The Buffalo Don’t Borrow Trouble Project – 1-866-375-0408 or 854-7625. Call for advice on borrowing money, preventing foreclosure, and credit card debt.
Buffalo Fair Housing Office – 716-851-4212 Legal Aid Bureau – 716-853-9555
The Western New York Independent Living Project, Inc. (ILP) – 716-836-0822. This is a family of agencies operated by and for people with disabilities. Core services include: Benefits Advisement, Advocacy (Individual and Systems Advocacy, however NOT Legal Advocacy), Information and Referral (Disability laws, codes; Instructional videos;
reference material; etc.) Peer Counseling, and Independent Living Skills Training. – Call 716-836-0822 for more information.
National Accessible Apartment Clearinghouse – 800-421-1221 – This agency provides information about handicapped accessible apartments throughout the United States. Apartment Finder guide -- 800-822-4300
██ RENTER’S GUIDE
1The following tips for renters were supplied by the Independent Living Center. You will find this comprehensive list to be very useful in helping you find the apartment that suits your individual needs.
Before you begin your search, ask yourself these questions:
Ø How much can I afford for rent and utilities, and still have money for food and necessities? A government guideline is 25% to 40% of net income toward rent. Ø Do I want to live alone, or with someone? Who?
Ø Do I want to live in an apartment building, complex, duplex, or individual house? Ø How many rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms do I need? Do I have many belongings? Begin your search by looking in all available resources. Most of the agencies in this directory can help you locate safe, affordable housing. In addition, you may check the following resources:
Ø Buffalo News
Ø Metro Community News
Ø Apartment Spotlight or Renters’ Guides – available in area supermarkets, in the free paper section.
Ø Walk or drive through the area, looking for “FOR RENT” signs.
Ø Check area Community Centers, Houses of Worship, Senior Centers and places of gathering.
Ø Ask the leader or staff if they know of any apartments. Ø Ask if they have a newsletter or pamphlet you may have.
Ø Ask if you can put an advertisement in the newsletter or on the bulletin board. If “yes,” do it.
Ø Check bulletin boards.
Ø Stores, restaurants and laundromats often have bulletin boards; check those. Ask the manager if you can post a notice that you are looking for an apartment. If “yes,” do it. Ø Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers if they know of any apartments in the area. Even
if they don’t live there, they might have friends or relatives who do, or know of vacancies.
When you find an apartment:
Ø Call for availability, if it’s been rented, or if there is a waiting list. Ø If it’s available, make an appointment to see it. KEEP the appointment. Ø How much is the rent? Does it include utilities? When is rent due?
Ø Are rental subsidies available? What are the qualifications? How do you apply? Is there a waiting list?
Ø If you pay utilities, ask for a billing history. You have the right to see a billing history. Ø Is a security deposit required? If so, how much? Is it to be paid with the first month’s
Ø What are the conditions for return of the security deposit? How long will it take? Did the previous tenant(s) get the security deposit back? If not, why not?
Ø Is a lease required?
Ø Do I know anybody who lives in this complex or has this landlord? If so, ask them about the landlord. Are repairs completed in a timely fashion? Is yard work attended to? Is the landlord or a representative available when needed? Is there anything else they can tell you to help you make a more informed decision?
Before you leave for the appointment: Ø Things to take with you
Ø Name, address, phone number, time and date of meeting, and directions. Ø Paper and pen for taking notes.
Ø Flashlight to look into cupboards, under sinks, and into storage areas, and other dimly-lit spaces.
Ø Hair dryer, lamp or other small appliance to make sure electrical outlets work. Ø A friend… for a second opinion. Especially helpful if your friend is apartment
savvy.
Ø Just to be safe, always leave information on where you are going with another friend or relative.
When you get there:
Ø Check if stairs (outer & inner) are well lit and in good condition? Do all have railings? Ø Is the building secure? Are there dead bolt locks on common doors? Do locks work
properly?
Ø Is the apartment secure? Are dead bolts installed on apartment doors? Do they function properly?
Ø Are locks changed between tenants?
Ø Do windows have guards? They are required on all common windows above the 1st
floor and in all apartments with children under 10. This also restricts unlawful entry. Ø Are there smoke detectors? Are they outside all bedrooms? Are they on every floor of a
multi-level house? The landlord is responsible to provide them. Ø Is there a fire exit? Is there a second floor fire exit?
Ø How are emergencies and maintenance handled? Should you contact the landlord, the maintenance person or someone else?
Ø Are there signs of bugs? Are there signs of mice or rats? Use your flashlight to look under sinks, in closets, in basement, attic and storage areas.
Ø What is the heating system? (gas, electric, radiators, oil or fireplace) Is it in good working order? Turn it on, even if it is out of season, to see if it works.
