Posts about 520 Park Apartments in Mount Vernon

Paying Your Rent

Continuing with our Lease Agreement Series, this week's blog will discuss paying your rent. Remember, the lease is important; not only does it serve as a guide for what you can and cannot do, it's the difference between a friendly farewell and possible legal action, or worse, eviction. On page 7, section 30 of your lease reads: PAYMENT OF RENT: Payments may be mailed to our office located at 11433 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 or at such other address as may be designated by us. You may also pay your rent by enclosing your payment in an envelope and placing the envelope in the Drop Box at 11433 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Except as may otherwise be required by law, or by us, all rental payments made by you must be by check or money order. We will convert all paper checks received in payment of rent into electronic items for Automated Clearing House (ACH) funds processing. Such electronic payments will be for the amount indicated on each check and may be withdrawn from your bank account on the same day that your payment is received by us. You understand that a check converted into an electronic item will not be returned to you by your financial institution and will instead appear as an electronic item on your bank statement. If you notify us requesting that your check should not be converted into an electronic item, you must thereafter make all rent payments by cashier's check, certified check or money order. If we cannot post the transaction electronically, we are authorized to present a copy of your check for payment. No personal checks will be accepted after the 5th day of the month, nor will they be accepted if one (1) of your checks, in a twelve (12) month period, is dishonored by your bank. Should we employ a collection agent to institute proceedings for rent and/or repossession of the Premises for non-payment of any installment of rent, and should such rent be due and owing as of the filing of said proceedings, you will pay us the reasonable costs incurred by us in utilizing the services of the collection agent. But what does this mean? For those of you who don't know what an ACH is, it stands for Automated Clearing House, which is a fancy way of processing a physical check to electronic funds. If you prefer to write a check each month, this is to be mailed directly to our corporate office at 11433 Cronridge Dr. Owings Mills, MD 21117, or you can drive there and place it in a drop box. The check is then processed electronically and taken out of your bank account. We only take the exact amount written on your check. Rent is due on the 1 st of every month, but you have until the 5 th before they'll apply the late charge of 5% market rent. After the 5 th at 4:00pm, no personal checks will be accepted for rent, only cashier's checks or money orders. You would be working with the Property Manager at this point, as it they may begin the process of eviction. If we hire a collection agency and proceed with repossession of the apartment, you will be responsible to pay us back for the charges we received from them. But wouldn't you rather avoid all of this nonsense? Pay your rent online! It's quicker, easier, and greener! See next blog for details! 520 Park Avenue

Your Security Deposit

So you applied for an apartment, and you were approved! Now it's time to read your lease agreement, thoroughly, before signing on that shiny new apartment. But if you're like most of the busy bees buzzing about this city, you didn't have time to read it thoroughly. A glance counts, right? I mean, you touched on the important topics, the rest is just legal jibber-jabber. The lease is important, not only does it serve as a guide for what you can and cannot do, it's the difference between a friendly farewell and possible legal action, or worse, eviction. Let's take a moment to zero in on your lease agreement and discuss it. We'll start with those hot topics you grazed. First, your security deposit. The lease agreement reads: SECURITY DEPOSIT: You acknowledge owing us a Security Deposit to be held by us as security for the faithful performance by you of your obligations under this Lease. We will provide you with a separate receipt acknowledging the amount of Security Deposit paid by you. The Security Deposit, or any portion thereof, may be withheld for unpaid rent, damage due to breach of this Lease or for damage by you or the your family, agents, employees, guests or invitees in excess of ordinary wear and tear to the Premises, common areas, major appliances and furnishings owned by us. It is understood and agreed, however, that even though you paid a Security Deposit, rent must be paid when due, in accordance with the terms of this Lease. You have the right to be present when we inspect the Premises in order to determine if any damage was done to the Premises, if you notify us by certified mail of your intention to move, the date of moving, and your new address. Your notice must be mailed to us at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of moving. Upon receipt of your notice, we will notify you by certified mail of the time and date when the Premises will be inspected. The date of inspection will occur within five (5) days before or five (5) days after the date of moving as stated in your notice. If we sell or transfer the Premises, we have the right to transfer your Security Deposit to the purchaser, or other transferee, and we will no longer be liable for the return of your Security Deposit. Thereafter, you must look to the purchaser or other transferee for the return of your Security Deposit. This will apply every time your Security Deposit is transferred. Your Security Deposit may not be mortgaged, assigned or encumbered by you without our prior written consent. You have a right to receive, by first class mail, delivered to your last known address, a written list of the charges against your Security Deposit claimed by us and the actual costs, within forty-five (45) days after the termination of your tenancy. We are further obligated to return any unused portion of your Security Deposit, by first class mail, addressed to your last known address within forty-five (45) days after the termination of your tenancy. Our failure to comply with Maryland's Security Deposit Law may result in our being liable to you for a penalty of up to three (3) times the Security Deposit withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees. But what does this mean? You signed your l ease and paid the deposit, which you expect to get back at the end of your lease. Surely there's nothing that would prevent this from returning to your bank account upon move-out, so you shouldn't have to worry about the logistics of it, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case. According to the above statement, if you fail to pay rent, damage your apartment (beyond normal wear and tear), or damage any of the common areas, such as your hallway, some, if not all, of your security deposit will be used to pay for the damages or missing rent. What counts as "damage"? See section 17 of your lease. When you move out, it also states that you can be present during time of inspection, to see if any damage was done, but it is not required that you're present. If there are damages, we will send you a list of detailed charges to your new address within 45 days after you move out. We will return the remaining portion, or all of, your security deposit within 45 days as well. If we fail to do our part, we are liable to pay up to three times the amount of your security deposit, plus any reasonable attorney fees. If you transfer your apartment to someone else, the security deposit goes with it. So when you move out, you will not get your security deposit back (we recommend you discuss this with the person taking over your lease). Whenever the transferee moves out of the apartment, they will receive the security deposit back, or will be stuck with any damage charges for the apartment (another good reason to discuss this with the transferee). So there you have it, your security deposit in a nut shell. You should always read a document very carefully before signing it, but here at 520 Park we want to be completely transparent and leave no surprises. We're not here to scam you! If you ever have questions over your lease, please stop in the office or set up an appointment to discuss things. We want you to feel comfortable in your new home and trust that we have your best interests at heart.

