Are You Planning To Move To Fruitvale?

Is Fruitvale a safe place to live? Should I look for Fruitvale apartments for rent? What it is like living there? Questions like these and more might have crossed your mind while hunting for a good place to live in Fruitvale. And before you actually make a decision to move to this locality you wanted to be sure, right? Well, here we are.

While moving to a new apartment, we often make a list of several assessment factors that can help us to compare different properties and choose wisely. However, even after making a long list of factors, we often find it puzzling to make a choice confidently. But imagine, how wonderful it can get if there’s someone who, very precisely, can give us insights about our shortlisted/favorite locality. Yes, we are talking about Fruitvale.   

And here is a quick list of the advantages and disadvantages of living in Fruitvale for you, so that you can make the right decision. 

Advantages Of Living In Fruitvale

1. Quality Of Life & Living

The living quality or livability score significantly takes account of factors like locality, education, cost of living, safety, and a resident’s satisfaction. The livability score of Fruitvale is above average, which is a good sign if you are preferring to find a home there. 

2. Cost Of Living

Fruitvale offers its residents an urban vibe, where most residents rent their apartments and homes. The cost of living in Fruitvale is lower than the national average and many cities in California. The average cost of housing, grocery, amenities, utilities, transportation, health, and other services is less expensive than in some other areas. However, you can always find a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, and recreational spaces here, not to forget.

3. Education

When it comes to education, it is good in Fruitvale. The consideration factors for education include the number of public schools, admission, graduation, teacher-student ratio, residents’ reviews, etc. Based on these factors, Fruitvale ranks much higher than many other cities nationally or stately.

4. Safety

Considering the safety/crime factor is significant before finalizing any locality in any part of the world. The crime rate in Fruitvale is calculated as lower than in several other suburban areas across states and the nation. So if even if you’re single and hoping to get 1 bedroom apartments for rent Oakland, Fruitvale can offer you great and safe options. 

Disadvantages Of Living In Fruitvale

Population & Poverty

Fruitvale doesn’t a population of more than 1600, which may appear less to people who looking for otherwise. Moreover, the poverty rate in Fruitvale is much higher than in other cities of United States. This could be another turn down for many people who are planning to move here to live.

Make up Your Mind

So these were the major advantages and disadvantages of living in Fruitvale. If you’re planning to move here, do consider the above before making a decision. If it’s a thumbs up, hop on to Raj Properties to find some of the best rental properties in Fruitvale, and also get an apartment tour.

Watch Out For These Safety Features When Touring A Rental Property

So you have shortlisted a 4 bedroom house for rent Berkeley and it’s time to visit it for physical checks. Watch out for these safety features. 

The safety of a property is one of the most significant factors that determine whether or not to rent it. So might have noticed that when it comes to touring small apartments, it is easy to point out things, from minor to major. However, when it's a big property, say a house or apartment with 3 or more bedrooms, scanning becomes complex and challenging. 

Following are the important safety features that you must look for when you go for a rental house or apartment tour. 

Safety Features To Check When Touring A Rental Property

1. Lighting

Would it be worth it if there’s no light? No. 

So check that the property is properly lit. All entrances, exits, inside spaces, parking garages, parking lots, and streets, every area should be provided with functional lighting. If it's an apartment building, don’t forget to check areas like corridors, staircases, storerooms, laundry rooms, etc. If any of the areas are left in dark, bring it to the notice of the landlord. 

2. Security Camera

Security cameras should inevitably be checked. Each common area like lifts, hallways, staircases, parking lots, etc. should be equipped with functional cameras. If living in an apartment, check for all entries and exits through which you cross most of the time. For improved safety, you can also get a video doorbell or a security camera installed on your door.  

3. Security At The Gate

Check for yourself and also ask during your visit about the security guards, services, locks, and all the existing gated areas. Look if the parking lots have proper locks, a 24-hour security service, emergency service, and contacts, if applicable on your property.

4. Common Area Access

Make sure common areas like gyms, swimming pools, and recreation areas require access with a secured key. In buildings with elevators, there should be proper scanning of key fobs before you could click anything on the elevator. Besides, understand all the rules and regulations applied to these areas and your duties as a tenant. 

5. Provisions For Fire

A fire extinguisher is another vital requirement for houses or large size 3 bedroom apartments Berkeley. So, even if your landlord doesn’t provide it to you, you have to get it by yourself. 

Besides, ask your landlord about the fire escape provision and plan in your building. Also, look for the functionality of the installed fire sprinkler system if any. 

