Apartment Living Blog | Prospect Hall Apartments

Questions to Ask When Apartment Shopping-image

Shopping for an apartment is like getting into a new relationship. You first ask the basic questions and then delve into the more detailed information. It can feel like you are looking forever until you find the perfect match, but sometimes it can take time. You probably have done lots of research and narrowed it down to a few contenders. However, before you sign the lease and fully commit to a place, here are some of the top questions that you should get answered to ensure a long and successful relationship with your apartment.  Q1: How do I pay rent? Whether it is electronically or delivering a handwritten check to the leasing, knowing how to pay  rent  is one of the most important things to know. At Prospect Hall, you are able to pay with e-checks, credit cards and cash via MoneyGram. You can view and manage your account any time you want online in our  ResidentPortal . Q2: What is the late rent policy? Most late fees are imposed 5 days after the day rent is supposed to be due. However, this is important information to know depending on how you pay rent because you many need to factor in processing time. We fit the standard as rent is due on the 1 st of every month and is considered late at 5pm on the 5 th . 5% late fees are applied on the 6 th  of the month. Q3: Are utilities included in rent? Knowing if utilities are included in the cost of rent is essential to  budgeting  the rest of your finances. It can be the difference of an apartment being affordable for you or not. It should be outlined in the lease and is different for all properties. At Prospect Hall, utilities are not included in rent which can help you budget in other areas. Q4: What is the parking policy? Knowing the parking situation when looking at different apartments could ultimately help you make a decision about where to live. While some places include parking in tenants’ rent, others may not offer parking at all which could end with you paying expensive street parking fees. Permits are required at  Prospect Hall , even for guests, but it is first come, first serve. Q5: Do you require renter’s insurance? Renter’s insurance can be good coverage to have in case anything were to happen and some apartments even require it, like us! We require  renters insurance  and have a company that you can use or we also recommend that you contact your car insurance company because you can sometimes get a discount by having multiple polices with one provider. Q6: How are repairs taken care of? What is the procedure for emergency repairs? Repairs may not occur all the time, but when something does happen, especially emergency repairs, need to be addressed ASAP. No one wants to be stuck without heat in the middle of winter or with a broken water piper on a Saturday night. Some complexes have maintenance available 24/7, while others have a slower response. Whatever the process may be, it is helpful to know this information beforehand so that you are prepared. For non-emergency work orders, we handle them within 48 hours unless a part is needs. For emergency items, these are handled right away and is outlined in our guidelines. Q7: Can I sublet my apartment? You never know when your personal or job may cause you to have to get up and move. If this is something that you are concerned about, knowing that you can sublet your apartment on short notice is an especially important question to ask when searching for an apartment. Here at Prospect Hall, we do not allow sublets. Q8: How far in advance do I need to give notice before moving out? Some places require a 60 notice of  move out , while others only require 30. Before signing a lease, it is important to know this information so that you do not get stuck in an apartment that you did not want to be in for another year. We require a 30-day notice before move out.

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Creative Ways to Use a Second Bedroom-image

Whether you just moved into a new space or have been in the same place for a little while, deciding what to do with an extra  bedroom  can be tough. In every scenario though, try to think of it as a luxury. You have the freedom to create a little area based on your tastes and needs. The list is endless, but here are a few ideas of what you could do with your empty space. Guest Room This one is probably the most obvious choice, but choosing to  create the extra space  into a guest bedroom could be the most helpful to you. If you have company that comes to visit a lot and you do not want to keep putting them on the pullout couch in the living room, this use of the extra space could be helpful and comfy. Home Office If you work from home frequently or like to do some work on the weekends, this idea could be very productive for you. It allows you to move into a  different area  of your apartment and have a place that you can focus. It can give a change of scenery, especially if you do not like to work in your bedroom or living room. Yoga or Meditation Room Need a quiet, calm place that allows your mind to reset? A yoga or mediation room could be the use for you. Having a tranquil area with  simple décor  where you can completely relax could allow you to get away from the stresses of work and life for just a little bit. Reading Room/Library If you find yourself becoming a bit of a book collector, a library or reading room could be the room you are looking for. A little reading nook could allow you to put in a  bookshelf  to store your books, as well as provide the space for the perfect reading chair. Art Room An art room could be the perfect place for your creative juices to flow.  Creating an art room  out of the extra space allows you to have a safe area to practice what you love and keep the actual pieces of art secure and out of the main rooms of your apartment. Workout Room A workout room could also be an obvious choice of how to use your extra space. Depending on how big the space is, you could put a machine or two in it and a  couple of weights . Making it the perfect area for you to  stay active  when you do not feel like leaving your home. Recreation Room A recreation room could range from anywhere between a game room to a movie room. The room could fit a foosball table or have a designated area to do puzzles or play board games. If you do not enjoy games or puzzles, perhaps a movie room could be for you. Throw a bean bag or two into it and hang some dimmer lights and you could have the coziest corner to binge-watch those Netflix sessions. 

