Minnesota Renter Tips For Renting In MN

Unlawful Detainer In Minnesota , Eviction & UD Tips For Renters

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:00:29 +0000

If you are a renter, hopefully you’ll never be involved in an Unlawful Detainer or as most people know it, an eviction. This is the last resort that a landlord has to legally remove you from the property for failure to meet the terms of the lease. Usually this is brought about by paying rent late or not paying rent at all. Much like a bankruptcy, an Unlawful Detainer or UD is something that you NEVER want to have on your record.

What Is An Unlawful Detainer? This is a legal term for eviction, a landlord cannot legally remove you from the property without filing an unlawful detainer to regain possession of the property. When you sign a lease with a landlord, you agree to take possession of the property based on the conditions of the lease. If you do not meet the conditions of the lease, usually by paying rent late or not at all the unlawful detainer legally gives possession of the property back to the landlord. So without the UD or Eviction, the landlord even while owning the property cannot legally remove you from it.

Why Is An Unlawful Detainer or UD Bad For My Record? In short, the unlawful detainer is a judgment against you and goes on your public record. This record is legally available to anyone who has a need to see it. This can include creditors, other landlords or even your employer. An unlawful detainer reflects badly upon you so anyone needing to make a judgment about you such as an employer, landlord or creditor will see this as a negative aspect.

** Disclaimer, this is not legal advice and I am not an attorney. If you find yourself being evicted or if you are a landlord evicting a tenant in Minnesota you should consult an attorney. **
Is A UD Worse Than A Bankruptcy? In my opinion yes, an eviction on your record is worse than a bankruptcy. Chances are if you have a bankruptcy and bad credit you can get someone to rent you a house or apartment. If you have a Unlawful Detainer on your record most landlords will not rent to you and if you have bad credit you won’t be able to buy a home so your housing options become very limited and difficult with a UD on your record.
I Can’t Pay My Rent, How Can I Avoid Eviction? In short, talk to your landlord and move as soon as possible. If you cannot pay your rent you’ve broken your lease and are no longer entitled to possess the property. Moving cures this breach preventing the eviction. With no eviction on your record you should easily be able to find another landlord to rent to you. The key is to avoid the unlawful detainer so moving or paying your rent is the best way to avoid living with a UD on your record.

Renting With Bad or Negative Credit ,Tips For Renters

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:56:32 +0000

When renting out a house I came across many renters who told me up front that they had bad credit. This does not necessarily disqualify you from renting a house but keep in mind just telling the landlord you have bad credit will not give them enough information to tell you whether this is a problem or not. There are all types of bad credit and depending on the landlord they may rent to one type and not another. This is why rental policies regarding screening are fairly general. Most state that a landlord can deny a rental application for “negative credit information”. This gives the landlord broad discretion when considering your bad credit. Here are a few types of bad credit and my personal opinion. This may help you if you can match your situation to one of these types. The more upfront about the type of bad credit you have, the more likely you are to be approved or at least you won’t waste your time or the landlords if they can tell you upfront whether that might be a problem.

1: Late payments and collections on unsecured debt. This is when I see 30/60/90 days late on things like credit cards, student loans and things that are not held by property like a vehicle or mortgage. This is fairly common and while it doesn’t speak well of you, as a landlord if you have a good rental history I’m not as concerned when I see these. What I do however look at is how much has been written off, how much is outstanding and what are your currently monthly payments. As a landlord I’m concerned with whether anything can interfere with your ability to pay rent. So I’m more looking at whether your wages could be garnished in the future or your car taken away than I am at a record of paying credit cards late. That said, if a past landlord reports you were late with rent, that would be an automatic denial as its shows that no one is getting paid on time.

2: Bankruptcy with old discharged debt. This I actually do like if a good rental history is found. As a landlord I’m not concerned with unpaid debt if that debt is discharged. If I can prove a person has paid rent on time, has a good reference and active employment that can be verified. Credit card debt relieved via a bankruptcy is a bonus to me. Not that I go looking for this but it allow me the freedom to look at the person, and most importantly their past rental history.

3: Late payments with alot of outstanding debt. This is the worst in my opinion. Not only are these candidates late on payments with credit cards, car loans and mortgages. These folks carry debt owed that could seriously interfere with their ability to pay the rent. Many times these renters have multiple jobs and are making it work on a wing and a prayer. Should they lose a job or have wages taken through garnishment then their ability to pay rent is at jeopardy.

