Blog Posts

Green Cleaning

Got a stinky gym bag? Living room need some refreshing? Already have some essential oils lying around? Perfect! Below are 3 recipes for all natural, green, odor busters that are sure to freshen up any fabric or air space. Even if you don't already have these ingredients in your cabinet, we highly recommend purchasing them, as they can be used for multiple purposes. Essential oils have also been found to benefit the mind and body; i.e. relieving headaches, helping you fall asleep, sinus relief, curbing appetite, etc.). But first: get that apartment CLEAN! LEMON + CLOVE AIR FRESHENER SPRAY Perfect for any time a room needs a little freshening up. The lemon and clove is great warm scent for fall, but you can use your favorite essential oils too - get creative! 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup vodka (or rubbing alcohol) - vodka is odorless and evaporates quicker 5 drops lemon essential oil 5 drops clove essential oil spray bottle Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray 2-3 sprays in any room that needs a little freshening. LEMON + PEPPERMINT GARBAGE CAN FRESHENING TABLETS This concoction works great in the bottom of garbage cans and diaper pails. Place one or two anywhere a little odor absorption is necessary. Toss when odors aren't being absorbed any longer. 1/2cup baking soda 1/3 cup Epsom salt About 1/4 cup water 10 drops of your favorite essential oils Ice cube trays Combine the ingredients and make a dry paste and spoon a tablespoon at a time in each compartment. Don't fill to the top because the mixture will expand a bit. Allow to dry out completely overnight and/or in the sun. Once the tablets have hardened, carefully turn the tray over onto a clean surface. Place 1-2 in a garbage can - it should last at least 2 weeks. Store tablets in an airtight container for 3 months CITRUS + TEA TREE FABRIC SANITIZER SPRAY If you need to sanitize/freshen a pillow or a pair of shoes, this spray will become a new favorite. 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 2 drops citrus essential oil 4 drops tea trea (melaleuca) oil Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray on shoes and fabric to freshen - let dry completely before using. If you are concerned about water on fabric, test in an inconspicuous area first. Twin Ridge

Why A Betta Fish Is The Perfect Apartment Pet

A Betta Fish Can Be the Perfect Apartment Pet! You might have seen or even felt sorry for the brightly colored and elaborately-finned fish kept in small cups individually at the pet store. These beautiful fish, called Bettas or Siamese Fighting Fish, are popular pets and intelligent animals that can thrive in an apartment setting and make great company. If you've ever thought about getting a pet, but don't want to commit to taking it for walks every day or cleaning a litter box, consider a Betta fish. They're smart, require very little maintenance, and are relatively inexpensive to care for! Caring for Your Betta Fish in Your Apartment Contrary to what many people think, Bettas require space and stimulation and can't survive for very long in that plastic cup they came in from the pet store - or even in a small goldfish bowl. It's important to remember that these fish aren't just for decoration - they're living creatures that need your daily care, even if that care is minimal. Here are some facts you may not have known about caring for these fascinating fish: For every inch long your fish is, he will require one gallon of water. Most Bettas require at least a 2 to 3 gallon tank to be happy. Bettas do require a tank with a filter, air pump and thermometer. Bettas prefer a water temperature of around 72-82ºF and need clean and flowing water. Provide stimulating items for your fish to explore and hide in. Plants, rocks, and decorations are all good ideas to include. Just make sure you're choosing non-toxic items specifically for fish tanks! Bettas can't survive on regular fish food. Make sure you're buying food specifically formulated for Betta fish! Clean your Betta's tank regularly and use clean, filtered water. Many pet stores sell water purifier specifically for Betta fish. Bettas do not necessarily have to be kept alone! Females can be kept together, and males can be kept with other species of fish. Just remember the one inch of fish per gallon rule! While we know Baltimoreans love their dogs, we here at understand not everyone is a fan. Sometimes it's simpler and cleaner to adopt a fish instead. And don't worry, there won't be a pet rent associated with your Betta Fish!

The Benefits of EFT

As with most recurring payments, using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to take care of your monthly rent can make things convenient and simple. Think about it. All it takes is the one-time task of signing our form. But is it a good idea for everyone? Of course it is! Here's a look at the benefits of EFT. EFT can save you time Not only is it convenient, but it also can give you peace of mind that your bill is getting paid, all without you having to lift a finger. Plus, it can give you a few extra moments of free time since there's no need for stamps or pesky trips to the mailbox. There's no risk of forgetting your rent EFT ensures that your rent is always paid on time each and every month. A history of on-time payments may improve your credit score, but conversely, late and/or missing payments could really hurt your score. With EFT payments, there's nothing left to chance. Whether you're swamped with a big deadline for work or you're off on vacation, there's no risk of you forgetting to pay on time. Secure payments can give you peace of mind With EFT, you're paying from our secured Twin Ridge site designed for this type of activity and with the appropriate security to give you peace of mind. IT'S FREE! Some companies charge a fee to utilize automatic bill pay, but not us! By signing up for EFT, your rent will be taken automatically each month with no hidden fees! In summation, using automatic EFT could help protect your credit score, provide convenience and give you peace of mind without all the hassle of remembering to pay your rent. Just be sure to keep track of the dates and the amounts paid in order to stay on top of your finances.

