Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
-
Cases of coronavirus are rising across America, including in Atlanta, Georgia, home of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. But that’s not the only respiratory illness going around right now. Influenza and RSV are also making people sick.
Do you have COVID, the flu or RSV? This article will tell you how to know and what to do about it.
Do I Have COVID?
The best way to tell if you have COVID is by taking a test.
Most at-home COVID tests are of the antigen variety, according to the FDA. Although the at-home tests are not flawless, they are expedient and convenient for millions of Americans who want to know if they have been exposed to the virus.
Currently, U.S. households can receive a set of four free at-home tests sent by the Postal Service. Here’s what to know about the tests:
- Limit of one order per address
- Includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
- Shipping started the week of December 19, 2022
- Order at covidtests.gov.
FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for self-testing at home or other locations are a fast and convenient COVID-19 testing option.
Do I Have The Flu?
The flu virus is cycling through the United States right now, which is typical during the colder months.
How can you tell if you may have the flu? You might have influenza if you exhibit any number of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and/or fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children.
Do I Have RSV?
On the other hand, you may have the newest ailment that has emerged over the past several months. RS.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that presents like a cold. The symptoms are typically mild and cold-like and people usually feel better in about a week’s time.
What If I Was Exposed To COVID But Don’t Have Symptoms?
The CDC says that if you happened to have been exposed to someone who has COVID and you do not have symptoms, you should wait at least five full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may have an inaccurate result.
What Are The Symptoms of COVID-19?
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle Pain
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Those last three symptoms — congestion / runny nose, nausea / vomiting and diarrhea — were added by the CDC in May 2020.
Now some scientists are warning about “Long COVID,” which has been associated with patients infected with coronavirus across much of Europe.
What Is Long COVID?
Long Covid is a term associated with months-long symptoms seen in patients who have contracted COVID-18. The National Institute for Health Research documented more than 60,000 people who have experienced symptoms including:
- Shortness of breath
- ,Chronic fatigue
- “Brain fog”
- Permanent organ damage
- Anxiety
- Stress
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says that an incredible 20% to 40% of people don’t have any symptoms whatsoever despite their being infected.
Of course, you should always seek medical attention if these any of these symptoms become an emergency situation, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
There is also reports that young people have had strokes due to COVID-19, but there is much to be learned.
Many people have been sharing their experience with COVID-19 on Twitter. Here is one such experience.
[THREAD FYI]
Hello, I want to share my symptoms of COVID-19 to raise awareness and to make people calm.I am a 24-year old Filipina who is currently residing in Berlin, Germany.
Last Saturday, I had sore throat (which is usual for me) cause I love sweets and cola. So, I ignored
— Kelly (@kellyabagat) March 19, 2020
How Do I Test For Coronavirus?
You may be wondering how you can test for coronavirus, if you think you have symptoms.
There are several sites around metro Atlanta where you can get tested for COVID.
How To Treat COVID At Home
If your symptoms aren’t too serious, you may be able to treat COVID at home. Here’s the experience of one person who recovered from COVID by treating it without going to the hospital.
The important thing to know is that it’s best to lay on your stomach so that your lungs don’t fill up with fluid, which could lead to problems.
Of course, please know that each person may experience different symptoms and reactions. If you have any questions, consult your doctor.
My friend, this is long, but please read.
This was shared on a Covid survivor group…have heard many of these before but it seems helpful:
HOW TO FIGHT COVID AT HOME
No one ever talks about how to fight Covid at home. I came down with Covid in November.
1/— WolfFyreEyes (@CibilSesco) January 5, 2021
As always, call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.
Final Thought
See the CDC website for official public health guidance on COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Where To Get The COVID Vaccine In Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia health officials have been working hard to get more doses delivered to the state. Metro Atlanta now has several places that are doing inoculations for Georgia residents.If you’re looking for the COVID-19 vaccine in Atlanta, here are the vaccination sites.Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
-
No celebrity consistently kills it in the body department like Beyoncé. What’s her secret?