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Find the Best Hiking Trails in Frederick-image

With summer upon us, getting outside is something that most of us enjoy to release some energy. It is always a nice feeling being refreshed after going outside, but if the walk around the neighborhood is not cutting it, going on a hike might! Here are six, easy to moderate hiking trails around the  Frederick  area that will get you out of the house and hitting the trails.  White Oak Trail This is the shortest trail of the bunch at 1 mile, but also is one of the closest to  Prospect Hall Apartments . This relaxing loop is perfect for people of all ages and has wildflowers that you can admire along the path! Difficulty Level: Easy Rocky Stream Bed Trail Loop This is the second-longest trail at 1.3 miles and is in the  Frederick Municipal Forest . It parallels a stream and features a beautiful waterfall. Difficulty Level:  Easy Brooks Hill Loop Trail This 2-mile loop is located in  Monocacy National Battlefield . There is a variety of habitats along the way and offers the chance to see some wildlife! Difficulty Level:  Easy Green Ash Trail This is 2.2-mile trail is set in a beautiful forest setting and is accessible all-year-round. It is a little rocky in parts but offers great shade when the sun is shining. Difficulty Level: Moderate Black Locust Trail This 2.6-mile trail is family-friendly and has scenic overlooks for everyone to enjoy the view. The greenery along the route is beautiful and includes tulips, poplars, and lots of mountain laurel. Difficulty Level:  Moderate Ballenger Creek Trail Rounding out our list is the longest of the trails at 4.1 miles. It features a river to walk along and has a nicely paved path making it perfect for bikers. Difficulty Level:  Easy

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Find the Best Hiking Trails in Frederick-image

With summer upon us, getting outside is something that most of us enjoy to release some energy. It is always a nice feeling being refreshed after going outside, but if the walk around the neighborhood is not cutting it, going on a hike might! Here are six, easy to moderate hiking trails around the  Frederick  area that will get you out of the house and hitting the trails.  White Oak Trail This is the shortest trail of the bunch at 1 mile, but also is one of the closest to  Prospect Hall Apartments . This relaxing loop is perfect for people of all ages and has wildflowers that you can admire along the path! Difficulty Level: Easy Rocky Stream Bed Trail Loop This is the second-longest trail at 1.3 miles and is in the  Frederick Municipal Forest . It parallels a stream and features a beautiful waterfall. Difficulty Level:  Easy Brooks Hill Loop Trail This 2-mile loop is located in  Monocacy National Battlefield . There is a variety of habitats along the way and offers the chance to see some wildlife! Difficulty Level:  Easy Green Ash Trail This is 2.2-mile trail is set in a beautiful forest setting and is accessible all-year-round. It is a little rocky in parts but offers great shade when the sun is shining. Difficulty Level: Moderate Black Locust Trail This 2.6-mile trail is family-friendly and has scenic overlooks for everyone to enjoy the view. The greenery along the route is beautiful and includes tulips, poplars, and lots of mountain laurel. Difficulty Level:  Moderate Ballenger Creek Trail Rounding out our list is the longest of the trails at 4.1 miles. It features a river to walk along and has a nicely paved path making it perfect for bikers. Difficulty Level:  Easy

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Top 10 Reasons to Rent an Apartment-image

