Friday, October 23, 2009

Secure your next rental deposit

This tenant requested a full deposit.


Moving away from home for first time and into your own place is exciting. But when it comes time to move like a lot of college student do, they often feel ripped off when they won’t be seeing any or little of their $300-$500 security deposit. Managers may say the deposit was kept for cleaning and damages that were made, and that’s where most tenants give up, and receive nothing even if they feel like they should have got something.

There is a way to receive a full security deposit or at least most of it. Before you rent, be sure to check the apartment complex’s policies and check with the manager of what the security deposit covers. Usually it covers cleaning and damages. Joni Kelsey, manager of Oak Vale apartments in Corvallis, said “we are usually generous with giving back deposits,” and claimed most fees are from “unclean window frames and tracks that often can accumulate moisture and cause mold.”

If you decide to rent be sure to do a walkthrough before moving in and write down any previous damages done to the apartment so management can keep record of it. Also take pictures of every room for your own records. If you missed anything or something breaks within your first couple days, then tell management so you are not held responsible.

After you’re all settled in be sure to place work orders with management for any problem that arises and keep a copy of the work order for your records. Try not to attach heavy object such as bookshelves or ceiling plants, as these can cause large holes that you might not be able to patch yourself. Also stay up on utility bills or management is entitled to take out some deposit to cover expenses left unpaid.

When you are ready to move out, give a 30-day notice. If you do not give notice that you are leaving, you will lose the entire deposit. Once all your belongings are out of the unit be sure to note all damages caused by you and ask management how much will be taken out for repairs. But if your pad is just as good or better then when you moved in, you should expect your full deposit. Lastly take pictures of every room again so if your deposit is gone for some fabricated reason, then you got evidence to back yourself up and for last resort, something to show if it goes to small claims court.



Friday, October 9, 2009

There only here once a year

First lap for the pro 250 class.


Motocross races and events happen just about every weekend all year round in the northwest, and all you have to do is Google northwest tracks to find various websites and schedules. But there certain events that only happen once a year here and motorsport fans from all over come to witness these annual events in person. The atmosphere of one these events are like a rock concert on steroids and its family friendly as well. This is a list of the biggest motocross events that happen annually.

1. Monster Energy Supercross-

Round 15 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series. Qwest Field in Seattle is home to the Seattle Seahawks and the most awesome show on earth, Supercross! With over 67,000 seats, Qwest Field allows fans to watch all the action from wherever your seat in stadium is. The track is built on top of the football field and features man-made obstacles that would make even Evel Kneivel nervous. The main events don’t start till about 7 p.m. but most fans arrive before noon to attend the open pro pits for autographs and watch practice. It’s a good idea to watch practice because the track is so gnarly your favorite racer might get hurt before the night’s qualifiers even start. http://www.supercross.com/

2. P.I.R. anniversary race-

Portland International Raceway’s annual anniversary race. Three years ago P.I.R. held a 40 year anniversary race that attracted lots of vendors, spectators, and pro’s from around the country. Since P.I.R has held that first anniversary race they have been holding one every year since and the event continues to grow in popularity and has a pro purse of 15,000 dollars. The event has race classes from 50cc beginners to 450cc pros and is held on a Thursday night under stadium lights, and features a special pro only section of the track where a 100ft jump is placed and sends riders about 40ft into air much like a supercross track. http://www.thursdaynightmotocross.com/

3. P.R.O's Top Gun-

Top Gun MX team shootout. This annual event is held on Labor Day weekend and goes on for 4 days at Washougal MX Park. Teams are usually put together by various motorcycle shops and companies within the industry. The event has 40 different classes to watch, and feature some of the most talented riders from around the northwest. Specialty races and games put on just for show include the goon race, where all riders dress up in various outfits and costumes and take turns jumping from small wooden ramp into a pit of mud, the winner is chosen based on style or lack thereof and their outfit.The Team with the best overall results for the weekend are awarded a hand made aluminum Top Gun trophy. http://www.pacificracingmx.com/

4. Motocross nationals-

AMA Motocross Championships at Washougal MX Park. Round eight of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross championships are held in Washougal, Wash. Usually during the last weekend of July. The Pro races are held on Saturday which includes 450cc, 250cc, and women’s classes that make up an entire day of racing. Over 30,000 spectators are in attendance to watch the world’s fastest racers battle it out on the most scenic national track in the country. This race allows you to get so close to the track you can almost touch the racers, but that also means you’re eating the dirt there tire throws off when the pass by if you’re not paying attention. The race is also broadcasted live on SPEED TV. Washougal also has their annual Amateur days are held the day after the AMA Motocross Championships is over and features a few thousand of top amateurs from around the country in one the nation’s largest amateur motocross event. http://www.washougalmxpk.com/