Noise and Your Apartment

[caption id="attachment_21" align="alignnone" width="300"] Continuing with our Lease Agreement Series, this week's topic is "Noise." It happens, and sometimes it can't be helped. Sometimes neighbors are just being rude. Sometime there are certain noises that can't be helped. We understand, and we want to make your life easier. So what's reasonable? The lease agreement reads: NOISE and BEHAVIOR: You may not make, permit or facilitate any unseemly or disturbing noises or conduct by the Tenant, Tenant's family, employees, agents, guests and/or invitees; nor do, permit or facilitate any illegal, improper, objectionable, undesirable or immoral conduct or obstruct or interfere with the rights, comforts or convenience of other tenants or Landlord. Tenant will not permit to enter the Premises or to remain therein any person of bad or loose character or of improper behavior. Tenant further agrees not to conduct, give or permit vocal or instrumental instruction or practice. This basically states that you and your guests should keep quiet at all times. It also states that you and your guests won't participate in illegal conduct of any kind. While we most certainly agree with the latter, the former leaves much to the imagination. While nothing in the lease specifies types of noises, common courtesy should always be at the forefront of your mind. Since we can't cover all forms of noise, it's important you contact the leasing office to discuss the noise you're experiencing. Every complaint is handled with complete confidence, so you shouldn't resist a complaint for fear of being found out. We always address the issue with the resident without revealing the source. If you are the source of noise complaints, a noise violation letter will be issued. On the third notice, you may face eviction. Please be courteous of your neighbors and remember that you share a space with several other tenants who respect your privacy and comfort, and expect the same from you. Should you ever have questions or concerns, feel free to contact the leasing office!

Do I Really Need Renters Insurance

Do I really need Renter's Insurance? Many renters assume if you don't own it, you're not responsible for it. In the case of renting an apartment with WPM Real Estate (and hopefully any other real estate management company), you are required to carry Renter's Insurance for not just the apartment itself, but your belongings within the apartment. According to section 43 of your lease, as seen below, you need $100,000 in coverage if you were ever injured, your personal items were damaged, or the apartment is damaged from an incident not caused by the property's inner workings. We do not provide insurance coverage on your property located within the Premises. During the term of this Lease, and any renewal or extension of this Lease, you must, at your expense, maintain renter's form homeowner's insurance coverage on the Premises providing for personal liability (bodily injury and property damage) coverage with a limit of not less than $100,000.00 each occurrence and $5,000.00 in medical payments coverage; and further, providing coverage to keep your personal property on and in the Premises insured for your benefit against loss or damage resulting from broad form named perils on a replacement cost basis. You must provide us with a copy of a certificate of insurance for the policy required by this Section. If you fail to comply with the provisions of this Section 43 of this Lease Agreement, you must pay to us an additional $25.00 per month rent until you purchase and maintain the insurance coverage required by this Section. We will not purchase the insurance for you. Collection of this additional rent will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies which we may have as a result of your failure to comply with this Lease provision. You further agree that although you have signed this Lease and remain obligated to pay the rent specified in this Lease and comply with the other terms, covenants, rules and regulations in this Lease, we will not provide you with possession of the Premises until you provide us with a copy of the insurance policy or a certificate documenting that you have obtained the insurance coverage required by this Lease. You should have provided proof of Renter's Insurance before you picked up your keys. If you didn't, shame on your Leasing Consultant! Once the policy expires, say, after you've extended your lease for another year, we have the right to charge $25 each month that you neglect to provide a renewed policy. As with any type of insurance, you could pay for renters insurance year after year and never need it. While some renters see it as a waste of money, those who end up needing it say they are grateful they had it. Renters insurance doesn't just take care of your stuff. It protects residents from a few kinds of liability. For example, if someone trips and falls in your apartment, leading to expensive medical bills or even a lawsuit, your policy would provide you with coverage. It could also be a financial lifesaver. Say you left the stove on and caused a fire, any damage caused to the building would be your responsibility. So basically, yeah, you need it. Twin Ridge

What s Involved with Early Termination of Your Lease

Continuing with our Lease Agreement Series, this week's topic is Early Termination. Sometimes it can't be helped; your company has relocated you, or a family member has fallen ill. We understand, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible. That's why knowing the process of early termination is the first step in making the move-out process that much easier. So we're here to help! Your lease agreement reads: In the event you wish to terminate this Lease, or any renewal or extension of this Lease, prior to its expiration date, we agree to permit the early termination upon: (A) You giving to us two (2) calendar months prior written notice of your intent to terminate; and (B) You agreeing, in writing, to pay to us an amount equal to two (2) additional month's rent beyond the end of the month in which you elect to terminate this Lease (the "Lease Termination Fee"). This offer is contingent upon you being current in the monthly rental at the time you vacate, and with the Lease Termination Fee being paid prior to the termination date. But what does this mean? According to the statement above, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to move out early and break your lease (even if you just moved in, or just renewed your lease), here's what it's going to take: 1. written notice (which can be an email) two months before the day you plan to move out. So if your company is relocating you effective February 1st, we need written notice by December 1st. 2. you'll still be paying market rent (not your discounted rate, if you received one) for those remaining two months, PLUS pay two month's market rent after you move out. This is the fee required for breaking your lease, and all rent/fees are to be paid before moving out. Reading a document before signing it is a very important step of getting a new apartment, but here at 101 Ellwood we want to be completely transparent and leave no surprises. We're not here to scam you! If you ever have questions over your lease, please stop in the office or set up an appointment to discuss things. We want you to feel comfortable in your new home and trust that we have your best interests at heart. Twin Ridge