Talking upfront, face-to-face is an effective way of dealing with the issue. Maintain a friendly tone and a calm body composure. Tell your neighbor that his loud and noisy lifestyle is disrupting your peace of mind. Make the best possible use of all your communication skills to put across your message in an effective but dignified manner. Your different approach and behavior could perhaps make a difference and help your neighbor realize the difficult situation you are in. However, if the problem persists and your neighbor continues with his noisy ways, try talking to him again. If you can’t personally contact him because he works in night shifts or due to any other reason, then you could try writing a note to him.

If talking to your neighbor does not yield positive results, the next obvious step would be to approach your landlord. However, this may not be as easy as it may sound. Not all landlords are easy to find, especially when you need them. When you finally manage to find the landlord, request him to speak to your neighbor about the noise pollution he is creating in the neighborhood. Also, inform the landlord that you have already spoken to your neighbor but things have not worked out in your favor. The landlord talking over the issue with your neighbor could probably bring about a refreshing change in the situation since he can exercise authority and power.

But if everything fails and all efforts go in vain, then you will just have to try focusing your mind on work. Divert your attention by turning on the TV or listening to music. Try counterbalancing or stifling the annoying noises by switching on a fan. You can also suggest to your landlord that he install carpeting or some kind of insulating material between the floors which will help to muffle the noises. Another very far-fetched but effective idea would be install carpet to the ceiling of your Atlanta apartment but be sure to check with your landlord first. But before all this, try wearing earplugs or even noise reduction earphones. You can also try remodeling your Atlanta apartment with some economical and easy soundproofing materials, with your landlord’s prior permission.

Acoustic mats and curtains are simple yet very effective solutions to reducing noise levels in your Atlanta apartment. These mats can be placed under carpets or wooden floorings and some can even be installed in walls. Acoustic materials are great help in reducing the transfer of sound. Sound can also transfer through small openings like light switches and other electrical outlets in the wall. You can try providing insulation behind them and even caulking the electrical boxes in order to prevent sound leakages. You can eliminate a great deal of noise by simply sealing any small openings there may be in the walls of your Atlanta apartment. However, keep all these strategies as a last resort. Use them only if talking with the neighbor does not prove to be of any use.

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Residing on the top floor of an Atlanta apartment also helps to significantly reduce the levels of noise pollution that come from across the busy streets of your city. The higher your Atlanta apartment is, the lesser chances there are of being disturbed by traffic and other noises. Your Atlanta apartment on the top floor naturally helps to make for a quieter and calmer environment. Besides this, it is also a less vulnerable target for crime. Atlanta apartments on top floors comparatively face lesser degree of risk of break-ins and robberies. Yet another positive aspect of an Atlanta apartment on the top floor is that it provides a great workout and helps you to stay in shape by helping you to burn calories, every time you use the stairs.

Loft Atlanta apartments, with high ceilings and large windows are also very popular as top floor options, since they have a lot more, abundant space in comparison to the Atlanta apartments on the lower levels. The architecture of a loft Atlanta apartment is designed along very simple lines, making it easy to place furniture where you like and the open floor plan allows for ample space to move about. Loft Atlanta apartments also allow you to incorporate an eclectic interior style for decorating. Atlanta apartments on the top floor enable you to live the city life without having to compromise your breathing space. However, be sure to check the roof of your hi-rise Atlanta apartment for any leakages in the ceiling.

Living in an Atlanta apartment is not a piece of cake. You have to endure noisy neighbors, screaming children, traffic noises, loud music, slamming doors, foot stampings and the list continues. So, for all those Atlanta apartment dwellers, who are fed up of trying to resolve issues with their neighbors amicably, can think of moving into an Atlanta apartment on the top floor. But be sure to check out at what angle the sun shines through your window and avoid living in an Atlanta apartment which is just next to an elevator, as it will only add to the noise pollution. The location and the number of heating and air-conditioning vents in the hallway also affect the temperature significantly. Hence, utility bills on the top floor Atlanta apartments are usually higher than those at the lower levels.

While, in winter season, you can save on heating charges, since you get the warmth from the Atlanta apartments below, during the scorching summers, you may have to switch the AC after all. Another downside of living on the top floor is the grocery or any other belongings that you may have to haul upstairs. If you have decided to live on the top floor, opt for an Atlanta apartment that is next to the staircase. This way you will have no neighbor on that side and neither will there be any neighbors above you. And if you are renting a 2 bedroom Atlanta apartment, ensure that at least one bedroom is self-contained. In short, the advantages of living on the top certainly outweigh the disadvantages and are definitely worth a try.