The best entertainer over the last two decades has managed to keep a nicely sculptured body like nobody else. How does she do it?
The Category Is Body. Beyoncé body
Getting a body like Beyoncé is not about gaining a “figure 8” physique or impossibly thin waist. It’s more about being able to maintain a shape that works for you — and feeling good about it.
The bottom line is that Beyoncé’s body has been an aspiration for more than two generations of girls and into their womanhood. And you may want to know…
How Can I Get A Beyoncé Body?
If you want to get that Bey body, the first thing you should know is that it’s not easy, not even for Queen Bey.
“I am not naturally the thinnest woman,” she told Good Morning America. “I have curves. I have struggled with diets and finding something that works for me.”
Perhaps you can relate. Also, like Beyoncé you may be someone who’s had a child — or three. If so, then that’s pretty amazing that you want to get your body tight, but you should also know that you’re beautiful in your own right.
It’s OK to reaffirm yourself to get your confidence up. Even Beyoncé had to come to terms with her body at some point.
She wrote a first-person piece for Vogue lamenting how through her career she capitulated to the world’s standards of how her body should look, but never again.“After the birth of my first child, I believed in the things society said about how my body should look,” she wrote in Vogue.Now let’s get started: Here are three strategies you should put in place to achieve that Beyoncé body.1. Adopt Beyoncé’s Workout Routine
To get Beyoncé’s body, you’re going to have to spend some time in the gym. But how? What does a Beyoncé workout consist of?
In the Vogue interview, Beyoncé says that she has the ability to get her body right by going into “beast mode.”“Whenever I’m ready to get a six-pack, I will go into beast zone and work my ___ off until I have it,” she said.But what does Beyoncé’s beast mode consist of? According to her longtime trainer, here’s what the singer has done to get her body toned.- Boxing
- Swinging weighted ropes
- Lifting free weights
- Dancing
“I’ll put on a song that I really like and do [biceps curls with] five-pound weights [for] the whole song and just try to burn out,” she told Self Magazine.Invest In Some Free Weights
You might want to think about investing in some free weights to build muscle and tone along with your workouts. Here are some free weight options from Amazon:Beyoncé’ says she’s always wanted to become more healthy. As a result, working out became a priority.One way Beyoncé’ has developed her tight gluts is by doing the kettle bell squat-and-press, which her trainer says that it’s an “exercise that hits all the major muscles. If you did nothing else, you’d still get a great workout,” he told Self.The kettle bell squat and press is popular with celebrities, by the way.And don’t think Beyoncé doesn’t get tired and want to quit. Her trainer told Glamour UK, “You run out of gas fast; by pushing through [that fatigue], you develop a ton of endurance.”2. Start Beyoncé’s Plant-Based Diet
To get ready for Coachella, Beyoncé recorded her diet regimen in a video called “22 Days Nutrition.” Mind you, this was right after she’d just gave birth to twins.In the clip, she starts off by saying: “Good morning, it’s 5 a.m., and this is day one of rehearsals for Coachella.” The scale below her reads 175 pounds. “Every woman’s nightmare,” she then says.You may be wondering what is the”22 Days Nutrition?” It’s a diet program created and promoted by Beyonce’s trainer Marco Borges. His 22 Days Nutrition Plan is all about getting people to enjoy a plant-based lifestyle on their own terms.Here’s what Beyoncé’s diet regimen:- Removing all processed foods from her diet
- A 100% plant-based lifestyle
- A regular exercise routine
- Plenty of rest
Here are some great dishes and recipes from Borges’ 22 Days Nutrition Plan, which Beyoncé followed to lose weight.
Health Green Smoothie
Recipe by the amazing @ligiasfreshbowls
– 1 cup frozen mango
– 2 frozen bananas
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 scoop plant protein @22daysnutrition
– 1 tsp ceremonial organic matcha
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1/4 cup oat milkMix all i ingredients in a high speed blender and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
View this post on InstagramDelicious Quick And Healthy Meal
View this post on Instagram“We know the power of vegetables; we know the power of plants; we know the power of foods that are unprocessed and as close to nature as possible,” Borges says.