To ensure you stand out among the competition try the following tips:
Improve Your Credit – Landlords see all kinds of bad credit. Make your credit as good as it can be, get a free credit report and review it for inaccuracies or things that are easy to pay off or settle. There are so many minor debts and collections that could be paid off with less than $200.
Be ready to apply at the showing. – If you like the house apply on the spot and be prepared to provide photocopies of your drivers licenses.
Leave a deposit. – If you are applying to rent a house, consider offering a deposit to hold the property to show the landlord you mean business. Make sure the deposit is refundable should you be denied but allow the landlord to keep the deposit towards your first months rent if approved.
Be ready to pay the rent + deposit immediately. – Many candidates want to negotiate the deposit. If you have bad credit it’s to your advantage to be prepared to pay the full deposit and even the last months rent if you can manage it.

Minnesota Housing Competition Among Renters

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:52:34 +0000

While showing a house I had for rent in Coon Rapids Minnesota, I noticed that there was more competition for a rental house than I had expected. I attribute this to the following factors. I’ll also try and point out what might help you get a leg up on the competition should you be in the market for a house to rent in Minnesota. Here is your competition.
1: House Renters With Landlords In Foreclosure: I had many prospective renters visit my house who were happily renting a house but learned that their landlord had not paid the mortgage. The house they were renting was now in foreclosure and they were given notice they must leave. Sometimes these folks had just weeks to find a new house to rent.
2: Homeowners Performing A Short Sale: These folks are trying to sell their home for less than it’s worth and less than they owe. They are hoping the bank will forgive the difference and avoid foreclosure. Being previous homeowners those performing a short sale want to live in another house not an apartment so they are actively looking for a house to rent.
3: Apartment Renters Looking For A House To Rent: Many who rent an apartment have previously rented or owned a home and want to return. Many times these are your toughest competition as they have a strong rental history and know the rental process.
4: House Renters Who Want To Move: These folks already rent a house and want to move. They may not have a landlord in foreclosure but may want to move for many other reasons. Better rental house, better neighborhood etc. A strong rental history will make these tenants strong competition depending on their credit.
To ensure you stand out among the competition try the following tips:
Improve Your Credit – Landlords see all kinds of bad credit. Make your credit as good as it can be, get a free credit report and review it for inaccuracies or things that are easy to pay off or settle.
Be ready to apply at the showing. – If you like the house apply on the spot and be prepared to provide photocopies of your drivers licenses.
Leave a deposit. – If you are applying to rent a house, consider offering a deposit to hold the property to show the landlord you mean business. Make sure the deposit is refundable should you be denied but allow the landlord to keep the deposit towards your first months rent if approved.

Minnesota Renter Eviction Tips For The Landlord

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:49:42 +0000

Every Minnesota landlord will have problems in evicting their tenants. Here are some simple tips on evictions in Minnesota. The possible reasons for eviction of a tenant are when the tenants stopped paying the rent and are behind in their rent. The landlord must understand the language in the lease agreement. The reasons could also be disturbing the neighbors, or causing damage to the house or apartment. The eviction must be supported by a good documentation of the facts of removing the tenant. It must be properly communicated to the tenants. Make sure the details are written whenever any violation occurs and keep them posted about the violation details. Appoint Minnesota attorneys to take care of the legal problems. The fee can be paid for the attorneys by collecting a fine on the delayed payment of rent.

There are many rules to be followed when eviction is done legally in Minnesota. Be prepared before you go to court. You may have to wait inside the court to have your case called. If you have not provided proper documents, you may have your case thrown out.

Minnesota Renters Insurance

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:52:03 +0000

Today’s Minnesota renters are exposed to nature’s disaster at an alarming rate. Not owning a home or apartment doesn’t matter, Minnesota Renter’s Insurance is important for many reasons. Typically, Minnesota Renter’s Insurance will provide coverage for your personal property as well as liability coverage to protect you if you cause either bodily injury or property damage to another party.

Once decided to go for insurance coverage, getting a quote for Minnesota Renter’s Insurance is the most important thing. Before contacting an insurance company In Minnesota for a quote, you should be ready with the following information.

Minnesota Renters Insurance
1.    It includes your name, phone number, the property address, value of the property, who lives there, the duration of occupation, prior addresses and employment history.
2.    Prior Minnesota insurance claim history. If you have had prior claims under a renters or homeowners policy, you will be asked to provide details. They may ask for the date, type of loss and extent of damages.
3.    Obtaining the kind of insurance coverage, you wish to obtain is a tough one to calculate. While obtaining your quote, discuss with the insurance professional how much insurance they think you will need. Before moving onto that step, you should do an assessment on what you think it would cost to replace all of the property in your home if, in a worst-case scenario, the home were to burn to the ground.
Include any special items that you wish to make sure are fully covered. Insurance policies have written in limits for some high price articles, such as jewelry and some collectibles.

