subject: Tenant And Landlord Relations When Renting Chicago Apartments [print this page] So you have found the perfect Chicago Apartment, you've been approved and finally you have moved in, now what? Pretty much you should sit back and enjoy your apartment. There is one last thing you should work on, that is building a great relationship with your landlord. For the most part you will be living in your new apartment are at least one year. A few things you should speak to your landlord about from the beginning subletting, late payments and maintenance requests.
Most landlords of Chicago Apartments will ask for a one year lease. Under normal circumstances this is great because if you're not happy after one year you can choose to move elsewhere. What if you loose your job? What if you can't get along with a roommate? What if you break up with a live-in boyfriend/girlfriend? The answer is simple, communicate with your landlord. The current economy along with the Chicago Apartment market is very complex. It seems like people are loosing jobs all the time and sometimes this can cause a strain on relationships. Couples can't get along because of a financial crisis and sometimes roommates can't keep up with their share of the rent. If any of these situations arise, simply communicate with your landlord and inquire about subletting. For the most part landlords will allow you to sublet, as long as no payments are missed according to your lease. Landlords genuinely don't like it when tenants move in and out, but they are people just like everyone else. Landlords understand that sometimes situations arise and they will be open to you subletting your apartment.
Subletting is a major option when situations change financially, the other thing that might happen is that your payment might be a few days late. Again, communicate to your landlord that you might be a few days late. Most landlords will charge a late fee. In some occasions, landlords might let the late fee slide if it only happens once and it's not a reoccurring event. The worst thing you can do is avoid your landlord. Discuss your situation, and together you can come up with a solution.
Another major issue that most tenants and landlords should discuss is maintenance. Depending on your landlord's situation, whether it's a private owner with only a few Chicago Apartments or a big management company with several, maintenance situations will be handled differently. The key once again is communication. Also, be mindful on your requests. If it's an issue of a light bulb or a loose screw, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take care of it on your own. Most landlords are swamped with work, not only on other maintenance requests but other tasks such as accounting, bookkeeping and major projects on properties. The last thing a landlord wants to hear at 11:00pm in the evening is that a light bulb is out or that a screw is loose. Now if it's a major issue such as a non-functioning heater or air conditioner, by all means make the call. In fact, most landlords will give you a twenty four hour emergency contact. Also, if at all possible try to be polite. If you call a landlord with a less than desirable demeanor, I'm willing to bet that your maintenance request will get pushed to the bottom of the pile.
Communication is the key to any successful relationship, this applies to landlords and tenants as well. Make sure to discuss how subletting, late payments and maintenance requests will be handled if they ever arise. These are just a few ideas to guide you through your tenancy that will make life a bit less completed.