Vegan Pancakes
Recipe by: @ligiasfreshbowls
Delicious Vegan Pancake Recipe:
- 1 tbsp whole ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water ( let it sit 6 to 10 min to for a jelly texture)
- 1 cup oat flour ( gluten free if available)
- 1 scoop organic PB plant based protein @22daysnutrition ( check out my highlights for code )
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar (optional)
- 1 1/4 cup oat milk ( you might need to use extra 2-3 tbsp if the batter gets thick while cooking the waffles)
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and make 4 big waffles
View this post on InstagramRecipe by: @ligiasfreshbowls
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and make 4 big waffles.
“Me getting the weight off was so much easier than getting back in shape and my body feeling comfortable,” she says in the video.If you’re thinking about adopting a similar food plan, get your mind right: Instead of 22 days, Beyoncé followed the diet for 44 days.That means you’re going to have to get serious!In the Homecoming documentary on Netflix, Beyoncé says that, ““In order to meet my goal, I’m limiting myself to no bread, no carbs, no dairy, no meat, no fish, no alcohol. And I’m hungry.”Be Balanced With Your Health
Like any sensible person, Beyoncé makes sure not to overdo it, which would expose her to burn out and perhaps sour her on bettering her body.If you want to achieve results and be encouraged by them, remember, you’re not a machine. It’s OK to have a cheat day.“I always treat myself to one meal on Sundays when I can have whatever I want. Usually it’s pizza, which is my favorite indulgence,” she told Shape magazine in 2013.Another thing, she no longer does is try to please everybody.“I put pressure on myself to lose all the baby weight in three months, and scheduled a small tour to assure I would do it. Looking back, that was crazy.”“During my recovery, I gave myself self-love and self-care, and I embraced being curvier. I accepted what my body wanted to be,” she said in Vogue.Bottom Line
To sum it all up, getting a body like Beyoncé is not an easy feat. For most of us, it’s going to take some lifestyle changes and determination. Take it from Bey!“You have to push yourself,” she told Self magazine. “It doesn’t matter what trainer you have. And it doesn’t matter what program you’re on. You have to be healthy and make the right choices.”
Are you ready to get a body like Beyoncé ? Are you ready to get in formation?If you want to take care of your body, check out these exercises for beginners led by an acclaimed Atlanta fitness expert.
You Should Also Read:
-
Adidas. Nike. Under Amour. Those are some of the most prestigious brands in athletics. And who doesn’t appreciate some new fits?
We’re going to show you some great athleticwear that you can sport when you exercise.
Cool Athletic Wear For Your Workout
Athletic gear has come a long way. We’re way past the point of wearing some baggy gray warmups and Converse tennis shoes. These days, athletic clothes are form-fitting and protect against the sun, perspiration and more.
The Best Nike Shoes For Women
Nike Free Rn MTN Fk 2018 Iwd Womens Shoes Size
QAUPPE Womens Fashion Lightweight Air Sports Walking Sneakers
Nike Womens Dunk High WMNS DD1869 102 Football Grey – Size
The Best Nike Self-Lacing Shoes For Men
Nike Mens Adapt BB AO2582 001 Basketball – Self-Lacing – Size 10
Nike Mens Adapt BB AO2582 001 Basketball – Self-Lacing – Size 11.5
Nike Adapt BB AO2582 001 Basketball – Self-Lacing – Size 14
What To Wear To The Gym
Everyone from time to time wants to focus on fitness, but in order to do so, you need to make sure you’re dressed comfortably.
