. But two-bedroom prices are up 2 percent from the previous year.

If you want to live in the Bay Area and not pay San Francisco prices, you’ll have better luck elsewhere. In nearby Oakland, you can find one-bedroom apartments for around $2,788. Fremont one-bedrooms fetch an average of $2,347 and you can even go as low as $1,800 for a one-bedroom in Vallejo. But at the same time, San Francisco doesn’t even have the top housing prices in the Bay Area. Living in Palo Alto, expect to pay around $4,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

If you want to buy a home in San Francisco, prepare yourself. The median sale price of a house in San Francisco is $1,350,308. This is down 10.9 percent from last year, but that’s small comfort to most homebuyers.

San Francisco food prices

From fresh seafood to some of the best pan-Asian cuisine in America, San Francisco is an amazing foodie city. While not as expensive as housing costs in Los Angeles, food prices in San Francisco are still high at 31.4 percent above the national average. This is 1 percent higher than last year, so prices have gone up slightly.

Time to get groceries? As an example of how food prices in San Francisco may affect you, here’s the average cost of some common food items. Buying a dozen eggs costs around $3.83, a half-gallon of milk is $3.38 and a loaf of bread will set you back $5.04. Fancy a steak night? With a price tag of $18.36, it’ll be an expensive meal.

San Francisco utility prices

One of the best things about living in San Francisco is the climate. With its Mediterranean-style climate and the cooling effect of oceanic breezes, summers are kept tolerable and winters don’t get too cold. The mild weather allows for year-round outdoor recreation and enjoyment, which is great to know for anyone considering a move to the City by the Bay.

That also means that utility prices here aren’t too extravagant. Utility rates are only 31.8 percent over the national average, which is down 1.8 percent from last year. Average monthly energy bills for San Francisco residents come out to around $267.64. For the Internet, $69 is the average monthly price for 60 megabits per second.

San Francisco transportation prices

Everyone knows that driving in major cities can be a real pain. You have to deal with heavy traffic congestion and hard-to-find parking. Luckily, San Francisco has a great public transportation network of buses and light rail for locals and visitors alike to use to navigate the city and surrounding Bay Area.

Transportation costs in San Francisco are 38.4 percent above the national average, which is down 4.7 percent from last year.

For getting around San Francisco, riders have several different options. The Muni system from the San Francisco Municipal Transporation Agency offers bus routes, light rail, and historic cable car lines around the city. Rates vary by the type of transportation. A single ride on both bus and light rail lines is $2.50 for adults and an unlimited day pass to buses, trains and cable cars is $5. A monthly “Clipper” pass on all Muni transit options (including cable cars) is $81. For exploring beyond San Francisco, the Bay Area Rapid Transit rail system (BART) has six different routes around the Bay Area. Fares are paid using Clipper, the all-in-one transit card for both Muni and BART and fares vary by duration of ride.

Along with avoiding traffic, another great reason to use San Francisco is because of tolls. Driving between Oakland or Marin County, you’ll find tolls on both the Golden Gate Bridge (to Marin County) and the Bay Bridge (to Oakland). Toll rates vary by vehicle axle number. For example, a one-time toll for two-axle vehicles is around $8.80. For a complete list of Golden Gate Bridge toll amounts, check here. Tolls are also collected electronically via FasTrak, so if you don’t have an account, an invoice is sent to the address attached to your license plate. Tolls on the Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland start at $7 for two-axle vehicles.

San Francisco’s compact city center and interconnected neighborhoods also make it an exceptionally great city for walking and cycling. It boasts a near-perfect walk score of 93 and a great bike score of 77. Thanks to BART and other local mass transit options, San Fran also has a high transit score of 82.

San Francisco healthcare prices

Home to nationally ranked hospitals, San Francisco is a great place to live for healthcare quality and access. Prices also aren’t too astronomical, being only 31.5 percent above the national average. This is up 8.4 percent from last year, however.

This is what you can expect to pay for some general healthcare costs living here. A doctor’s office visit runs around $174.07 and going to the dentist is slightly more affordable at $148.07. Over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen are around $12.52 a bottle.

