1. The fridge: Are there new species  lurking in the depths of your fridge? Clean it out! A dirty fridge could make you sick and may alter the tastes of the foods you're storing in it, so if yours needs a good scrub down, use this tutorial to get it squeaky clean.
2. The stove: With all that baked on nastiness, cleaning the stove isn't a particularly fun task, but it must be done (especially if you want to stop re-burning that dropped and forgotten piece of food every time you turn on the oven). Get the scoop on how to clean the burners and the inside from this tutorial.
3. Hardwood floors: If you're not sure what's the best way to clean your hardwood floors, check out this article to learn how to keep those floors clean without ruining their looks.
4. The bathroom: Cleaning the bathroom can be a bit gross, but it'll only get grosser if you put it off. Read through this tutorial to learn how to clean your shower, sink, toilet, and other bathroom essentials.
5. A fireplace: If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace in your apartment, make sure it's clean and ready to be used so you can take advantage of it this winter.
6. Your countertops: This guide will help you learn what method to use to clean your countertops based on the material they're made out of, whether you've got upscale granite or retro formica.
7. The kitchen sink: Kitchen sink stained or dirty? This tutorial will help you learn how to get and keep it shiny and clean.
8. Carpet and rugs: If your apartment has carpet, you can get rid of all that built up dirt and grime with a good deep cleaning.
9. Radiators: Radiators collect all kinds of dust and cobwebs but can be a bit hard to clean because of their shape. This tutorial will show you what materials you need to help keep them clean and fire hazard-free.
10. Tiles: Whether in the bathroom or kitchen, tiles can be hard to clean, especially when it comes to the grout. But, fret not, we've got just the tutorial to help you get them looking new.
11. Ceiling Fans: Turned off the ceiling fan for the season? It's probably covered in a layer of dust that you've been putting off cleaning because it seems like such a messy chore. While we can't promise it'll be fun, we can help make sure you clean your fans right so they'll be ready to use come warmer weather.

1. Apartment Therapy: Apartment Therapy is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, interior design blogs on the web, so it's chock full of great ideas and information, no matter where you choose to call home. Make sure to check out the site's yearly Small Cool competition, featuring spaces that make the most of limited square footage by employing amazing design.
2. Apartment Living: This About.com blog written by Ron Leshnower shares advice on all things apartment living, from picking the perfect place to dealing with an unresponsive landlord. It's a great place to find answers to all of your more practical apartment living dilemmas.
3. My First Apartment: Whether you're living in your first apartment or your 21st, this blog is a great read. You'll find tips on decorating, city guides, advice on living with roomies and significant others, and information that will help you be a more informed, safe, and happy apartment dweller.
4. Tiny House Blog: Not all the posts on this blog are about apartments, as the name might tell you, but anyone living in a small space can find inspiration through this site. It features a wealth of great ideas on making any space, no matter how small, stylish, functional, and comfortable.
5. My Little Apartment: Chicago-based blogger Dean shares her flair for interior design on My Little Apartment. Readers will find some amazing ideas for decorating their own apartments and can follow along as she decorates her own place.
6. My New Place: This site is chock-full of great articles geared towards the apartment dweller. You can learn how to keep your place warm, deal with noisy neighbors, or get inspired to make apartment-living resolutions for this year.
7. Rental Decorating Digest: Those looking for more apartment decorating ideas can head to rental decorating digest, an online blogazine just for renters like yourself.

Be civil. Raising your voice, making accusations, and generally acting like a jerk probably isn't going to solve any of your problems with your neighbors. In fact, it might just create new ones. Instead, take the high road and treat your neighbor with respect. They may learn from your example.

Don't just fume, talk to them. If your neighbor is doing something that infuriates you, don't just get mad about it. If you want it to stop, you have to talk to them about what they're doing. They may not know it irritates you. If you ask them to stop and they don't, well, then it might be time to get mad.

Work together. Work with your neighbor to come up with a solution that suits you both. It might involve some compromises (they can only practice tuba before 9 PM, for instance) but most situations can be resolved peacefully with a bit of flexibility.