DIY Halloween Costumes

Sick of spending way too much time googling DIY costume ideas? Well, you're in luck. We spent hours scrolling through every corner of the Internet to dig up the most amazing and creative costumes so you don't have to. Keep reading for DIY costume ideas - they range from outfits you can put together in minutes to projects that only advanced costumers will be brave enough to tackle. Bag of Jelly Beans What you need to do : Get a clear trash bag, cut holes for your arms and legs to fit through. Print the nutritional facts on the back of the costume, just like what you see on the backs of candy bags. Fill up the bag with colored balloons for the jellybeans, and tie up the trash bag near your neck with a ribbon. Mime What you need to do : Get some cheap white face paint, and paint your face with it. Wear black clothes or a striped white and black top if you have one. White gloves will complete the outfit, but they aren't necessary. Derek Zoolander What you need to do : Get a patterned headband, blue eyes (or contact lenses), and an arresting gaze. Dark eyeshadow and purple lips preferred Mugatu What you need to do : Wear a gray sweater with the word "Mugatu" in black stuck on it. Find black cloth for the collar, end of the sleeves, and midsection. Don't forget a white stuffed dog. The hair is really important as well, so you might want to invest in a wig Mary Poppins What you need to do : Get a black umbrella, long black skirt, white collared button-down shirt, red bow tie, white gloves, black pantyhose, and a black hat. Home Improvement Wilson What you need to do : Get popsicle sticks to make the fence, beige floppy hat, and a brown plaid shirt. Jellyfish What you need to do : Get a clear umbrella. You can use all kinds of materials as the stingers, such as thin strips of bubble wrap, string, ribbons, or fabric Lady Gaga What you need to do : Get different shades of face paint and eye shadow, and watch this YouTube tutorial . Grumpy Cat What you need to do : Get white face paint, lots of brown eyeshadow, and a sponge for blending. Wear a white outfit, brown cat ears, and a brown tail. Comic book character What you need to do : Get bright color clothing and comic book makeup . Pippi Longstocking What you need to do : Get wire and ribbons for your hair. Don't forget to dot your face with freckles Men in Black What you need to do : Wear a black suit, put on shades, and you'll have your top secret Men in Black costume Trolls What you need to do : Gel up your hair, and spray it with temporary hair color. Wear a nude top, some colored shorts (or go all nude, if you prefer!), and you'll have a really cool-looking troll entourage. Firefox What you need to do : Get an orange outfit that includes furry orange ears, a tail, and fingerless gloves. You also need a globe, which you can make using an inflated ball and painting it. I choose you, Pikachu! What you need to do : Get a yellow outfit and felt and cardboard to make the ears and tail. Don't forget to paint your cheeks red! Vincent Van Gogh What you need to do : Make sure you do a good job painting your face so you resemble a painting. Complete the look by painting your outfit. Napoleon Dynamite Deb What you need to do : Get a pale pink- and white-striped polo shirt, side ponytail, pink fanny pack, and a plastic box with plastic jewelry. Lamb Chop & Shari What you need to do : Get a lamb puppet, big permed hair, and a colorful blouse Quailman What you need to do : Get a green sweatshirt, red cape, khaki shorts, white briefs, and a brown belt TSA Agent What you need to do : Construct a "gate" for people to walk through, and wear a light brown button-down shirt and dark brown pants. 520 Park