When looking at healthcare costs, though, it’s important to take these average rates with a grain of salt. Everyone’s healthcare needs vary depending on their health situation and health insurance. While your neighbor may have high costs due to their medical needs, your other neighbor may not need to spend a lot of money on healthcare. Because of these extremes, it’s tough to determine average overall healthcare costs.

San Francisco goods and services prices

Enjoying urban fun like going out for pizza or heading to the movies is one of the best parts of living in a major city like San Francisco. Luckily, the costs of miscellaneous goods and services in San Francisco are one of the more affordable cost of living categories. It’s only 23.6 percent higher than the national average, up 1.1 percent from last year.

Going out to the movies, tickets cost around $15.41. Want to grab some pizza after? It’ll be around $14.77. For some general monthly maintenance services like getting a haircut, the average cost is $26.74.

Taxes in San Francisco

Calling California home means living in one of the most heavily taxed states in America. That means that, on top of all the other cost of living expenses, every person living there expects a hefty tax burden.

California’s state sales tax is 7.25 percent. Combined with local and county sales and use taxes, San Francisco’s overall tax rate is 8.62 percent. For every $1,000 spent living in San Francisco, you’ll be paying $86.20 in taxes.

How much do I need to earn to live in San Francisco?

Affording San Francisco’s high cost of living comes with many benefits as well as a high price tag. But how much would you need to make to comfortably afford housing, food, utilities, taxes and other miscellaneous purchases living here?

The median household income for people living in San Francisco is $126,187. While this may seem high for an average salary, remember that all those big expenses add up and will take a decent chunk out of your monthly salary.

The easiest way to calculate if you can afford to live in a particular city is by starting plugging the rent into a cost-of-living calculator. Experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent. This leaves 70 percent for everything else.

Going back to the housing section, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is $3,498. To fit the 30 percent rule, you’d need to make $11,660 a month for $3,498 to account for 30 percent of your monthly income. That would mean looking at an annual income of $139,920.

Want to see what your salary or income can get you in San Francisco? Use our rent calculator to crunch the numbers.

Life in San Francisco

Even though San Francisco is an expensive place to live, it gives locals plenty of bang for their buck. You get to live in one of the most picturesque places in coastal California, in a vibrant, cultural city with thriving industries, great connectivity and a educated, progressive population.

Methodology

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.

The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of September 2022.

Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Zoe Baillargeon is an award-winning writer and journalist based in Portland, Oregon, where she covers a variety of beats including travel, food and drink, lifestyle and culture for outlets like Apartment Guide, Rent., AFAR.com, Fodor’s, The Manual, Matador Network and more. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and spoiling her cat.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

If you don’t already know Justina Blakeney and her virtual domicile, The Jungalow then you have to be living under a blogging rock. From the moment Justina came onto the scene she’s infused blogland with color, energy, humor, skill and all around badassness that’s impossible to ignore. She’s long been one of my favorites, not just because of her great eye her Instagram is ridic, crazy design skills this tabletop – hello! and always killer content, but also because Justina felt like a kindred spirit from day one – despite our styles being totally different! And just as I’d hoped when I first met Justina in person, her online aura totally manifests in real life. That doesn’t always happen in blogland ya’ know.

So I couldn’t be more excited that Miss B is debuting her most exciting project to date – her very own home decor book – The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes.

Her stunning tome of 20 jungalow-wothry interiors embodies Justina’s color-saturated, plant filled, eclectic, creative style to a tee – and I’m thrilled to get to share a little sneak peek with you. The book features the homes of fabulous creatives ranging from designer Erica Tanov to some of Justina’s own family – and of course it also includes her own stunning bungalow! The pages are truly brimming with life and all kinds of “woah, I never thought of that!” decorating inspiration.

Example upon example of dreamy textile combinations has me inspired to layer a bit more texture into my usually minimalist style. I’m already thinking of ways to implement the “Rugger”–a rug used as a table runner–duh.

The New Bohemians also offers a ton of tips and tricks to help you create special personal touches throughout your space. Each home tour features “Ideas to Adopt” and simple DIYs that feel entirely accessible and add much-desired personality to any room. If you’ve ever wanted to work on your fear of color {like me! or your reluctance to let your wild side peek through – Justina offers the perfect inspiration to step outside your decor comfort zone.