Talk to your landlord. If your neighbors are doing something that not only bothers you but is in violation of their lease, it may be time to talk to your landlord. He or she may be more persuasive in getting your neighbors to change their ways.

Block them out. If you're the type that avoids confrontation at all costs or just wants to ride out the few months you have left in your apartment in peace, do what you can to block out your neighbors. Take a different entrance, get a white noise machine, or invest in some earplugs.

Report them to the police. There are times when you just have to get serious about getting your neighbors to stop what they're doing. Loud parties or violent arguments are definitely offenses that can be reported to the local authorities (especially if you think something bad is going on).

Move ASAP. Because you're in a apartment, there's no way to really control who lives around you. If all other options fail, move to a building with stricter controls on tenants. Expensive? Yes. Inconvenient? Immensely. But it may be the only solution that frees you from the daily annoyances created by bad neighbors, and that is priceless.

Give them as much privacy as possible. Everyone needs space to sleep, get dressed, and even pluck their eyebrows in privacy, right? When you have a small apartment it might be hard to afford guests much of it, but do your best. It may mean that you give up your own room for a night or two, or put up some temporary barriers to ensure you won't bother each other.

Make sure they have everything they need. Don't make your guests hunt for bath towels, toothpaste, or a coffee mug! Leave them all the supplies they'll need in a place where they can find them. If you don't know what they'll need, don't be afraid to ask.

Don't make it seem like an imposition. Is it kind of a pain in the butt to share your tiny place with a bunch of other people? Sure, but they don't need to know that! Make your guests feel like they are welcome in your home and you'll likely be treated with the same respect when you visit them.

Consider your personalities. Are you a die-hard early riser while your guests like to linger in bed? Then it might be best for you to take the couch and for them to take your room. Otherwise, you could just get on each other's nerves as you try to tiptoe around in the morning.

Be creative. It isn't easy to make room for houseguests when you barely have room for yourself, but it can be done. You may just have to get a little creative with space and sleeping arrangements. Start planning early for guests so you'll have plenty of time to come up with great ideas.

Recent news articles point to the strong prospect that rents will be going up in the next few years as recently reported in this The Wall Street Journal article. This is contrary to what has been occurring the past three years where rents have been flat or decreasing. As a benchmark to consider, the historical guesstimate on residential investment properties is that rental increases average about 2.5% to 3.0% per year over the long term. These recent increases, although many are small percentage increases, appear to be the general trend. There are several reasons for these potentially increasing costs, but luckily, some other factors could temper those increases. Only the rental property market and time will show how much rents actually increase in the next few years.

There are several reasons often cited for the potential general increases in rents:

• Foreclosure. The foreclosure problem in the United States has caused many people to lose their homes to their mortgage lenders. This means that these people move out of their existing homes, but still need a place to live. The displaced individuals and families have significantly increased the number of people who are searching for a rental property, increasing demand for apartments, which in turn pushed up rental rates. In fact, due primarily to these foreclosed homes, the overall U.S. homeownership rate has dropped from about 70% down to 66% in the past four years. It is estimated that each one point drop in the homeownership rate adds one million renters to the population, according to the same Wall Street Journal article referenced above.
• No new properties. The recent financial turmoil that began in 2007 caused a virtual end to commercial real estate financing for building new properties. In addition, the few developers that could obtain financing were concerned about the future profitability of leasing up properties, so even most who could build did not. All the while, every year, older buildings become uninhabitable and must be demolished. Both of these issues reduced the supply of apartment building units in the marketplace, and simple economics dictates that a reduced supply means increased rental prices.
• Rent unavailability. Adding to the problem is that many foreclosed homes and condominiums that are now owned by banks are vacant and unavailable for rent at this point. They cannot be rented due to a variety of issues, and it takes a great deal of time for a large financial institution to take ownership and process them to where the properties can get back on the real estate market for sale.
• More long-term residents. Finally, more people become of rental age each year while the elderly are living longer and still inhabiting their existing apartments. Again, this increases demand which should increase rental rates.
• People choosing not to buy homes. People are also making the conscious decision that renting may be a better move for them over owning because of all the homeownership issues they read about in the news. With more renters staying renters, the rental demand pool is high.

