In our many years of living in apartments, we have learned one VERY valuable thing to keep in mind:
Don't be a stranger with the management!
There are a number of reasons for making sure you stand out in management's mind that go way beyond the obvious..."so they don't call the cops when they think I am breaking into my own apartment."
It's important to remember that although they DO take your money on the 1st of every month, your apartment management is on your side and are there to help you with anything to make your residency in your community a great one. They want you to stick around for as long as possible and if you like the place...you should want to.
Keeping all of this in mind, I would suggest that you drop by the office a couple of times to do more than just drop off the rent. Let them know about that running toilet, the dude in the fitness center that smells, or even that you think they are doing a great job. Be friendly with them and take them a fruit cake if you wish. Whatever it is let them know that you appreciate them keeping a safe roof over your head, cleaning the pool, cleaning the grime off of the machines in the gym, doing all of the yard work, and throwing those fabulous community shindigs.
If your lease is close to being up...stop by and see what options they have for your renewal. In many cases, the sooner you renew...the better deal you can get. On top of that, if you have met and become personal with your apartment manager, the negotiations will seem much easier on your end than if you completely had no idea who they were. They won't be able to give you any special privileges, but the discussion may seem a little light and less formal....and that always helps when you are discussing money.
The key to eternal apartment happiness is to not be a stranger...make yourself known around your community (for good things) not only to your neighbors, but also to the management. They are there to help........keep things clean and deal with getting garbage off the property.......don't forget that!
