Blog Posts by Karen Haywood Queen

  • What to know before you talk to a prospective landlord

    By Karen Haywood Queen | Spaces – Wed, Nov 14, 2012 8:13 PM EST

    (Photo credit: Hemera Technologies)Just as you check the Blue Book value on automobiles before you go car shopping, you should arm yourself with information before you go to an appointment with a potential landlord. With the right facts in hand, you can help ensure that you'll pay a fair rent, that you don't end up in court and that you and your roommates remain on speaking terms.

    What is the going rate?

    "With residential rentals, as opposed to commercial, the 'per foot' measure isn't common," says attorney Janet Portman, co-author of "Every Tenant's Legal Guide" and managing editor of NOLO, which publishes do-it-yourself legal guides. "Instead you'd want to study the comps just as you would if you were buying a house. What does a place like this rent for, in this neighborhood, with these amenities? Check the listings on Craigslist, the local newspaper and wherever landlords advertise. Once you know the going rate for comps, you can decide whether the rent charged for the place you're thinking of renting

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  • 8 questions renters should always ask

    By Karen Haywood Queen | Spaces – Tue, Jul 3, 2012 4:47 PM EDT

    If you're looking for an apartment, the monthly rent is probably your most pressing concern. But the answers to other key questions can make the difference between a dream home and a rental nightmare.

    Here are eight questions you should ask your prospective landlord. And remember: Get everything in writing.

    Why is this apartment vacant?

    "If this is a property with a high number of evictions, that tells you the landlord isn't careful choosing tenants or running the business," says attorney Janet Portman, co-author of "Every Tenant's Legal Guide" and managing editor of NOLO, which publishes do-it-yourself legal guides. "These people are going to be your neighbors."

    Who is responsible for which maintenance and repairs?

    "Generally, under state law you have a right to a habitable place — the landlord can't refuse to fix your plumbing," says attorney Stephanie Rahifs, manager of digital strategy and social media for FindLaw, which offers legal information and community help. "Who

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  • 7 things you need to know about smart meters

    By Karen Haywood Queen | Spaces – Wed, May 16, 2012 8:14 PM EDT

    Depending on where you live, your old electro-mechanical meter may soon be replaced by a smart energy meter. Combined with the right software, smart meters can provide detailed information about your energy use to help you manage and lower your energy bill.

    But across the country, some consumers — worried about their health and privacy — are asking to opt out of smart meter programs. Consumer advocates argue that smart meters also make it easier to disconnect service and may lead to higher bills.

    Smart meters (also called AMI for automated meter infrastructure) are one component of the so-called smart grid. Utilities worldwide are upgrading transmission lines, generation plants and other infrastructure to make the grid more reliable and reduce the need for additional generation plants. Yet will all this technology ultimately benefit consumers or simply touch off more privacy concerns?

    Let's look at the controversy surrounding this major shift in approach and hear what both sides are saying. Here are seven things you need to know about smart meters:

    Read More »

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Jennifer Karmon

Senior editor, Yahoo! Homes. Former Los Angeles Times editor. Clever, pretty designs and sharp writing make her swoon.

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