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Another reason for the build up of clutter is the sentimental value that we attach to things and gifts. If you do not feel like giving away items that are near and dear to you, then it would be better to store them in a trunk or a box. This way you will be able to clear up easily and keep your Atlanta apartment clutter free. Many a times, clutter may also accumulate as a result of unnecessary items of decoration. So, if you have any such stuff that you do not need but which only adds to the clutter in your Atlanta apartment, then do away with them. De-cluttering is essential if you want to create ample breathing and living space in your Atlanta apartment.

With a few simple and easy tips, you cannot only reorganize your Atlanta apartment, but also at the same time manage clutter efficiently. Most of us keep postponing and keep coming up with various excuses to clean the clutter at a later date. The more we suspend the task, the lesser chances there are of the clutter ever being put away. All it will take is a few minutes and some efforts from your side and within no time you will have a clutter-free Atlanta apartment. Follow a proper line of symmetry to arrange your books, knick knacks and other items.

You cannot only create a balanced and harmonious environment in your Atlanta apartment but also re-energize it, if you learn to cope with the clutter problem effectively. This can be done easily by uniformly arranging your stuff and keeping only what you absolutely need. Learning to spot the mess and then fixing it appropriately within the shortest time possible will help you to take charge of the mess, before the situation gets out of control. Tidy whatever appears as unruly or rearrange so that it is aesthetically more appealing.

A major factor that contributes to the clutter in your Atlanta apartment is the careless and clumsiness on your part. Sloppy habits make the problem worse and only add to the mess in your living space. Very often, you may not even realize that adopting such a slapdash attitude may be the root cause of the clutter in your house. The keyword here is to get organized. Use storage solutions to neatly stock things or rearrange them to look more presentable. Arranging according to size or group according to color, gives a neater appearance.

Try to keep cable wires out of sight so that they don’t stare you in the face. Concealing them will instantaneously give a neater and cleaner appearance to your Atlanta apartment. When everything is back in its place, your Atlanta apartment will obviously look spick and span. Likewise, try to maintain equilibrium amongst other pieces of décor and the different aspects of your Atlanta apartment. The best way to a clutter free living is to cultivate the habit of picking up after you.

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First, be sure you read your lease thoroughly and understand what it says. It should give you instructions for how to report a malfunction in your Atlanta apartment and indicate a reasonable amount of time for repairs to be performed. When a problem develops in your residence, be sure to follow the guidelines you were given. Calling about a leaky faucet late at night or early Sunday morning will not make the landlord or maintenance people think fondly of you. On the other hand, if there is a serious or dangerous problem, if you smell gas or notice water running under the shower all over the bathroom floor, for example, use the emergency number you were given to contact authorities right away.

Documentation

When you follow accepted procedure for requesting maintenance, and still do not get any results, you need to start documenting your actions. Record the time and date of each call you make. If nothing happens, take a picture of the problem, if possible, and save it. You can photograph backed-up sinks, ants or other bugs in the kitchen, peeling paint, and other problems. Sometimes the use of a video camera can document banging pipes or a bathtub that takes hours to drain. Be sure you use the date stamp function on your digital camera or video recorder, and if the trouble persists, take a new picture every week to prove it. The more information you have on hand, the better your case will be.

While you are waiting for repairs, do not make the mistake of thinking that you should withhold your rent to compensate for the poor maintenance. That will only put you in violation of your part of the lease agreement and make it more difficult to get the action you need. If you have asked for repairs and waited for two weeks, you should send the landlord a letter stating exactly what the problem is. Tell him that you have been documenting your requests and that you expect prompt action to resolve the issue. Consult online sources to find out the laws regarding tenants’ rights in your state, and don’t be afraid to let the owner of your building know that you have been doing your homework. The knowledge that you are informed and willing to stand up for your rights will often galvanize a landlord to action.

Tenant’s Organization

If you live in a building with an active tenant’s organization, by all means, take your concerns to the board. You are likely to find a sympathetic audience there with a system in place for addressing your grievances. If there is no renter’s group, you might want to think about starting one. Talk to a few neighbors and see if others are experiencing problems similar to yours. If they seem to have an interest in doing something about their complaints, set up a time for a meeting, but if you get the idea they only want to sit around and grumble, don’t waste your time. Persistence and professionalism on your part will probably result in your problem being fixed, and if not, be ready to take your landlord to small claims court.