As you can see, there are many reasons why analysts believe apartment rent rates are headed north in the next few years. In fact, the problem could get worse if the economy improves and more young people move out of their parents’ homes and rent their own apartments. Then again, an improved economy could also reduce the financial impact of rental increases on the average tenant, and it may save additional people from losing their homes and joining the rental pool as well.

But fear not, as there are also a few factors that could temper this rent increase. If the foreclosure fiasco moves more quickly towards resolving its many issues, that could free up those millions of empty, bank-owned units so that they may be added back to the rental pool. And if the unemployment rate stays high, more people may double up in homes or move in with their parents to save money, thereby adding supply to the marketplace that way. Additionally, some cities had too many homes or condominiums built in the past few years, resulting in a major overhang of vacant and available units for rent. Las Vegas and the California inland empire, come to mind, but there are many other cities where the vacancy rate is more than 8.0%. People in the cities with higher vacancy rates probably will be spared rental increases for many years. Finally, developers have seen this shortage-of-housing trend and are starting the process to add apartment inventory to the market, though that's usually a multi-year process from buying the land to opening the doors to renters.

Overall, the market seems to indicate that rental rates may continue to rise over the next few years. Luckily, there are a few items you can do to try to limit your rental increases at least for a while. Negotiate a longer lease with low or no increases by letting the landlord know that since you are staying multiple years, they won’t have to go through the re-renting process for a while. Show your professionalism when talking to the owner and remind them of your good credit, employment, and references, indicating that you will be a desirable, low-maintenance tenant. Lastly, look at enough places so that you know of what's out there. Convey to the owner that you are still looking, but that what they offer you may help them to secure a great tenant like you.

While those pointers are not guaranteed to work, as the health of the rental market and vacancy rate in your area can factor into your chances of securing a lower rent rate, doing a little shopping and diplomatic negotiating definitely couldn't hurt.

As a pet owner myself, I’ve learned that there are lots of things you can do to make your pet feel at ease in an apartment or house. This knowledge is gained from watching and observing my pets over the years, from the veterinarian’s tips, and from noticing what always seemed to make them happy and comfortable. I get the feeling my brown Lab Buckley would agree with these items — that is, if he could only talk.

First, make sure your co-tenants, whether friends or family, are okay with having a pet in the unit. There is nothing worse than when one of the residents of the apartment does not like the dog or cat of another tenant. All residents should agree that the pet is welcome before you bring a pet into the home. Dogs can bark, cats can claw, and both can whine, cry, or make a mess on the floor – all of that is just part of owning a pet. But even though you may understand and accept this, your roommates may not, so make sure that they are willing to deal with these potential issues.

If all tenants are okay with the idea of having the pet, you want to next make sure the apartment or house has enough room for everyone. Just as you want to make sure that your shoes fit your feet, make sure that your place fits for your pet. Larger dogs are not well-suited for small apartments and you should try your best to avoid putting them in that environment. They need room to move around and stretch their legs, so if you do have a larger dog, a house would be a much better bet, particularly if it has a doggie door to an open yard. This way, your canine companion will be free to run around, fetch a ball, or just nap in the warm sun.

Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and small poodles, are a better fit for an apartment unit as they're more likely to find apartments sufficiently spacious. In addition, cats fit well into pretty much any situation, especially since many are inside-only cats. Cats are also clean, quiet, and generally low maintenance.

Another important tip to keep your pet happy is to pay adequate attention to them. If you are typically out all day at work, try to get a neighbor, friend, or dog walker to go visit and walk them. This is because animals, just like humans, get lonely when left alone. If you are just now considering getting a pet, make sure you will have the time to take care of it and be a good parent. Also, be sure to consider the costs for food, vet bills, etc. before you commit to a pet. Those expenses can really add up.

Additionally, if your job demands that you are going to be gone for longer periods of time on certain days or on uneven schedules, make sure there is adequate water and food for your pet. Most pets can do fine for those long periods of time, but just like humans, they do not like to be hungry or thirsty. And since nature sometimes calls, consider getting your pet an indoor "potty station." One great product made is a small, green synthetic grass pad on a plastic base that you can train your dog to use inside, just in case nature's call can't wait for you to get home to take them outside.