6. Smoke Detectors

Today a number of buildings have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, hence it is a must to check if your building offers the same to tenants.

7. Safety In Neighborhood

Besides the safety inside the building and the community, one must also know if it's safe out there in the neighborhood. Take a walk in your locality to know if it's secured and safe for you to move. Is it quiet or bustling, and are there any happening places or even markets nearby? Not just that there are a lot of things to know about the locality before moving. So make a list of all those things and then do a tour.

Endnotes

Raj Properties lists some of the best rental properties in Berkeley, California. We also offer house tours to our clients so that they can be sure before finalizing a property. Request yours now.

Newlyweds? Here Are Some Useful House Hunting Tips For You

Excited to find your first apartment as a newlywed? Well, we are too. 

The journey from taking your vows to stay together for the rest of your lives, to shifting to a new city and finding a home can be exhilarating. But have you ever thought that hunting home or apartment can be more stressful than exciting especially if you have not planned it well? Well yes, it can definitely be. And that’s why to help you, we at Raj Properties have jotted down the most useful tips to get started with your house-hunting in Berkeley. Read on.

Useful House Hunting Tips For Newlyweds 

1. Decide Whether To Rent Or Buy

The first thing on the list is determining whether you and your partner will need an apartment or house. Many newlyweds are excited to buy their first accommodation, however, renting can be a more comfortable and affordable alternative for them. Renting is also the best choice when a partner is possibly going to change career or city in the future. Plus, several other expenses will accompany your decision of buying a house, which may cost heavily in their pockets. 

2. Choose Between House Or Apartment

Once you decide between renting and buying, the next thing to determine is if you want to live in an apartment or a house. This will depend on various factors such as space requirements, privacy, locality, paying capacity, and future aspects. Every property has its own pros and cons, considering which newlywed couples should make property decisions.

3. Choose Between 1 Or 2 Bedroom

The next important thing is to choose between 1 or 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Berkeley. Before making a choice, consider various factors such as work-life schedule, work-from-home requirements, hobbies, family planning, etc. If your activities require a lot of space, it is good to choose a 2 bedroom rental. Else, go with a 1 bedroom option, which will also lie easily in your budget. 

4. Discuss Your Lifestyles 

Obviously, you’ll do it if you’re married. However, it gets more important when you are about to live together. Discuss your lifestyle, daily routine, habits, etc. with your partner. From cooking, cleaning sharing food to petting, gardening, traveling, and entertainment, each and everything must be discussed to choosing an apt accommodation.

5. List Important Things To Let In

Together make a list of all the important things that you wish to bring inside your new house. This includes furniture, decoration, appliances, and all essential assets that you may be needing to lead a comfortable life. If the partners have conflicting views about the choice of furniture or other items, you may sit together and discuss what can fall within your decided budget. You can also set your priorities first so that there should not be any arguments later. 

EndNote

Besides a 2 bedroom space, newlyweds also prefer to have a 1 bedroom apartment for rent Berkeley CA, especially if they are new to a city and have budget limitations. Remember your focus should be more on creating a less stressful house hunting journey and more on pleasant moments. 

Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Oakland for Singles and Young Professionals

Many people move to Oakland for different reasons but to start their career is the primary reason for it. San Francisco may be a trendy Bay destination nearby but the best part is Oakland provides the same amenities but at a more affordable price. You will need to pay much less rent for 2 bedroom house for rent Oakland as compared to the similar apartment in SF. However, as a single or a young professional with a vision to take your career to a new level, checking out the neighbourhood is also important before moving in. For the same reason here we have the five best neighbourhoods for singles and young profesional. 

Downtown (Average Rent $800-$1000)

Without a doubt downtown Oakland apartments for singles and professionals. It is the thriving centre of the bay area which has completely transformed to a better place in the last few years. Almost every storefront and building has undergone renovation and that's why it is easy to find an apartment for you on Raj Properties. From entertainment to vibrant retail community, downtown Oakland has got it all. This neighbourhood is the perfect place for young professionals to meet new people and explore new career opportunities as well. 

Grand Lake

Nested on the northwest corner of Lake Merritt, Grand Lake is another top destination for singles and young professionals to find a 2 bedroom house for rent Oakland. With the average rent between $1000-$1300, Grand Lake became the hot spot when the city invested in the clean lake initiative which cleared the lake and the surrounding areas making it one of the best places to live with an amazing lake view. Grand Lake is also slowly becoming a trendy area for shops and restaurants as the residential community is constantly growing. 