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Begin the Search

First you will need to narrow down the area that would be best for you to live in. Is it most important for you to live close to your work? Or would you rather have convenient access to parks, gyms, or nature trails? Use online resources and maps to help pinpoint one or two attractive parts of town that will fit your needs. Next, you need to find some rental properties in the area. Since most real estate web sites are searchable, they can be a big help for narrowing down your choices to the neighborhoods you have in mind. Take advantage of pictures of the properties you can see online as well as listed amenities. If a pool or on-site laundry is a must-have for you, you can limit your search to include only those complexes.

Using the Phone

After you have laid the groundwork, you are ready to pick up the phone. The first thing you need to ask a prospective landlord is if he has the type of unit you want, and if it is available for the date you need to move in. No matter what other information you learn through your phone call, it won’t help you if there is not a vacancy when you need it. If you have a pet you will also need to inquire about the policy regarding animals on the premises. This is probably a make-or-break situation if you have a furry friend in your family, so make it one of your first questions. You can also use the phone to find out the criteria the landlord uses to pick his renters. Do you have to earn 3 times the rent? Or have a perfect credit rating? Or provide references from a previous landlord? If any of these policies are set in stone and you don’t meet them, you will know not to waste any more time on the property.

If you get satisfactory answers on the first three items, go on to other matters. You can get a lot of valuable information from a manager if you ask him what people like about living there. The answer to that question may tell you whether it is a highly social community, if it is quiet and peaceful, or if there is a good playground, hiking trail or fitness center close by. You should also inquire whether most of the current tenants consist of families, students, young professionals, or a combination. If you have an idea who your prospective neighbors are, you can better predict whether their schedules and lifestyles will complement your own. Be sure to ask if there are any move-in specials going on and what the total cost will be for the unit you are interested in, including deposits and utilities.

If you are still interested in the place after all these questions, the final matter you should discuss over the phone would be setting up a time to see the Atlanta apartment. You will probably still have to visit the place to be sure it is where you want to live, but you will have saved yourself a lot of time and energy by using your phone in advance.

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The first thing you need to decide is, the duration for which you would be staying in the Atlanta apartment, as it will help you narrow down your search. One-year commitment is the least requirement in most of the leases; so in case you need it for a shorter duration, try month-to-month Atlanta apartments or a sublet.

Budget is the next most important factor to be considered. Make sure to create a reasonable budget and figure out the exact amount you are willing to spend on your Atlanta apartment every month. Try to be realistic about your affordability. According to real estate experts, you might have to face problems if you are planning to spend more than 25-30% of your income as rent. Although this can vary based on different income brackets, it has been advised to be realistic when you start budgeting extra Atlanta apartment expenses like air conditioning, heating and so on. In case you are not able to afford the Atlanta apartment based on your criteria, opt for Atlanta apartment sharing with a roommate. Living on a sharing basis can help you afford even a luxury Atlanta apartment.

Once the budget has been made, make a list of areas in the city where you would be able to afford an Atlanta apartment on rent. If you are relocating to a new city then you can contact an Atlanta apartment Finder or an Atlanta apartment Locator for more information. The size of rental unit you require can also help you narrow down your search. Decide whether you need a single bedroom Atlanta apartment, studio Atlanta apartment, furnished Atlanta apartment or a short-term rental. Make a list of features that you would be looking for in an Atlanta apartment such as pet policies that are acceptable to you, easy parking facility, security, and laundry facility, number of bedrooms or proximity to public transportation. If you have pets then you will have to find out properties that allow renting with pets. Be prepared to pay some extra money, as you will be asked for an additional security deposit just for keeping pets in the Atlanta apartment.

It is advisable to have a basic idea of the real estate market so that you get to know the changes taking place in the Atlanta apartment prices. Once everything has been decided you need to organize your daily schedule for paying visits to Atlanta apartments. Don’t forget to inspect the premises carefully based on various factors like excessive traffic noise, neighbors or any unsafe condition. If possible, pay a visit to the Atlanta apartment premises in the day and night as well in order to obtain a better understanding of the entire space where you would be staying in. After finalizing the Atlanta apartment of your choice, meet the rental agent with genuine documents related to your employment, credit report and so on, to seal the deal. In case you are planning to rent with bad credit, you will be requiring strong references from previous landlords, co-workers and friends. Don’t forget to pay close attention to every single detail related to the rental agreement before closing the deal. Read all the documents carefully to avoid any future problems.

