Flexible Maintenance Schedule Helps Tenant

QUESTION: A recent Rent Watch concerned the plight of a renter with long working hours. When she had repair problems, she wanted to be present while the maintenance person was in her unit. However, the maintenance person went home at 5, and the management asked the tenant to pay for overtime if she wanted repairs done later.

Why couldn’t the landlord arrange to have the maintenance person be on call until 7 p.m. one day a week? On that day, the maintenance person could start work later in the morning. What do you think?

ANSWER: Although there is no legal requirement to make such an adjustment, your suggestion is a good one to consider. However, a property owner would have to adhere to all local employment ordinances, state and federal labor regulations and trade union rules if applicable. Since many people work late into the evening, particularly in service industries (restaurants, hotels, etc.), this certainly looks like a workable solution.

In a Tight Market, Search Aggressively

Q: I was transferred to this area a couple of months ago. I now know that in this part of the state, the rental market is tight, but I am getting frustrated in applying for apartments and then getting turned down with no reason given.

A: In those areas where there is a tight rental housing market, finding an apartment is a project requiring time and perseverance. Be organized and serious so that you will stand out as an above-average applicant.

Read the ads in the small neighborhood newspapers as well as in the larger metropolitan dailies. Look for “For Rent” signs and develop a network of friends and business associates by informing them that you need housing. Let them know what your preferences are for neighborhoods, price range and so on. Post notes on electronic bulletin boards or at public places you frequent. Check the latest listings first thing every day and call early. If you have a cellular phone, leave that number and have the phone on while you are looking at other apartments.

Keep your credit in good standing and obtain a free copy of your credit report. Comment on or correct any errors and make sure that what you say in the rental application is consistent with what the landlord will see on the credit report.

Then, when you see a vacancy that is acceptable, apply immediately and be prepared to pay the first month of rent and the security deposit. When you apply, be sure you have all the information you need to complete the rental application: prior addresses, bank account numbers and a current list of references. Most owners will not respond to incomplete applications, especially when they may have a number of fully completed applications. Contact your references ahead of time to make sure that their information is current and they are aware that you are using them as a reference.

Finally, prepare a renter’s resume. You may have to repeat the information on the application, but you will stand out as well-organized and prepared.

Know what you want and what you definitely don’t want, but be flexible. It is essential that you can decide on the spot and leave a deposit or credit check fee if you find the right place.

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This column is prepared by Project Sentinel, a rental housing mediation service in Sunnyvale, Calif. Questions may be sent to 582-B Dunholme Way, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 and cannot be answered individually.

For housing discrimination questions, complaints or help, call the state Department of Fair Housing and Employment at (800) 233-3212 or the Fair Housing Council in your area:

Westside Los Angeles, call (310) 477-9260.

San Fernando Valley, call (818) 373-1185.

Pasadena, call (818) 791-0211.

El Monte, call (818) 579-6868.

Orange County, call (714) 569-0828.

San Bernardino County, call (909) 884-8056.

San Diego County, call (619) 699-5888.

Ventura County, call the Fair Housing Institute, (805) 385-7288