Ø Are there circuit breakers or fuses? Where are they located? Ask to see them. Ø Are there separate meters for each apartment? Ask to see all meters.
Ø Who controls the thermostat? Where is it located? Does it work? Turn it on to see if it works.
Ø Is there an air conditioner or central air? Is it in good working order? Turn it on, even if it is out of season, to see if it works.
Ø Does the landlord arrange for cleaning of outside windows? This is important on upper floors.
Ø Is a good bus route conveniently located? Walk to it. Can you walk there every day? Can you carry groceries that distance, every week?
Ø Is there a place to park your car? Is there a garage? Off street parking? How many parking spots are there? Are they assigned, or on a first-come basis? Is there a spot for you to park today? Can you carry groceries that distance, every week?
Ø Do you have use of the yard? This is important if moving into multi-unit houses, (duplex or similar) especially if landlord lives on-site.
Ø Are pets allowed in apartment? Are pets allowed in the yard? Ø Are waterbeds allowed? This is important if you have one. Ø Is smoking allowed?
Ø Where is trash pick-up? Is trash pickup free, or is there a charge? If so, what is the fee? Ø Is there on-site laundry? Is it free or coin-operated? Are there laundry hookups? Ask to
see them.
Ø Who is responsible for grounds maintenance? (mowing, raking, shoveling, and ice/snow removal)
Ø Am I close to the places important to me:
Stores Clinic School Family
Job Doctor Pharmacy Friends
Restaurant Laundromat Recreation Day treatment
Church Volunteer work ___________ _____________
Check each room separately:
Ø Are windows cracked or broken? Are they clean?
Ø Are storms and screens provided for all windows? Is there a storm door? Ø Can windows be opened and closed easily? Try them all.
Ø Are there drafts around any window or door frames?
Ø Is the floor or carpet clean and well maintained? Is it stained, marred or gouged? Ø Check floor, ceiling and wall tiles. Are they loose or missing? Are floor, ceiling, and
walls clean?
Ø Is any paint or plaster cracked or peeling? Check walls and ceiling. Are walls and ceiling clean?
Ø Are there any water stains indicating previous water damage on floor, walls or ceiling? Ø Are there enough electrical outlets in every room--at least two or three per room? Are
they conveniently located? Are there any burn marks or discolorations near outlets? This may indicate past fire damage.
Ø Do all switches and outlets work? Check each one. Bring a small appliance to check outlets, both top and bottom plugs. A hairdryer is a good choice.
Ø Is there overhead lighting? Turn on every switch. If you can’t see what it controls, ask. Ø Is there enough room for all your furniture and other belongings?
Ø Are telephone jacks installed? Are they in good locations? The landlord is NOT responsible for this.
Ø Is there cable hookup? If so, is it in all the rooms you want? If not, will the landlord let you have cable hookups installed? The landlord is NOT required to let you have cable installed.
Things to check in different rooms: Bedroom:
Ø Will your bed and dresser fit comfortably in this room? Will all other furniture you currently have in the bedroom fit? Include nightstands, desk, chair, exercise equipment, chest, and all other items.
Ø Is there enough closet space? Living areas:
Ø Will everything you currently have in your living room fit in the new place? Ø Is there a dining room? Will your furniture fit?
Kitchen:
Ø Will your kitchen table fit? Are there enough cupboards? Will your appliances and dishes fit?
Ø What appliances are provided? Are they in good working order? Are they included in the rent quoted, or is that an extra charge? If so, how much?
Ø If there is a stove, light each burner and light the oven. Do all work?
Ø If there is a refrigerator, open it. Is it cold? Does it smell? Is there ice buildup in the freezer?
Ø Who is responsible for repair and maintenance on appliances?
Ø Turn on the cold water. Turn on the hot water. Are both running clean and clear? Is the water pressure good? How long does it take for the water to get hot? Does it drain properly?
Ø Where are the water and gas shut-offs? In kitchen or basement? Ask to see them. Bathroom:
Ø Is the toilet clean? Does it leak? Does it flush properly? Flush it.
Ø Turn water on in sink and tub (or shower)--first cold, then hot. Are all running clean and clear? Is the water pressure good? Is pressure still good when you turn on more than one faucet? Is pressure good when you flush? How long does it take for water to get hot? Does the water drain properly?
Ø Where are water shut-offs? Ask to see them.
Other rooms:
Ø Is storage space provided? Where? Is it locked and secure? Is it large enough for your belongings? Is it safe from water damage? Water is a major concern in attic, basement, garage, and outside shed.
Ø Do you want or need any other storage space? Ø Are there any other things important to you? Finally:
Ø If you like the apartment, take a walk around the neighborhood. Is it where you want to live?