One more thing to keep in mind is that pets typically like to look out the windows to watch passersby, whether it is people or cars. If you can set up an area where your pet can keep an eye on things going on outside, that will keep them content and entertained. Plus, this front row seat also means that they'll be right there wagging their tails or purring when you get home! A happy pet that's excited to see you can turn a day around.

Finally, don't forget about the needed outside and walk time that is important for dogs. They love to stroll around, get pet by others, and interact with other dogs. As an added bonus, they are great for striking up a conversion with someone you might want to ask out on a date! Therefore, living in a place that's near a dog park or simply living in a pet-friendly community is a big plus for a man’s (or woman’s) best friend. Make sure to get your pups out enough so they can get the exercise they need and become familiar with the area where you live, just in case they get out by mistake. And don’t forget to take a doggie bag with you!

All in all, pets can make great companions for humans and bring lots of cheer and love to their owners. In fact, I highly recommend having one. But make sure that you give your pet as much love as it gives you by being responsible and committed to returning that happiness. Take great care of your pet, giving them a nice, comfortable, and suitable place to live, and they'll be your faithful companion for years to come.

By: Leonard Baron 

You may wonder what you should look for when you're getting ready to rent a place to live, and in fact, there are several things you should consider before committing to your next place of residence. Some are simple items that are common sense, others are going to take some time to think through and consider. To assist you in the process, many of those issues are listed below. 

Overall, it is smart to take the time to find a place that you will call home for a long period of time, as moving often is stressful, expensive, and disruptive to your life. It is best to find a stable and long-term place to live, even if you're renting the unit and not working towards owning it. After all, your new place is where you be coming home to each night, so make sure that it's a place that you'll be happy with. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself when shopping for a new rental unit: 

-       Have you shopped all areas of town enough? Do you know what area or areas you would prefer to live? What locations and communities or neighborhoods fit your preferred lifestyle?

-       Do you want an urban setting, a suburban one, or would you rather live out in the countryside? Cities are usually lively and bustling, whereas suburban areas are quieter and more relaxed. Each offers different pros and cons, and you should think through what would best work for you.

-       Do those areas fit your financial ability? Can you comfortably afford the rent and all of your other bills?

-       Do you prefer an apartment, townhome, rowhome, condominium, loft, flat, or single family home? And what is available where you desire to live?

-       What about specifics on the community amenities you believe would be a match? Do you prefer it to have a pool, gym, adequate parking, storage, and green or grassy areas? Is there a clubhouse for gatherings and scheduled functions like social hours? Do these types of amenities matter to you?

-       What about the community demographics? Is it younger or older people, single or families? Are there people similar to you in the complex?

-       Are there amenities in the local area that you like? For example, are there coffee shops and retail stores within walking distance, or bars and clubs? How about exercise facilities and/or dog friendly parks? What else is important to you?

-       Have you driven through the area during the night and during the day to see what it is like? Remember, Friday night traffic may be quite different from Saturday morning’s activity in the area, and you should be aware of both.

-       Have you viewed at least five or ten available residences in your preferred area so you know exactly what the market has to offer?

-       Do you know what costs (in addition to rent) that you are responsible for paying?

-       Are you moving in with friend or others? Can they afford to cover their share of the rent and bills? Do they have similar habits to you, such as cleanliness, noisiness, and a sense of shared responsibility?

-       If you work from home, will that environment be conducive to your work? 

With a rental, unlike when you purchase a home, you are only required to stay for the term of your lease, which is good in case you decide later on that the residence is not the right fit for you. If things do not work out for any reason, you can find another place to live. 

However, moving is a stressful ordeal, so to save yourself from any unnecessary headaches, begin your rental hunt with a long-term view in mind. Go for the place you think makes the most sense for you so that you'll be happy and stay for at least a few years.