Betta Fish Perfect for Apartment Living

A Betta Fish Can Be the Perfect Apartment Pet! You might have seen or even felt sorry for the brightly colored and elaborately-finned fish kept in small cups individually at the pet store. These beautiful fish, called Bettas or Siamese Fighting Fish, are popular pets and intelligent animals that can thrive in an apartment setting and make great company. If you've ever thought about getting a pet, but don't want to commit to taking it for walks every day or cleaning a litter box, consider a Betta fish. They're smart, require very little maintenance, and are relatively inexpensive to care for! Caring for Your Betta Fish in Your Apartment Contrary to what many people think, Bettas require space and stimulation and can't survive for very long in that plastic cup they came in from the pet store - or even in a small goldfish bowl. It's important to remember that these fish aren't just for decoration - they're living creatures that need your daily care, even if that care is minimal. Here are some facts you may not have known about caring for these fascinating fish: For every inch long your fish is, he will require one gallon of water. Most Bettas require at least a 2 to 3 gallon tank to be happy. Bettas do require a tank with a filter, air pump and thermometer. Bettas prefer a water temperature of around 72-82ºF and need clean and flowing water. Provide stimulating items for your fish to explore and hide in. Plants, rocks, and decorations are all good ideas to include. Just make sure you're choosing non-toxic items specifically for fish tanks! Bettas can't survive on regular fish food. Make sure you're buying food specifically formulated for Betta fish! Clean your Betta's tank regularly and use clean, filtered water. Many pet stores sell water purifier specifically for Betta fish. Bettas do not necessarily have to be kept alone! Females can be kept together, and males can be kept with other species of fish. Just remember the one inch of fish per gallon rule! While we know Baltimoreans love their dogs, we here at 520 Park understand not everyone is a fan. Sometimes it's simpler and cleaner to adopt a fish instead. And don't worry, there won't be a pet rent associated with your Betta Fish!

Eating Clean at Restaurants

Everyone knows it, Baltimoreans love their food. And it's likely you eat out at least 7 meals a week. Come on, admit it! With so many amazing restaurants in this city, it's easy to say hell with your diet. But eating clean is important, and there are ways to keep the calorie count down while still enjoying all that Baltimore has to offer. Whether you're an experienced dietician or just trying to watch your figure, here are some tips anyone would find useful on how to eat clean at restaurants: Plan ahead, and know the ingredients,check the restaurant's website beforehand for their nutrition section, and shoot for a meal with as little processed ingredients as possible. Look for buzzwords. Organic, locally sourced, grass-fed, antibiotic- and hormone-free, sustainably raised are, yes, a bit trendy, but they can also serve as indicators that the restaurant is concerned and conscientious about its sources. When ordering a salad, pay attention to what they put in it and ask yourself, honestly, if it's healthy. Many chain restaurants make an effort with under 500 calories or "fit" dishes, but still load it with flavor-enhancers. Be mindful of all components and remember its ok to substitute or take away certain ingredients. Avoid creamy dressings, and always ask for it on the side. If you order a burger, check if they have wheat buns, and stick with veggie toppings instead of bacon, cheese or other fatty garnishes. While a deli turkey sandwich is always better than a greasy burger, you should still be aware that most thinly-slice deli meats contain a lot of sodium and preservatives. If the restaurant offers freshly carved turkey or chicken, order than instead. Try to choose lean meat like chicken or turkey over red meat like ham or beef. And when considering the sandwich, also be aware of the toppings and dressings/condiments. Remember, creamy=fatty. When eating Mexican, choose corn tortillas over flour tortillas. Flour tortillas (even the whole wheat varieties) are higher in calories, fat and sodium. Or nix the tortilla altogether and ask for a lettuce wrap. You'd be surprised how you don't miss the taste of a tortilla. Choose a dish that is mostly veggies, and opt for avocado or guacamole instead of sour cream. Ask if they make their own salsa. Fresh salsa won't have as many preservatives or sodium, but store-bought salsa is still better than sour cream. At Chinese restaurants, very little of their food is clean. Ask for simple steamed vegetables and brown rice (not fried). A little bit of soy sauce is okay, but one tiny packet holds 520mg of sodium, one quarter of your DAILY intake, so tread lightly. Remember that you're human, and you can't restrict yourself forever. For your mental health, order that huge plate of pasta, but only every once in a while . To keep the calories down, though, drink lots of water in between bites. It takes 15 minutes for your brain to recognize that you're full, so chewing slower will reduce the chance of over-eating/ingesting unnecessary calories. Drinking all that water will also help you fill up faster. This can be applied to any meal, clean or not. Side note: talking more means less food is going in your mouth; consider dining with a chatty Kathy! Dab your pizza with a napkin (or two) before eating. That grease you see on top is actually fat that melted away from the cheese when it was heated. Blotting your pie can save about 40 calories and 4 grams of fat per slice. Steak is not the worst thing in the world, but your sides can be. Choose steamed vegetables or a side salad instead of fries or loaded baked potato. If you still want to carb it up, choose a simple baked potato and use as little butter as possible. As always, stay away from soda. But if you must, ask for lots of ice, and order a water with it as well. The more ice in your cup, the less soda you'll consume (while still satisfying the craving). And when you run out of soda, you'll drink more water while waiting for the server to refill your soda. Lattes are amazing, but they are also jam-packed with sugars and sweeteners. Decide what you absolutely must have in order for it to taste right, and stick with those few ingredients. Telling them what to put in it gives you control over your calorie and sugar intake. We here at 520 Park utilize these tips regularly and encourage everyone to eat clean both at home and on-the-go, and exercise weekly, if not daily. Please remember to take your health seriously--be mindful of your food choices and practice fitness activities that you find fun!

