GOODBYE, DOLLAR STORES?
The other day I was shopping with Book, Gracie and Marge-in-Law at a mall dollar store. (I'll cut these guys a HUGE break by not telling you which mall.)
We noticed quite a few items marked $1.50 and $2, all beneath the many signs which said "ALL ITEMS $1."
A proprietor, a nice enough fella, overheard our comments and told us that "due to the price of gas, not everything can cost a dollar any more."
Of course, we could have pressed the issue, but we have no doubt that someone eventually will. This IS New Joisey.
Still, it reminds you of the many scary ways the jaw-dropping jump in the price of a gallon of gasoline can affect things. And I don't know about you, but I feel the pinch of that extra-penny-per-dollar in N.J. sales tax, too. Call me Jack Benny.
Will there come a day when dollar stores go the way of the dodo bird? That would sure stink. Where else can I find a cheap box of my favorite movie candy, Tropical Dots? (Kathy always said that sounds like a skin disease.)
Which is what I was in the dollar store to buy before the four of us took in "Little Miss Sunshine," which was a cute movie that made us laugh a lot. It has a touching performance by Alan Arkin, a credible dramatic turn by Steve Carell ("The 40 Year Old Virgin," "The Office") and black comedy by the gallon. But I've digressed -- several times, in fact.
We noticed quite a few items marked $1.50 and $2, all beneath the many signs which said "ALL ITEMS $1."
A proprietor, a nice enough fella, overheard our comments and told us that "due to the price of gas, not everything can cost a dollar any more."
Of course, we could have pressed the issue, but we have no doubt that someone eventually will. This IS New Joisey.
Still, it reminds you of the many scary ways the jaw-dropping jump in the price of a gallon of gasoline can affect things. And I don't know about you, but I feel the pinch of that extra-penny-per-dollar in N.J. sales tax, too. Call me Jack Benny.
Will there come a day when dollar stores go the way of the dodo bird? That would sure stink. Where else can I find a cheap box of my favorite movie candy, Tropical Dots? (Kathy always said that sounds like a skin disease.)
Which is what I was in the dollar store to buy before the four of us took in "Little Miss Sunshine," which was a cute movie that made us laugh a lot. It has a touching performance by Alan Arkin, a credible dramatic turn by Steve Carell ("The 40 Year Old Virgin," "The Office") and black comedy by the gallon. But I've digressed -- several times, in fact.
posted by Mark Voger at 8:02 PM
1 Comments:
A Tenant’s Guide to Renting
The first challenge every tenant faces is finding an apartment for rent that suits their individual needs. For today’s tenant, the most effective apartment search can be done using an online apartment finder. Tenants should decide what they require in an apartment or house rental before beginning their search. For example: the number of bedrooms, location or distance from public transportation and how much the tenant can afford to pay in rent, furnished or unfurnished apartment, etc. By making these important decisions first, tenants can avoid renting an apartment or house only to regret it later. Many tenants today are taking advantage of the convenience of the internet to locate apartments for rent as opposed to the traditional print publications.
Once a possible apartment or home has been found, it is the tenant's duty to thoroughly inspect the premises making a commitment in the form of a security deposit. A tenant should not rely on the landlord or the landlord's agent to tell the tenant if anything is wrong with the property. The tenant must inspect the property carefully and ask questions about it.
Inspecting the condition and functionality of the following areas/features of the apartment before committing yourself as a tenant is highly recommended.
1. Kitchen appliances in working order.
2. Water pressure strong, plumbing without leaks.
3. Electrical outlets and wiring working.
4. Walls and ceiling painted or papered without cracks
5. Ventilation or air conditioning accessible.
6. Floors, railings and bathrooms in good repair.
7. Fire escape easy to use.
8. Stairs safe and well-lighted.
9. No rodents or insects.
10. Heating system in working order.
11. If furnished, check and write down condition of all furniture.
12. Windows and doors operable and weather-tight; screens provided.
The tenant should also check the security of the building to find out if there is a dead-bolt lock, security chain, or through-the-door viewer.
BEWARE OF EXISTING DAMAGES: In order to avoid being blamed for damages that already exist in the rental unit, the cautious tenant should take every step for self-protection. Before moving in (or as soon as possible thereafter), the tenant should make a list of all existing damages and repairs that need to be made. A copy of the list should he presented to the landlord and attached to the lease This way the landlord cannot blame the tenant for damages caused by others and the tenant will know what the landlord intends to repair. If the tenant keeps good records the landlord will not be able to keep the tenant’s security deposit for damages that were actually caused by others. Taking pictures before moving in is also strongly recommended.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul Rossano, associated with www.AllSpaces.com who “Conveniently Connects All People with All Spaces in All Places” has been dedicated to the Real Estate rental market for over 8 years. He has assisted over 25,000 tenants with their renting needs. Any questions about renting apartments, houses or other rentals, feel free to visit www.AllSpaces.com or email him at Paul@AllSpaces.com.
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