Lifestyle

What You Should Keep in Mind When Renting an Apartment?

Published

4 years ago

June 25, 2022

One of the first things you should keep in mind when renting an apartment is what the application process will entail. Many landlords and property management will require specific information from potential tenants, such as proof of income, rental history, and personal references. Some may even request your social security number to run a credit check. Be prepared for a fee, which may surprise you if it’s your first time renting an apartment. Therefore, you should apply for only those apartments you’re interested in living in.

Do I have to pay for utilities?

Some leases require tenants to pay for utilities, while others do not. Utility bills can vary depending on the type of property, age, and individual metering for each unit. Before renting an apartment, make sure the landlord transfers utilities to your name. If you do not transfer them on time, the landlord may end up with the utility bill and need to recoup the costs. Make sure you have a backup plan in case the landlord cancels your service.

To set up your utilities, contact your utility provider directly. Most utilities accept payments online, but some require a phone call or a physical address. You can find their contact information in your lease. Ideally, you contact these companies several weeks before moving in to get your utilities set up. If you find that you have to pay the bills before moving in, contact the utility provider ahead of time and request a plan for the period of your stay.

Utilities vary depending on whether your landlord will cover the costs. Some landlords choose to cover all utilities, while others charge only a portion of them. In such cases, utilities must be included in the rental payment, and the landlord will estimate the costs. If you are renting a single-family home, your landlord may be willing to cover utilities. If you have a small property with a backyard cottage, you will likely need to pay for the electricity and gas, and this is not something you should worry about, because your landlord won’t be able to charge you more.

Do I need renters insurance?

If you’re thinking of pet-friendly apartments for rent in Sacramento, the question may be: Do I need renters insurance? In many cases, you don’t. Your landlord’s insurance covers damages to their property, but not yours. Renters insurance protects your possessions from damages and liability claims. Plus, you won’t have to pay the landlord’s insurance if you get into an accident. And it’s cheaper than you might think – some renters end up paying virtually nothing at all.

The answer to the question “Do I need renters insurance when renting an apartment?” will depend on a few factors, such as your home’s value and location. A policy with a high deductible will be more expensive, so you should calculate the total value of your personal belongings beforehand. A low deductible will save you money if you need to claim. Moreover, having a policy protects you financially even if someone breaks into your apartment. Getting renters insurance gives you peace of mind if anything should happen.

Renters insurance protects you financially as well as your physical possessions. In case of a fire or burglary, it will pay to replace your belongings. And if your belongings get stolen, your insurance will reimburse you for them, which is a great benefit. You can even get renters insurance when traveling, and use the coverage to cover any additional living expenses. It’s cheap, and it protects your finances as well as your personal belongings.

Do I need a rental reference letter?

When renting an apartment, you may be asked to provide a rental reference letter. A landlord may request that you provide one to verify your reliability. The letter is not intended to be a character study, but rather a statement of your reliability as a tenant. If you do not have a landlord reference letter, you can request a letter from a landlord in your area who can provide one.

Choosing personal references is a personal choice, but it is important to choose the right people to provide them. Avoid family members or close friends because they may have skewed views of your character. Use people from your work experience to give unbiased references. A good personal reference shows the landlord your character, and a bad one could cost you the apartment. Make sure to get a reference letter from a landlord who knows you well and trusts you.

You must ensure that your rental reference letter is a positive one. If a previous landlord has a bad record, you should decline to write a rental reference letter. In this case, you should include any red flags in a positive tone, and conclude the letter with a positive recommendation for your former tenant. This will make you stand out in the rental market. Ensure that your landlord is honest and professional in the letter. It will help you if you write a positive reference letter for a former tenant.

Lifestyle

Donnette Russell-Love on How Policy Changes Are Reshaping the Immigrant Experience in America

Published

19 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Michelle Langton

What happens when the rules for chasing the American dream keep changing? For millions of immigrants, the answer is anxiety, confusion, and a constant fight to stay one step ahead of shifting policies that can decide their future overnight.

This is the reality that Donnette Russell-Love, attorney and CEO of Immigration Care Service, faces every day. With a career built on both courtroom experience and compassionate advocacy, she has become a steady guide for individuals and families navigating one of the most unpredictable legal systems in the world.

A Changing Landscape

Over the years, U.S. immigration policy has shifted from being opportunity-driven to increasingly restrictive. Donnette Russell-Love has seen how these changes have reshaped not only the process but also how immigrants are perceived. She believes that leadership plays a major role in setting the tone; each administration influences whether the focus lies on inclusion, enforcement, or deterrence.

Under the current administration, the path to the American dream has become much narrower. There has been a stronger push to limit humanitarian provisions for people fleeing unstable conditions, less tolerance for long-term immigrants with even minor offenses from years ago, and growing efforts to challenge birthright citizenship.

These policies reflect a clear shift in how the United States approaches immigration. For many of her clients, the rules that once offered hope now feel like walls. Yet, her mission remains the same: to help them find a way through, one informed decision at a time.

Guiding Clients Through Constant Change

In an environment where laws and regulations can change faster than people can adapt, Donnette’s approach is built on preparation. She doesn’t just focus on forms and paperwork; she focuses on context. Her process starts with understanding each client’s story, background, and long-term goals. From there, she helps them see not just what’s required legally, but what’s likely to be asked, reviewed, or challenged along the way.

For her, education is the most powerful defense. She believes that informed clients are stronger, calmer, and more confident when facing interviews or hearings. She spends time explaining how new rules apply to their situations and how small details, like old records, travel history, or documentation, can make all the difference.

Her deep understanding of immigration stems not only from her legal training but also from her background in compliance and risk management. These skills have shaped her proactive style, allowing her to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Instead of reacting to policy shifts, she prepares her clients to adapt to them.

Leadership That Balances Law and Humanity

Running a law firm in such a turbulent field requires discipline, empathy, and vision, qualities that Donnette has cultivated over years of leadership. As the head of Immigration Care Service, she manages the balance between legal precision and genuine human care. Her team works closely with clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they receive not only sound legal guidance but also emotional support during uncertain times.

She also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. Her philosophy is that immigration law is not just about policies or procedures, it’s about people. Every case represents a life story, a dream, or a second chance. And while the system may grow more rigid, her role is to help clients see that persistence and preparation can still lead to opportunity.

Moving Forward with Purpose

For Donnette Russell-Love, the work doesn’t end with one case or one victory. It’s about helping her clients understand the bigger picture, that success in immigration is not only about following rules, but about knowing how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

She recognizes that the path to legal residency or citizenship is harder now than ever before. But her message is one of resilience: knowledge and preparation still open doors.

In a time when immigration policies seem to shift with every election cycle, Donnette’s approach stands out for its steadiness and humanity. She reminds her clients and the broader community that while laws may change, the pursuit of hope, belonging, and a better life remains constant. And with the right guidance, that pursuit is still worth every effort.