Piedmont Avenue

If you are looking for a place that's a compound of bustiling business district and suburban living at the same time then Piedmont Avenue is the area in Oakland where you should find a place to rent. With the average rent of $1,200, Piedmont Avenue offers historic theatre, coffee shops, and some of Oakland's best restaurants. The calm and clean atmosphere makes it one of the best neighbourhoods in the Bay area and nearby areas. Apart from young professionals, if you're looking to settle with your family then Piedmont Avenue is probably the best place to live and rent your next house. 

EndnotesShifting to a new place can be daunting especially when you do not have any proper knowledge. We believe that living in one of the downtown Oakland apartments is a good idea when you are new in the town with the idea to find a more appropriate place later.  These are some of the best neighbourhoods for singles and young professionals in Oakland. We hope the information in this blog post will be useful to you.

Pest Control in Apartment - Who is Responsible? Landlord or Tenant?

When pests like cockroaches, ants, mice and other pests start crawling in your sweet home then it requires immediate action. And if you have started seeing this issue in your rented home then it needs to be issued because of health hazards and property damage. But when living on one of the homes for rent then who is responsible for it? Do you need to call your landlord? Or you need to connect with pest control. Typically, landlords are responsible for pest control and there are a few reasons behind which we are going to talk about in this post. Moreover tenants also play a role in keeping these bugs out especially if it's your action that led the bugs or pests to move into their affordable apartments for rent in Oakland CA. So, without further ado, let us jump right into it by answering a few important questions. 

Why is pest control important?

Well, no one wants to live in a place where pests, roaches and mices crawl all over the place. And it causes various health problems, damage to the homes for rent like holes in the walls and infesting the property's structure as these repairs become costly later. So, pest control is really important in the eyes of both the landlord and the renter. It not only keeps renters happy but also ensures the reputation as a great landlord. 

Is the Landlord Responsible for Pest Control?

According to the pest control apartment laws, landlords are usually responsible for pest control even if the problem occurs naturally. For instance, if your home is near a field then seeing mice in your affordable apartments for rent in Oakland CA is common and that becomes property owner's responsibility. Moreover, landlords are also required to have a pest-free home when someone new moves in. And as per the common rent agreement, landlords are also responsible for regular maintenance including seasonable pest inspections. That's why tenants should file complaints as soon as possible and also make sure that rent agreement includes all the necessary details including who is responsible and when. 

Landlords Requirement from Tenants

Although it's the landlord's duty to tackle the pest problem in your home, it's your responsibility to help prevent it and report pest infestations in your apartment communities. You need to keep the following things in mind: 

• Keep the home clean and clutter free from trash especially food waste 
• Report instances or suspicion of the presence of pests immediately to the landlord
• Taking out trash regularly and keeping it in sealed containers outside
• Use a preventative flea treatment for pets
• Report every broken entry points or exterior damages that can give way to pests to move in

Endnotes 

As mentioned pest control is the landlord's duty but if it is proved that the pest problem is caused by the tenant's action or behaviour then you will be responsible for all the financial aid required to restore it. So, it's a duty of both the landlord and the tenant to keep the place pest free. We hope you will find all the information regarding who is responsible for pest control in the apartment.

3 Reasons why Renting Could Be Better Than Buying

Owning a home or having their own home is a lifelong dream for most of the people in this world. In Fact most of the people work their whole life for the same reason and sometimes we think why eat your present peace for a future fun. And to be honest, there are top reasons why renting could be better than buying. No matter what you choose, both renting and buying have their financial advantages and disadvantages at the same time. But the point is owning a home isn't right for everyone. Especially for students or individuals who travel places because of their work requirements. That's why many categories of people look for apartments for rent in Oakland CA and other areas on Raj Properties. Let us have a look at some reasons why renting could be better than buying a home. 

1. No Maintenance Costs or Repair Bills

One of the major benefits of room for rent oakland is there are no maintenance costs or repair bills you need to bear until you have done the damage. When you rent a property, it's your landlord's responsibility for all maintenance, improvement, and repairs. For instance, if your roof starts to leak in the middle of the night, all you need to do is to call your landlord who will find a way to fix or replace it. On the other hand, as a homeowner everything becomes your responsibility. You need to find extra time for home repair, maintenance, and renovation costs and it can be pricey. 

2. Access to Amenities

Another financial benefit of choosing one of the apartments for rent in Oakland CA is having access to amenities that would otherwise be an enormous expense. For instance, living in an apartment or a gated community will help you get luxuries such as in-ground pools or fitness centres with no additional charge to tenants. On the other hand as a homeowner you will likely have to spend thousands of dollars for installation and maintenance to have access to these amenities. 