When determining whether you should  rent or buy , it important to remember what will be most beneficial to you. Whether it is finances or lifestyle, what you value the most will ultimately lead to the best decision.  Becoming a homeowner does have its perks, but here are the top 10 reasons why renting could be a better fit for you. Flexibility If you are not sure about where you want to be or how long you want to be there, renting allows the freedom to relocate and not stay in one place long term. If your job has you moving around a lot, it offers the flexibility of having to move out easily and quickly. Also, since leases usually run on a year-to-year or month-to-month basis, upsizing or downsizing when needed are relatively simple endeavors. Budget There are only two big payments when it comes to renting: rent and utilities. In some cases, landlords even cover utilities, but only having those two payments allows renters to budget their money for other bills or put it into savings.  Maintenance One of the most convenient parts about renting is not having to deal with the maintenance of the property. Whether it is a leaky sink or a broken washer, the landlord is responsible for fixing all problems at no cost while also saving you lots of time and frustration.  Amenities  Whether it is a playground, pool, or being pet friendly, these are just some of the  amenities  that may be included with your rent with an apartment or rental townhome. Having these perks readily available can save renters a substantial amount of money.  No property taxes or HOA dues Homeowners get hit with annual property tax and monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. When renting, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay those fees which can lead to reducing a tenant’s monthly budget even more.  Different investment opportunities Any type of  investment  is a big one whether it is starting a business and putting money into a retirement fund. Renting a property, instead of buying one, can open up other possibilities for saving and investing. Social life Rental properties provide a great opportunity for social get-togethers since there are so many people in one place. With the common areas in the community and the different events that management organizes, living in a rental property can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to meet new people and try something new.  Mortgage-free There are a lot of costs when it comes to buying a house and the biggest of these costs is a  mortgage . Some people may be able to pay for a house outright, but it can cause others to go into serious debt. By renting a property, you can forgo this debt and just pay a deposit instead. If you do buy a house and the mortgage payment is not fulfilled, then you must pay the rest before you move. Lower insurance Renters insurance  is much more affordable when you compare it to homeowners' insurance. Renters pay much less and there are additional benefits, such as additional living expenses if a disaster strikes and personal liability coverage.  Referral Bonuses A nice little perk that can happen every now and then is a referral bonus. The landlord or  property management company  will give a cash bonus or discount on rent for referring new tenants. Need help deciding which is the best financial decision for you? Click  here  to view a rent vs. buy calculator that can help you sort out your options.

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How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment-image

When living in an apartment with your furry friend, there are lots of things to consider to ensure that you and they are as comfortable as possible. Pet-friendly apartment communities should not only allow pets but make sure it is a pleasant place for them too. We can help you find a pet-friendly community perfect for you and your cat or dog.  Guideline Check One of the first things to check for in a pet-friendly community is their guidelines. Not all complexes have the same rules and landlords have different expectations. Some have weight and breed restrictions, while others have fees or deposits to cover any costs if accidents occur. A landlord also might want to have an introduction with your pet to see how they behave. Amenities to Look For                         There are certain amenities that dog-friendly apartments have to improve the lives of dogs and their owners alike. A large green space or patch of grass nearby is essential. A dog park is ideal, but a nice area to walk is great, too. Most apartments that allow dogs will have ample green space and have pet cleanup stations for convenience. For cats , try to consider a place that they can jump on or lay on while you are not home. It also may be important to know whether they like carpet or hardwood so you can take the necessary steps to protect your floor.  Good Neighbor Relationships Making sure your pet is on its best behavior will most likely lead to you having a good relationship with your neighbors. One way to do this is to introduce your pet to them. The more they know your pet, the less likely they are to complain if a situation arises. Another way is to keep the noise level down as much as possible. Easy ways to reduce noise is to buy toys without loud squeakers and keep calm past 10 p.m. Try to walk dogs, frequently, throughout the day, too. Since outside grassy areas are always communal, always remember to pick up after your pet.  The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts Do train your pet well- the key to a pet’s good behavior is good training . Most pets, especially cats and dogs, should have some basic training and behave moderately well in social situations.   Don’t sneak in pets- This is the biggest no-no of them all. Although, it might be a tempting thought, sneaking in your lovable companion could cost you your apartment. It is better to be upfront about and look for communities that welcome them. Do look for apartments that want pets. While some apartment properties are pet-friendly, others are just pet-tolerant . Look for a place where you and your pet can live happily and comfortably.  

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