5 Steps to Take Before Moving Out of an Apartment
5 Steps to Take Before Moving Out of An Apartment Getting your rental deposit back upon leaving an apartment is not guaranteed — a fact that many first-time renters overlook. Though moving is a stressful process that can easily lead to forgetfulness, it is important to complete the following five steps in order to ensure that you do receive a full refund of your initial deposit. Deep Clean. Kitchen appliances and windows are the most important home fixtures to clean when leaving an apartment, as they are the easiest items to notice. That being said, you should also dedicate adequate time and money to deep-cleaning your carpets, bathrooms, and bedrooms if you hope to avoid financial consequences. Touch up the Paint Job. From nailing up small photos to repainting entire rooms, most renters cause “damage” to the original paint job at some point during their stay. This is why spackling, spot-painting, and/or returning the apartment to a standard “renters white” are all important components of move-out preparation. Gather All Your Things. You might think that leaving behind a few half-empty bottles of cleaning chemicals is as convenient for the new tenant as it is for you — but your landlord is unlikely to agree. Emptying your apartment entirely (even if it means throwing out a few potentially usable items), is smarter than risking fines for an incomplete move out. Find Every Last Copy of Your Keys. Failure to turn in all key copies could force your landlord to change the lock and key set. (Surprise, you will be the one footing the bill!) Document Everything and Know How the Law Protects You. Unfortunately, some landlords attempt to keep deposits unjustly — and this is why knowing your rights, documenting your move out process, and keeping the contact information of a good small claims firm on hand are all smart decisions. Visit Ace Small Claims online today for more...
Read MoreWhat to Do If Someone Owes You Money
If you or your business has made small loans, you expect those people to pay the loan back in a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen. Then, you have to figure out how to get your money so you’re not just giving it away. Here’s what to do when someone owes you money. 1. Call the Debtor Before you do anything else, contact the person about his or her debts. If you’ve sent invoices and reminders, then pick up the phone and ask about what’s going on before jumping to conclusions. Once you figure out the situation, decide the best course of action. 2. Offer a Debt Repayment Plan Hopefully, this person wants to pay you back as quickly as possible, but maybe is having a bit of trouble coming up with the money. Working with them to come up with a repayment plan can help ensure you get your money back and they don’t go into more debt trying to repay you. If you already had a plan in place, working to restructure it without involving lawyers can be helpful for both parties. 3. Send a Letter If this person still isn’t repaying their debts, it’s time to start getting serious about demanding the money. Send a letter with facts about the loan, payment agreements and dates. Outline your expectations about when the money will be repaid. If necessary, hire a lawyer or process server to write and deliver the collection letter. 4. Collect the Debt Unfortunately, you may need to take some drastic measures if you aren’t getting your money. Handing the debt over to a collection agency, going to small claims court, or even to civil court if it’s a large sum of money. Many times, just being contacted by a debt collector is enough to scare someone into making their payments. If you do have to go to court, try to also recoup your court...
Read MoreTips On The Minimum Amount For Small Claims Court
When it comes to small claims court, there is one question that is often asked by people. Many want to know what is the minimum amount of money you can sue someone for. Others also want to know whether or not it is often worth it. Small claims courts dollar limits vary from state to state. For the most part, there is no minimum you can sue someone for. The limit for the 50 states is usually up to 10,000. Only a few states allow for more than that. Still, the limit on those states only goes up as high as $15,000. As far as the minimum amount you can actually sue someone for, there is no limit. Legally, you can sue someone for any amount in court. The only criteria which has to be met, is that there is a valid cause of action. This refers to issues such as an unpaid debt. If you lent someone $150, and they never paid you back, you can legally sue them and take them to small claims court. The problem is not always the minimum amount though. Instead, it is whether or not it will be worth suing someone for it. In most cases, there is generally a $25 to $35 filing fee, depending on the state and court. In addition, there is also the time it will take to go to court, file the documents and so on. And, winning your case is not always guaranteed. That raises the question of whether or not it’s worth it in some situations. As with every case, each one is different. The same goes for people and situations. No matter which one you may fall under, there is the option that you have before you. Each person has a legal right to sue and file their small claims court case. That is your right, regardless of the amount or situation. Whether you choose to file a small claims court case or not, you can do so if you wish. Ultimately, that is the best part about being able to go to small claims...
Read MoreMistakes to Avoid When Going to Small Claims Court
Small claims court is a great option if someone owes you a smaller sum of money and you don’t want to deal with a full blown trial. However, there are a few things to know about small claims court. Here are mistakes to avoid. Not Checking State Rules Each state has different rules when it comes to small claims courts. Some allow lawyers, while others allow legal counsel, but not representation. They also all have different limits for how much money can be claimed. Rushing to Court Because most claims in small claims court are for small amounts of money and are between parties who know each other. A lot of time and effort can be saved by talking it out in person before going to small claims court. An out of court mediation is another great option, and is required by some states before proceeding to claims court. Not Preparing Just because it’s a small claims court doesn’t mean it’s not a legitimate court. You need to prepare your case in advance. Gather all the information and proof you need well in advance and share it with your lawyers. Know what you’re claiming and what arguments you’re going to make. Practice your presentation a few times, preferably with the help of a lawyer. Not Seeking Legal Help While some states don’t allow lawyers to present your case in small claims courts, almost all of them at least allow legal counsel. If you are going to court, seek professional help from a lawyer who can help you organize and prepare your case. They’ll know the laws and the best things to say and present. They will also be able to identify the strong and weak points in your case and help you adjust...
Read MoreTips to Win in Small Claims Court
Small claims and discrepancies can be very damaging to any small business. These small businesses are usually reliant on their strict budgets and any dispute in payment can be detrimental to the overall operation. There is good reason to take your dispute to a small claims court where you can fight for what you are owed. Despite being for “small” disputes, these courts are one of the busiest places in the justice system. There are many cases everyday and only so much time allotted for every individual case. You do not want to present your case in a disorganized or surprised manner. Here are some tips for success in a small claims court. Be realistic. Typically, small claims courts are about monetary disputes that total less than $10,000. There is almost no chance that you will be awarded greater than that amount. When evaluating if your case is meant for a small claims court, consider what you are seeking. Courts will not waste their time on a case that is not appropriate for them. Plan out the end result. Consider what you will do if you win your case. Will the other party pay? Do they even have enough to pay? There is no point in winning a case if you will not be able to collect the money. Prepare carefully. These small courts take their processes very seriously. Time is limited for them. As a result, incorrect paperwork could put your case at a disadvantage. Some courts may not even hear your case until all paperwork is correctly completed and filed. In addition, make sure you are punctual to your court appearance. Thick skin and persistence. Court cases will take time. It might seem like your efforts are not worth it. However, keep in mind that the legal system is set up to resolve disputes fairly. If your intuition is correct, then you have no reason to give up on a pending case. At Ace Small Claims, we will assist you in navigating through small claims court. Please do not hesitate to contact us or to visit our website for any questions or...
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