Minnesota Rental Assistance Programs

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:49:38 +0000

Minnesota housing multifamily Rental Assistance offers 3 programs for eligible individuals and families.
Minnesota Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance
The Minnesota Legislature established the Housing trust fund in 1988 as Minnesota Rental Assistance to help the low income persons and families. The revenue for the Minnesota trust is from the interest earnings on real estate broker’s trust accounts, interest on revenue bond application fees and forfeited fees and MN state appropriated funds. Now eligible activities are expanded to include Minnesota rental assistance and housing operating support.
For Minnesota rental assistance funding, there are three options: tenant-based, sponsor-based, and project-based rental assistance. Housing Trust Fund Minnesota rental assistance is intended to be temporary in nature

Bridges Program Information
Minnesota Housing’s Ending Long Term Homeless Initiative Fund had funded for the Bridges program to meet the program requirements. The DHS and Minnesota Housing administer the Bridges program where they provide a rental subsidiary for public with serious mental illness who may or may not be a long term homeless.

Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program was authorized by Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. HOPWA funds are for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Persons are funded for their rehabilitation, conversion, lease and repair of facilities, short term rent, mortgage ad more services.

Find Minnesota Section 8 Housing On Craigslist

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:43:11 +0000

If you have a Minnesota Section 8 voucher your next task is to find a place to rent that will accept MN Section 8 as payment for rent. This is not always easy. Apartments and houses for rent must be approved for Section 8 and willing to accept the Minnesota vouchers as payment for rent. So how best to find Minnesota Section 8 housing? I start on the MN Craigslist page at http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/apa/ and rather than do a general search for a house or apartment by specifying bedrooms, I use the keyword search function that Craigslist provides. In the Search For field type Section 8 and hit the Search button. You can narrow down your search by typing Section 8 and the name of a city where you want to rent a house or apartment. For example when I type Section 8 Brooklyn Park or Maple Grove I save a bunch of time because I only see results that include the words Section 8 and those city names in the actual advertisement. You can then further narrow the search by choosing the minimum and maximum rent amounts or number of bedrooms you will need. When you finally call on the rental be sure to ask if they accept Section 8. This can save you and the landlord alot of time in case for some reason they are not able to accept Section 8 vouchers. You should also review the ad in your search results to see if the reason for the keywords appearing in the ad is because they have specified that they cannot take Section 8 vouchers. Sometimes I see the phrase “Not Section 8 Approved” to indicate that rental house or apartment does not accept or is not certified to accept vouchers as payment for rent. Sometimes finding a place that takes this form of payment can be a challenge but using smart searches in the Minnesota Craigslist can put you at an advantage to find premium housing.

Housing For Rent On Craigslist MN Finding A House To Rent

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:59:49 +0000

The Minneapolis / Saint Paul housing for rent section on Craigslist can be found at http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/apa you’ll find both House Rental and Townhouse and Apartment Rental ads on this MN Craigslist page. The nicest part about the Craigslist search form is the ability to specify the rent that you want to pay. You can enter a minimum and maximum rent and see a list of any type of house or apartment that fits your budget. The problem is that you can’t easily search for just a house for rent or just an apartment for rent on the Minnesota Craigslist. However you can narrow the search by selecting anything over 3 bedrooms for a house for rent. For an apartment for rent you can narrow the search by typing a keyword like apartment or apt. Searches that have 1br or 2br in as a keyword or selecting a lower number of bedrooms will also provide lots of MN apartment rental results. Some rental apartments and houses will not accept pets. Lucky for those using Craigslist to search they can simply select the checkbox in the cats or dogs box and receive a list of rental results that are pet friendly Minnesota rentals. If you are looking for Minnesota rentals on Craigslist sites outside of the Twin Cities like Duluth or Mankato, brainerd or Rochester then check out the Minnesota Craigslist page that lists all the large cities at http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/mn . Then jump into the apts/housing section and you’ll find a narrowed search for rentals in those cities. If you are not finding what you want at the MN Craigslist you can use some other alternatives.

Another twist on this is a site called Housingmaps. You can find Housing Maps at http://www.housingmaps.com the unique thing about housing maps is that they take the Craigslist Rental section and combine it with Google Maps to make it easy to spot rentals on a Minneapolis and Minnesota map. You simply set your rent price range and icons appear on a Minnesota Map representing house rental ads on Craigslist.