Jun. 21, 2012
A Modest Proposal to Get Rid of Additional Apartment Fees
By Jessica Fiur, News Editor
When people are looking for a new apartment, they’re usually drawn to places with low rent. However, there are often additional fees associated with renting that they must pay, including application fees, amenity fees, pet fees, etc.
Of course, property managers run a business, and are there to make money. Additionally some of the fees are there to cover costs such as from running a credit check on an applicant.
However, these additional fees are often a turn-off to potential renters.
There is something that possibly could be done to satisfy both property managers and renters. Read on for the suggestion.
Ilene Richman
Jun. 22, 2012 at 4:11 pm
What about paying for water when there is not a water meter in your apartment? The community has over 400 apartments and divides the water bill among all the apts. I believe this is illegal when one does not know how much water has been used for each apartment. Do you agree?
Kim Hicks
Jun. 22, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Actually its not illegal, at least in most areas as far as I know. It has to do with the way the building was built and usually they divide it up according to how many bedrooms you have….more bedrooms, more water bill. I dont like the system myself since I agree that if you are a single person and use only a little and the next door neighbor has 5 people living in the apt they obviously will use more. Its just the way it has to be in some apts. If they only have 1 or few water meters they have to come up with a way for the bill to get paid. It is probably very expensive to change it over to 1 meter per apt.
Giovanni Isaksen
Jun. 23, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Too many fees makes renters feel like they are dealing with a bank, and no apartment company wants to do that right?
Vito Furio
Jun. 23, 2012 at 8:35 pm
I’ve worked in Property Managment most of my life. No one seems to understand that this economy is here to stay. Renters first of all don’t like to be called renters rather residents. For the most part, people don’t care that much about nice shiny things, they want value!! I’m well aware of finnancing though land lords need to create a much broader devide between paying rent and paying a (reasonable) mortgage. Unfortunately, most owners are not willing to provide a decent product at an affordable price. Affordable price meaning the ability to save. I agree that some of these fees are unreasonable,again, they are more concerned with “real” money.
I can’t believe the things that regional are suggesting for better occupancy…my, my, I’m veering way off track here. Anyhow, forgive my grammar as I’m writing this on my phone.
God Bless Everyone!