There are many choices that are less than optimal made by renters in the process of finding a place to live. And there are also lots of other important items that a renter needs to consider before, during, and at the end of their tenancy. Some are minor issues and some are really important to think through. Let's discuss some mistakes that renters make and how to avoid them:

Before Move In

- Not determining upfront where you really desire to live — and what you can afford. Do you want to live In a noisy city area, in suburbia, or out in the country? You should really rent a place for multiple years so you can avoid the expense of moving every year. So think through the optimal scenario for yourself beforehand and do lots of research.

- Not spending enough time searching to see what the market has to offer in available places and their asking rents.

- Not adequately interviewing the landlord on private homes or condominiums for rent is a mistake many people make. This is tougher because you don’t really know what to ask many times. But usually if they are prompt and attentive that is a good sign, if they are late to show you the place, don’t seem that interested, etc. Be careful because they might be the same way once you move in when issues occur – like broken appliances, plumbing, etc.

- Not renting a place you can comfortably afford. Renting a place that drains too much of your income is not a good idea. Try to live within your means and save your extra income to start building a rainy day or retirement fund.

- Not checking utility costs. You should always try to get a feel for how much utilities are by asking the landlord. You do not want to think they will be reasonable or that the landlord pays for some of them just to find out that isn’t the case and they are very expensive.   

- Not treating the landlord with respect. This is important, when you give respect, you get respect. If there are issues with your tenancy, try to handle them professionally, and hopefully the landlord will do the sam

- Not having renters' insurance. This is important too as you learn from reading the RentersInsurance.com site. Renters' insurance is inexpensive and can help mitigate disruptions to your life and livelihood in the event of a loss. If your unit is burglarized, it will pay for your lost items. If there is a flood, it will pay for your damaged items. If your dog bites someone and you get sued, it will pay to defend you and pay any settlement or judgment up to your policy limits.

- Not adequately reviewing your lease before you sign it. This is just a huge mistake, and many people fail to do it. Instead, they just quickly review the lease and sign it. You should schedule a time with the landlord and take at least 30 minutes to review the terms with them and make sure you are comfortable with the agreement.

- Not adequately screening your co-tenants. If you are going to move in with people you do not know that well, or let someone new move in if one of your existing co-tenants is moving out, make sure you know that person well. Try to ensure that they have a job and can pay the rent, will not be a nuisance to you or others, and that you will be a good fit to be a roommate with them.

During Tenancy

- Not taking care of the property. You really should take care of properties you live in. Your landlord will be much happier with you, you can possibly win some additional perks if you ask for them, and you will probably get more of your deposit back when you leave. Show the landlord why they would want to keep you as their tenant! And it is good practice for later in life when you own a home and repair expenses have to be paid by you!

- Not keeping a good line of communication with landlord and helping mitigate damages if you need to break lease. Work hard to mitigate losses, in concert with the landlord, if something happens.

- Not paying rent on time and paying late fees. This can really add up. Some tenants pay their rent a few days late every month, and the typical late fees range between $25 and $75. Avoid that, if your paycheck comes on the 5th, discuss this with the landlord before you move in so you can have a few extra days grace period before late fees kick in! That is several hundred dollars per year you could use to save or pay off debt.

- Not reporting maintenance issues to the landlord. This is a big no-no. Most problems, such as water spots, toilets running, or electric issues, are easy to fix when they start. It’s when they are not attended to that prices start to go up. So let the landlord know so they can repair the issues as soon as possible.

At Move Out Time

- Being a good tenant along the way will also help you when you decide to move or buy a home because you will get a good recommendation from your existing landlord.

- Not having a pre-move out inspection. You should get your place cleaned a week before you are moving out and pre-schedule an inspection. The landlord can tell you what else he or she believes should be fixed, repaired, etc. so that you get the highest amount of your deposit back.

- Not cleaning adequately. Clean the place, or better yet, have a professional service come clean it. It will make your life easier and again help get the most deposit back.

- Not paying all your final utility and other bills. Don’t let your credit report be damaged by failing to get all those final bills paid!

As you can see there are lots of things you can do to better position yourself before, during, and even really after your lease. It’s good practice for life and it is likely to help you get the best places at the best prices as you rent forward in life.