3. No Real Estate Taxes

If you are working on low income or just kickstarted your career then living on rent is the better idea rather than paying high mortgage and monthly EMIs to the bank. Even the real estate taxes can be a hefty burden for homeowners and vary by country. In some areas the costs associated with property taxes can amount to thousands of dollars each year. With new construction getting larger and larger, property taxes can be a burden to new homeowners. 

Endnotes

Apart from these three reasons, you also get the benefit of not having to pay any down payment(any upfront cost), no concerns about decreasing your property value, and flexibility to where to live.  We hope the information is useful to you and you will find the best Oakland houses for rent for you and your family.

A Tenant’s Guide to Live Sustainably In Rental Homes

To value sustainability is a choice, and to make this choice is a small step to making big differences. When it comes to making changes in a rental property, big or small, the landlord gets to hold maximum rights. A tenant indeed can not implement many changes in his rental home. However, he can definitely make efforts, even if small, in the direction of sustainability, which we’re sure the landlord won’t mind.

So, whether you’re taking rooms or homes for rent near Berkeley CA,  here are a few tips to help you make sustainable changes in your tenancy. 

Tips To Make Your Living Sustainable As A Tenant

1. Speak To Your Landlord
   
   

Since being a tenant, you do not have 100% control over the rental property, you can only request to make sustainable changes. Voicing your concerns may not always bring any change, however, can surely create awareness. If yours is a good landlord, you won’t have to make much effort to together create a sustainable space. Start by requesting to fix essential things (if not already) like leaking taps, pipes, renewing electrical wires, etc.

2. Bring home Sustainable Home Decor Products
   
   

Once you shift to your rental home, you will need things to furnish and decorate it. Here, you can choose second-hand products or home decor made from sustainable materials for a start. Shop online and offline markets that offer such furnishings. However, if you couldn't find old furniture, opt for ethical and sustainable furniture from niche brands. Look for nearby markets when searching for Berkeley homes for rent, to be prepared beforehand.

3. Save Water & Electricity
   
   

This is an essential responsibility of every individual on this planet and not just a tenant. What you can do is start taking shorter showers, choose specific days for laundry, and don’t wash unless you have a full load of dirty clothes. Also, use energy-efficient appliances for dishwashing, grinding, cooking, washing clothes, etc. These appliances require fewer fossil fuels and help you save money.  Moreover, for lighting, replace overhead lights with lamps to cut costs, and switch to LEDs to save energy. Turn them off when not in use, and make sure to make the most use of natural lights. 

4. Minimize Excess Heating And Cooling
   
   

Letting in air, hot or cool, will help you minimize the use of air conditioners and fans in summers and heaters in winters. If you still need to use heating or cooling appliances make sure that they are energy-efficient. Also, turn them off when not in use to prevent energy wastage.

5. Grow Food At Home
   
   

One of our favorites. Growing food at home can be fun and also sufficient if you are opting to live alone or with a roommate. This will also let you eat freshly grown and organic food, with no pesticides inside, hence eating well and saving the environment at the same time. A kitchen garden can be your best buddy for healthy eating. 

Wrapping Up

At Raj Properties, when you look for rental homes, you can request a home tour before finalizing one. Visiting the property and meeting the landlord will give you an opportunity to discuss your sustainability ideas with him. Try not to miss it. 

Useful Tips To Find The Right Roommate For Your Apartment

So you have just found rentals in Berkeley CA and now looking for a roommate? Well, all the best. 

It is exciting and adventurous living in a new city, especially if you have a mate by your side. This is why people look for roommates so that they do not feel alone and enjoy the perks of a new place. Moreover, splitting the expenses and cost of rent and utilities is another benefit of being with a roommate. However, finding a roommate, a great one, could be challenging, if you do not know where to start. But don’t worry, we have got you covered. 

Here are a few useful tips to help you find the right roommate for your apartment. 

Tips To Find The Right Roommate For Your Apartment

1. Search On The Internet

If you can find anything on the internet then why not a roommate? Start your search by making your profile on the roommate searching websites. These sites function by finding you a compatible roommate based on attributes like personality, likes, interests, and preferences. Profiles registered here are well-verified, hence you are assured to find a safe and sound roommate for your apartment.

2. Check Groups On Facebook

We all have profiles on Facebook and we already know how easy it is to connect with like-minded people over there. Hence if you’re a member of any Facebook group, post about your roommate search there. This will help people know that you’re searching so that they can contact you if they have similar requirements, or let their acquaintances know about it.