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Pet owners need to understand the reasons landlords are often reluctant to allow pets in their buildings. When people do not pick up after their dogs or keep them quiet, it creates a major headache for the property manager. If renters move out of Atlanta apartments and leave ruined carpets and drapes behind, the owner stands to lose a lot financially. Be sure that you are willing to be a responsible and cooperative renter before deciding to move your pet into an Atlanta apartment, and be prepared to pay an extra deposit.

The Atlanta Apartment Search

The first consideration when finding a pet-friendly Atlanta apartment is to give yourself as much time as possible to look for a new place. Understand that the pool of available rental units is smaller if you want to bring a pet, and keep an eye out for possibilities well in advance. Use resources like your local Humane Society, dog groomer or veterinarian to find a rental. Sometimes landlords will contact these places when they have a vacancy without advertising to the general public, hoping that they will find a responsible pet owner. They are looking for someone that will not abuse the privilege of living with an animal. If you know of any property managers or real estate experts that are animal lovers themselves, see if they can give you some tips on where to look.

If you can show that you will follow the rules, and be considerate of others, you are more likely to be allowed to bring a pet to your new location. Ask for a letter of recommendation from a current landlord stating that your pet has not caused a problem, and bring it with you on your Atlanta apartment search. Be pro-active and bring notes from your vet, groomer or dog sitter which show that you take good care of your pet. Bring a certificate of completion from a dog obedience course. If you regularly take Buddy to a “doggie day care” so that he won’t be home alone for hours on end, bring a letter from the operators, or copies of cancelled checks to the facility, to prove that you are true to your word.

Atlanta Apartment Rental Options

You will probably not be able to persuade the manager of a large complex to change a “no pets allowed” policy. If he lets you have a pet, he will most likely be flooded with requests from other tenants to do likewise. Therefore, it makes the most sense to focus your search on places that allow at least some pets, such as “cats only” or “dogs less than 20 pounds.” In these situations you have a good chance of acquiring a lease even if your companion does not quite fit the guidelines

Your best option when looking for a new place to live with Rover or Princess may be to focus on small properties that are managed by the owners, themselves. That way you will be sure of speaking with the person who has the ultimate authority to make the decision. It should be much easier to convince a landlord that you will be responsible if he or she doesn’t have to worry about negative reactions from many other renters. Offer to let the owner meet your pet and address his concerns before he brings them up by assuring him that your animal is housebroken and quiet, and that you will always pick up after your pet.

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The best time to begin a negotiation is after you have been approved as a renter, and before you sign the lease. If your landlord already knows you have a strong credit history, or you have provided him with good references from your building owner in another city, he will be aware that you are likely to be a good tenant. A reliable renter is very valuable to a landlord, and he may give more consideration to your requests.

Know the Market

As a renter, try to gather information about the number of Atlanta apartments available in your area. You will be in a stronger negotiating position if you are armed with facts when you go to sign the lease. Scan the rental listings online or in the paper, to get a feel for the going rates for the kind of units you are interested in. It may be well worth your time to call several buildings comparable to the one you are interested in and ask their prices. Have an idea of what you want to accomplish before you go to the signing. You could request a lower deposit, a reduction in monthly payments, free utilities or cable payments, or an extension on the number of months you are signing for. Pick your battles and decide which things are make-or-break for you.

It is also smart to ask for a copy of the lease to read prior to the actual signing. If this isn’t possible, by all means take the time to read it thoroughly while the landlord waits. Ask plenty of questions about the rules. Doing so will ease your mind, and also give the manager the idea that you intend to live up to your end of the deal.

Be Prepared

Be sure to do a complete walk-through of your new place before you sign the lease. If you noticed any kind of damage to your unit, ask for a date in writing on the lease when it will be repaired. If you decide you are willing to live with some chipped paint or sticky doors for a slight reduction in your rent, let the landlord know. He may be glad to lower your fee by $20 to avoid the trouble of hiring plumbers or carpenters.

Be sure to remain calm and polite, even if your landlord gets defensive. Assure him that you trust him, but you are just the kind of person who likes to be cautious. Never give ultimatums such as…”I won’t sign the lease unless you do X,” without being prepared to follow through on them. An empty threat makes you look manipulative and weak.

If you are renewing a lease after establishing a good reputation as a reliable renter, you are in the strongest position of all. Your manager has every reason to want to keep you rather than go through the hassle of cleaning your place and advertising for new occupants. This is the perfect time to see if he will eliminate your charges for garbage or snow removal services. Or maybe you can get a better parking spot or free use of the building’s recreation room.