A huge congratulations to my dear friend Justina! And for more sneak peeks check out the rest of the New Bohemian Book Tour happening across many of our favorite blogs right now! Or simply grab your copy of the book right here!

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Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

We can’t rely on maintenance for everything.

When it comes to apartment living, ensuring the safety and security of your living space is crucial for your experience. Being aware of potential hazards that can arise during your lease term can save you time and money and protect you and your living experience.

We’ve gathered eight potential apartment mishaps and the practical tips and tricks renters need to know to safeguard their space. By taking proactive measures, you can create a safer living space and enjoy peace of mind in your apartment.

1. Fire

There are a lot of steps taken by property management for renters to protect them against fires. They install smoke detectors in key areas of your apartment and ensure they are in working order. Renters should take it one step further, by regularly testing them and replacing batteries as needed.

Residents should also inform themselves of the tools readily available in the building in the event of an emergency. Hallways should have fire extinguishers readily available and renters should educate themselves on how to use them. Additionally, it’s key to familiarize yourself with the building’s fire evacuation plan and exits.

2. Mold

Renters can take proactive steps to prevent mold growth in their apartments. One effective measure is to ensure proper ventilation by utilizing the installed fans in bathrooms and kitchen areas. These fans help to remove extra moisture from these high-moisture areas, reducing the chances of mold formation.

It is also crucial to promptly report any water leaks or excessive moisture to the landlord or property management. Necessary repairs or actions are then taken to address the issue and prevent mold growth. In the case of wet areas, it is important to clean and dry them to reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

3. Pests

To safeguard your space from critters, start by keeping it clean and free of food crumbs. You can do this by regularly vacuuming and sweeping the floors, wiping down surfaces and immediately cleaning up any spills or crumbs as they come.

Another kitchen trick is to store food in airtight containers and promptly dispose of garbage in sealed bins. You can also request maintenance to seal any cracks or gaps in windows, doors and walls you notice to prevent pests from entering.

If necessary, use non-toxic pest control methods like traps or baits, or request your apartment to consult a pest control service to address any infestations you notice like bed bugs. These preventive measures effectively protect your apartment from pests and help you enjoy a pest-free living space.

4. Carbon monoxide poisoning

Protecting your apartment from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is crucial. Ask the leasing staff if CO detectors are in their apartments and if they’re not, request they do so or install your own. Other tips include avoiding indoor use of grills, keeping vents open and not blocked and educating yourself and your roommates about CO poisoning symptoms.

Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness and difficulty breathing. As carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it is challenging to detect without equipment. If you experience these symptoms and suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to evacuate your apartment immediately, seek fresh air and contact emergency services.

5. Electrical issues

Some common electrical issues renters may run into during their lease include power outages, tripped circuit breakers and faulty switches or outlets. While the on-site maintenance team is the best resource in most of these situations, there are a few things renters should have on hand in case of emergency.

During a power outage, having a portable battery pack is essential. You can charge your electronics, plug in a flashlight and have power on hand for however long you may need it.

For tripped circuit breakers and faulty switches, it’s best to leave these alone and consult the apartment maintenance team to avoid making the situation even worse. You can avoid these mishaps by not plugging too many things in at once and checking for faulty switches and plugs when you initially move in and notifying the leasing staff.

6. Burglary

While apartments are generally secure, burglaries can still occur meaning additional security is necessary. Start by checking that all potential entry points, including doors and windows, have sturdy locks in good condition.

You can reinforce sliding doors with bars or a security rod with tools for additional peace of mind as well. If your apartment comes with a security system, it is worth the additional fee to utilize it for less stress. If they do not, consider installing an apartment-approved security system like a Ring doorbell camera to keep an eye on your apartment surroundings.

It’s also important to establish good relationships with your neighbors, as they can act as an extra set of eyes and ears. If you’re going to be gone for a long period of time, asking a neighbor you trust to collect any packages or mail left in front of the door also helps your apartment appear occupied during your absence.

