Monthly Archives: January 2009

Yesterday, we discussed the best way to deal with one of your roommates decides that they would like to move out and find a new apartment for rent. But what to do if you are the only one left? Will you decide to stay and rule the apartment with firm mind and just law, or [...]

So rather recently, it came to my attention that one of my dear friends and roommates would be moving out of our lovely 4 bedroom apartment and into a lovely studio apartment. The three remaining roommates were sad to see her go, but also needed to prepare for the transition. These tasks included: Finding a [...]

Last week, we discussed the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s annual report, which painted a grim picture of how the nation’s largest metro areas will fare in 2009. The report emphasizes the toll that the recession will take on citizens in large metropolitan areas and highlights the urban centers which will bear the brunt of the [...]

This past weekend, the United States Conference of Mayors convened for their 77th Winter Meeting. Though the meeting occurs annually, this year’s meeting was of particular importance, with the inauguration of President Obama only days away. From the meeting came a comprehensive report detailing the effect that the financial crisis has had on the nation’s [...]

Reis, Inc, a trusted provider of commercial and residential real estate analysis, last week reported that rents had declined for the first time in over 5 years. In the last quarter of 2008, asking rents fell .1 percent to $1,052 and effective rents fell .4 percent to $996. Renters across the nation have been unwilling [...]

Following a weekend of 60 degrees and above, the urgency with which we are putting up the final step in keeping your apartment warm this winter has somewhat dissipated. The probability that we take our own advice on this one is also yet to be determined, but for those renters in a colder climate, using [...]

Yesterday, we discussed an easy way to keep your apartment warm without cranking up the heat by using an insulating plastic film around windows. This is the best first step you can take to keep as much warmth inside your apartment without time consuming installations or risking irreparable damage. The difference is pretty substantial, especially [...]

For some unknown reason, the temperature inside of our apartment is actually colder than it is outside. This inversion is the source of much consternation among the roommates and I have noticed that this phenomenon is also present in some other San Francisco apartments. What option is left to the renter who seeks to fortify [...]