3. Post On Your Society’s Notice Board

If you’ve already shifted to your new apartment, then you can post a search query on the society’s notice board. This is although an old-school method of finding a roommate, indeed a useful one. Other spots in your community like coffee shops, printing shops, etc. Also, peek into the neighborhood to know if someone is searching for a roommate too. This way you’re like to find one who prioritizes living in the same area. 

4. Ask Your Family & Friends

Side by side, you can also ask your relatives or friends if they know anyone who is looking for apartments for rent near Berkeley. Also, if it’s getting too challenging to find one, you can even request them to spread the word about it to their peers. 

5. Ask Your Colleagues & Peers

Besides the above, you always have your colleagues when you move to a new city. If you work in a company that employs people from diverse cities and countries, sharing your quest with them can be helpful. If they are also looking for roommates, they will let you know, or else at least help you in getting one, the way they found once upon a time. If you’re here for a job, don’t forget to ask your recruiting department. HRs can help you find a roommate quite easily. 

Wrapping Up

Once you find a rental apartment on Raj Properties that you want to share, your next immediate step should be finding a roommate. Make no delay and use the above tips to find the right match for you.

7 Truths You Must Know About Lofts

When we hear about lofts, we usually associate them with studio apartments. However, when it comes to their price, size, and scope, they cannot be called similar. Lofts saw their inception in the 1960s when artists discovered them as excellent spaces, which can be converted into workplaces or studios. Gradually, they started turning into homes, and today they have become one of the most trendy housing choices for people. 

If you’re among that crowd, choosing lofts for rent Berkeley, you must know what these spaces actually are. So, let’s jump to the following section and find out a few truths about lofts. 

7 Truths About Lofts

Located In Urban Areas

When lofts originated, they have initially located in the cities nearby the railroads. Since then, they have been located in the urban counterparts only. If not exactly in an urban area, then somewhere close to it, but lofts have always been exclusive for these localities only.

Read the full post - https://www.rajproperties.com/blog/7-truths-you-must-know-about-lofts/

Guiding Points For Senior Citizens Searching For Rental Apartments

For seniors, moving to a new apartment is indeed a big change. They need to be more specific about certain things than millennials can often avoid. However, when senior citizens choose to rent an apartment in Oakland CA, the decision brings with it a number of benefits. Not having to take care of a big house, meeting new neighbors, landlord handling maintenance, etc. are some of those benefits. However to enjoy these benefits, one needs to first make sure that the chosen apartment is the perfect match for them. So if you’re yourself a senior or looking for a suitable apartment for someone else who is a senior citizen, here is a list of important aspects that you must consider. Read till the end.

Guiding Points For Senior Citizens Searching For Rental Apartments

Location Of The Apartment

Location is the foremost consideration when it comes to choosing an apartment for senior citizens. Proximity to grocery stores, convenience stores, doctors, medical services or pharmacies, parks, libraries, etc. should be of primary concern. This will help them easily reach essential services on foot or using public transport, without requiring to drive a car.

Amenities In & Around The Building

Then comes the necessary and rejuvenating amenities that seniors can conveniently make use for a number of purposes. These include outdoor walking areas, yoga and fitness centers, laundry services, on-site doctor or medical personnel, swimming pools, cafes, dining areas, etc. 

Seniors need to do all the household activities by themselves, and also take care of their health and eating. Hence, the quick availability of these amenities, within the building itself, will be a great advantage.

Safety & Security

Then comes another important aspect, safety. Of course, it is of utmost importance that seniors living all by themselves deserve a safe and comfortable apartment. Hence, one must ensure that the apartment is on the first floor, or in a building that has an elevator so that they do not have to struggle using stairs. Secondly, if possible, get grab bars installed in the bathroom to provide seniors with support during movement. 

Moreover, the building should have a secure lock or deadbolt to prevent strangers from entering it. Lastly, it must be taken care that the chosen locality or society is a safe one, and does not cause threats of theft, lottery, etc. 

Neighbors & the Neighborhood

In the process of choosing a suitable apartment, do not miss talking to your potential neighbors. Interacting with them will let you understand if it's the one for you. Ask questions about their experience, neighborhood benefits, any threats, how do they celebrate festivals, and like that. You can also ask about your landlord.

Moving Forward

The journey from finding apartments for rent in temescal Oakland to actually moving into one may not be that easy for senior citizens. However, the above guiding points by Raj Properties can help provide a clearer mind and approach, so that you can take appropriate decisions.