7. Storm damage

From light rain to tornados, there is a lot you can do to protect your apartment, belongings and yourself from potential damage. In the case of bad weather, make sure to remove any patio furniture that would be blown away or damaged by rain and other weather conditions. Moving your car to a higher level in the parking garage or a higher elevation spot on the road will also protect your car from the damage of flooding.

In severe weather, secure any loose items or furniture inside your apartment that could be easily knocked over during a storm. Another essential step is having an emergency kit prepared with essentials like flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit. Lastly, determine the building’s area designated for residents to go during a storm. If your building doesn’t have a storm shelter, choose an enclosed spot away from windows.

8. Personal safety

We’re not always in our apartment, and it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings even in apartment common areas, garages and mail rooms. Avoid getting your mail or moving your car late at night to protect yourself from others.

If your apartment has a gate code or main door code, avoid sharing with too many individuals, as limiting access helps maintain security and prevents unauthorized entry. Being vigilant and cautious in these shared spaces can significantly contribute to the overall safety of your apartment.

Protect yourself and your living experience

As a savvy renter, you may not have complete control over your apartment living experience, but there are numerous proactive steps you can take to enhance your safety and well-being. By following these tips and tricks and utilizing the apartment on-site teams, you’re protected from the expected and unexpected.

Ready to find your safe space? Start your apartment living journey today.

Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

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Introduction: Living in a fast-paced city like Washington, DC, can sometimes feel overwhelming and disconnected. However, finding ways to build community and make meaningful connections is essential for a fulfilling life. Whether you’re a pet owner, eco-conscious individual, active individual, social butterfly, professional, or an art and culture enthusiast, The Swift Petworth offers a range of amenities and features that can help foster a sense of community and create lasting connections. This blog post explores strategies to help you build a vibrant community amid a bustling city.

  1. Embrace Pet-Friendly Spaces: For pet owners, Swift Petworth’s pet-friendly community creates the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Take advantage of the nearby green spaces and pet-friendly businesses in the Petworth neighborhood to meet fellow pet owners during walks or at local pet events. Bonding over the shared love for our furry friends can lead to new friendships and social connections.
  2. Engage in Sustainable Initiatives: Get involved in on-site recycling and composting programs and connect with other residents who share a passion for sustainability. Consider joining or organizing community events focused on environmental awareness to meet like-minded individuals who value eco-conscious living.
  3. Stay Active and Connect: The Swift Petworth’s fully-equipped fitness center and convenient access to Zipcar and Capital Bike Share make it easier for active individuals to pursue their fitness goals while connecting with others who share a passion for an active lifestyle. Attend fitness classes or join community-led sports activities to meet fellow fitness enthusiasts and build connections that extend beyond the gym.
  4. Socialize in Shared Spaces: The Tech Lounge with iMacs, the clubroom with panoramic views of DC, and the organized community events provide social individuals ample opportunities to connect and engage with their neighbors. Attend social gatherings, participate in game nights, or host a meetup in one of the shared spaces. These areas are designed to facilitate interaction and foster a sense of camaraderie among residents.
  5. Networking for Professionals: The Swift Petworth offers amenities tailored to professionals seeking a convenient and comfortable living experience. Take advantage of the 24-hour on-site concierge service to get recommendations for local networking events and professional development opportunities. Attend organized meetups and seminars in the community to expand your professional network while connecting with fellow residents who are also navigating a busy career.
  6. Explore Art and Culture: Art and culture enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the vibrant Petworth neighborhood. Discover independent stores, galleries, and the stunning street art that lines the streets. Participate in neighborhood events or art walks to engage with the local artistic community and connect with others who share your passion for creativity and cultural exploration.

Conclusion: Living in a fast-paced city doesn’t mean sacrificing community and meaningful connections. The Swift Petworth provides a supportive environment for pet owners, eco-conscious individuals, active individuals, social butterflies, professionals, and art and culture enthusiasts alike. By embracing the amenities and opportunities available within the building and exploring the vibrant Petworth neighborhood, you can build a strong sense of community and create lasting connections with like-minded individuals. Take the first step in building a vibrant community within the bustling city, and enjoy a fulfilling and connected life at The Swift Petworth.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.

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Source: blog.apartminty.com