Benefits of Honey Water

Water is good for you, we all know that. We hear no end that we should be drinking more and more water. After all, water is a vital component for our bodies, let's not forget that we're made up of 80% water! Which is actually a very strange thought when you overthink it. Water basically maintains all of our everyday bodily functions from transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to helping with our day-to-day digestion of food. So we've successfully established we NEED it. But fancy making your water even more helpful to your system? Just add honey. Yes, honey! I know what you're thinking. It's full of sugar. But it's so sweet? How can honey be healthy? Fear not friends, honey is actually pretty damn good for you. Drinking a glass of warm honey water everyday can increase your health and even prevent against disease. Yep you heard right, THIS is what will happen if you start drinking honey every day! Your Skin Will Become Clearer Yep! Honey is a natural anti-oxidant which means it helps to flush away any waste and thanks to antibacterial properties it helps to keep your skin clean and clearer than ever. This infographic gives a pretty good overview as to why and how you can get better skin by using honey, anyone up for a DIY honey exfoliator? You Will Boost Your Immune System Honey owns some pretty impressive immune system boosting properties. Be sure to buy raw, organic honey to gain maximum benefit from the bacteria killing assets! It's full of enzymes, vitamins and minerals that will protect you against any nasty bacteria. You Will Lose Weight So your first thought is probably BUT SUGAR. Yes there is sugar in honey but it's totally different to white sugar, its natural sugar! These natural sugars will help to satisfy your everyday sweet cravings for naughty treats such as cake, sweets, chocolate and cola. In fact if you swap your sweetener packed drinks for honey water you'll be saving up to 64% more calories ! Your Sore Throat Will Improve There's a reason warm honey water is a winter favorite, it can help to soothe a sore throat and warm you up in the colder months. Honey is a natural remedy for respiratory infections and the common cough, so next time you have a pesky winter cold, reach for the honey (raw and organic though of course). You Will Flush Out Toxins Honey and warm water is one of the best combinations to flushing out waste from your system. Say goodbye to toxins and hello to a detox. Oh and a quick tip - adding lemon will improve this even further by helping to increase urination. Just saying. Your Blood Sugar Levels Will Regulate As we've discussed, whilst honey does contain a fair amount of sugar, it's not the same as white sugar - the combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body to regulate your blood sugar levels, it's also said to lower cholesterol too. Not bad. Your Gas Will Reduce I know, I said gas *eww*. But seriously, if you suffer from bloat or feel gassy on the regular then a mug of warm honey water will help to neutralize the gas in your system. You'll feel half a stone lighter in no time. You'll Be Preventing Risk Of Heart Disease And that's got to be pretty good right? The flavonoids and anti-oxidants in honey are also pretty handy at helping to prevent and reduce your risk of heart disease. Research has shown that honey slowed down the oxidation process of bad cholesterol in human blood - which can have a harmful effect on your heart leading to attacks and even a stroke. We'll even let you use the hot water tap at 520 Park lobby to give you a fresh start to the day!