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Hot Weather Solutions

Experts estimate that 30 % of air conditioning costs arise from the heat of sunlight shining through poorly insulated glass. Windows that face the west are the biggest problem because the sun will beat down on them during the hottest part of the day. When your west-facing window looks out on a balcony or patio, you could place some potted plants outside to provide shade. Be sure to water them well, or the hot sun will make them wither and die. If plantings are not possible, ask your landlord about installing awnings.

When you have exhausted the options available from the outside, consider what you can do from inside your Atlanta apartment. White, room-darkening shades will bounce much of the heat and light from the sun back outside. You might also ask your property manager for permission to install window films that will reduce light and glare. At the very least, keep curtains or blinds closed during the day and open in the evenings to help your air conditioner to be as efficient as possible.

In an air conditioned Atlanta apartment, use fans to circulate the cool air to all the rooms, or consider leaving the doors closed to areas that you don’t use. You should feel as cool in a room when the air is moving and the temperature is set at 82, as you do in a 78 degree room with no fan. Be sure to turn the thermostat up to about 85 degrees whenever you are gone.

During Cold Weather

Most heat loss in residences occurs from leaks around windows and doors. Your landlord will most likely be happy to allow you to use vinyl weather stripping to alleviate the problem. If you get the adhesive-backed variety you can install it yourself with only a scissor to cut it to size. When that isn’t an option, fill long socks with rice or popcorn and place them on door and window sills. It may not be the most appealing interior design feature, but your Atlanta apartment will feel much cozier without chilly drafts.

During the winter, keep your shades or drapes closed at night to hold the heat in your Atlanta apartment, and turn your thermostat to about 60 when you are going to be gone. Be sure that fireplace flues are closed when you don’t have a fire, and only use the fan over your range when you are actually cooking.

Save on Water Bills

If you have an electric water heater in your Atlanta apartment, its cost of operation can often be more than $400 for a family for a year. Propane and natural gas heaters are cheaper but still represent a significant part of a family’s energy bill. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the water coming out of your hot tap. Water hotter than 120 degrees can pose a danger to small children and is not necessary for your appliances to function well. If the temperature is higher than that, adjust the heater accordingly. Using an insulating blanket on your water heater can provide a significant savings for a small investment. Both electric and gas heaters may be insulated, just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Asking for permission to attach low-flow faucets and shower heads will help you conserve, as well.

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Getting to know your landlord will help you to gain a better insight into what you can expect and how willing the landlord will be to negotiate the terms of the lease. For instance, if the Atlanta apartment belongs to a company that rents out numerous other Atlanta apartments as well, negotiating for a lower rent may be possible. However, if you are renting the upstairs of your landlord’s home, expecting a concession would be unlikely. Thus, by getting to know and understand your landlord closely, you will know what negotiations to make.

It is advisable to negotiate the terms of the lease prior to signing of the contact. By trying to negotiate it too early, you may lose out on the deal. So, choose the right moment wisely and bargain sensibly. Do not attempt to negotiate till you have been approved by the landlord. Although, many would think it is a good idea to negotiate well in advance, the downsides are that you may lose your bargaining edge this way. Hence, the best time to negotiate is just before you sign the lease.

Be sure to ask lots of questions to the landlord about the rules and regulations concerning the lease as well as the Atlanta apartment community. This indicates that you are a responsible citizen and a good tenant. This will also help the landlord to develop trust in you. Read your lease properly so that all your doubts and queries are cleared and if you are not satisfied, you can request the landlord to change these. You can support your negotiations with a good credit history and other references. Be sure to provide the landlord with valid reasons for the changes in the lease.

After you have successfully convinced the landlord to make the negotiations in the lease agreement, it is critically important that you get the changes in writing. They need to be essentially included in the original lease document, before you sign it. Likewise, applies to any other negotiations that you may have made for the Atlanta apartment. This will eliminate chances of any misunderstandings with the landlord in the future.

Before you rent an Atlanta apartment, you will be asked to pay for the security deposit. Usually, the security deposit is equal to a month’s rent, but there are no fixed rules for this. However there are a few things that you need to know before you pay the security deposit and sigh the lease. The landlord has the right to ask for a security deposit from the tenant, before he moves in.

The security deposit is paid in the interest of the landlord and protects him from running into loss, incase any tenant fails to repair the damage he causes in the Atlanta apartment or the community building. It also makes up for the loss of the landlord, if the tenant does not pay the rent or breaks the lease before time. In most cases, if no damage has been done, the landlord has to return the security deposit within 30 days of moving out or else the tenant has the right file a claim.

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