You’ll want some gear that offer flexibility. Here are some suggestions:
Also, make sure your outfit allows you to move freely. Here are some top Zumba outfits:
Buy A Punching Bag
If you want the convenience of working on your body in your own home, you might want to invest in a punching bag. Here are some good ones from Amazon:
Last Words
No matter what you wear when you work out, make sure it complements your figure. Clothes that are too tight will only distract from your goal: exercise.
When you don’t know what to wear, nothing beats some simple yoga pants and a fitted tank top or T-shirt.
More Articles:
- Best Zumba Classes In Atlanta
- 5 Places To Buy Affordable Shoes
- Where To Buy Beyonce’s Ivy Park Collection
-
-
One of the best-kept secrets to great hair is coconut oil. The benefits of using coconut on your hair are well documented. But who sells coconut oil products specifically designed for your hair?
This article will show you some of the best coconut oil products for your hair and scalp.
What Does Coconut Oil Do For Your Hair?
Coconut oil is made up of a very beneficial ingredient: lauric acid. This acid has moisturizing properties and acts like a salve for your skin, specifically your scalp.
Because coconut oil seeps into your hair follicles relatively quickly, it has become a favorite in the hair industry.
The Benefits Of Coconut Oil
A U.S. government study on the benefits of coconut oil said this: “Previously published results showed that both in vitro and in vivo coconut oil (CNO) treatments prevented combing damage of various hair types.”
Coconut oil can also have the following benefits for your hair:
- Make it long and shiny
- Act as a detangler
- Keep dandruff to a minimum
- Moisturize the hair and scalp
Now let’s go over some great coconut oil on the market:
Lot of 3 Coconut Oil Cream 6 Oz/ea Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream
Seborrheic Dermatitis Cream with Manuka Honey
NATUREWELL Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream
The Body Shop Butter, Coconut
Plantoria Plant Based Organic Coconut Oil With Vitamin E
Final Word
Because coconut oil can lead to breakage on dry hair, it is best to apply it after you’ve wet your hair, typically after a shower or bath.More AtlantaFi.com:- Best Skin Care Products To Try Right Now
- The Best Natural-Looking Red Wigs
- Gabor And More: Best Wig Brands
-
It’s not easy to clean up a home. There are so many things that need to be wiped down, disinfected or downright washed. The good news is that with a little effort, you can do it.
This article will provide some house-cleaning tips that you can use to stay focused on getting your residence up to par.
1. Make Your Bed Every Day
You may not think much of making your bed, but it’s the #1 indicator of whether a person is tidy or not. Think about it, if you don’t clean your most private quarters, can you be expected to have neat surroundings outside of that?
Another reason to make up your bed every day is that it gives you a sense of accomplishment regardless of whatever else you do that day.
Also, making up your bed is a great self-esteem builder, even when you live alone.
2. Wipe Down The Ceiling Fan Blades
One of the most overlooked areas of the living room (or any room) is the ceiling fan. The blades typically collect dust after about three months of use.
If you have a home where you leave the front or back door open more often, your ceiling fan may get dusty around five weeks at a time.
Get yourself a microfiber towel and wipe down your ceiling fan blades about every month to keep them clean.
3. Use A Bleach Pen To Clean Grout
The bathroom is oftentimes one of the most dirty areas of the home. Not only does the tub need constant attention, but after a while you’ll notice that your bathroom tiles will stain due to soap scum.
The way to tackle the dirt on your bathroom tiles and especially along the grout lines is to use a bleach pen.
4. Stock Up On Furnace Filters
Your air conditioner may work fine now, but if you don’t regularly change the filters, it won’t forever.
You should change your AC filters every three months for optimum performance, although it won’t kill you if you do it every six months.
To save time and money, why not buy several air filters at one time? Remember, you’ll always need them.
5. Use Baking Soda For Tough Stains
If you find that our name-brand cleaners aren’t doing the job, try baking soda.
Not only is baking soda a key ingredient in many cleaners today, it’s sort of a secret weapon when it comes to getting entrenched stains out of different types of fabrics.
Final Words
The key to having a clean home is to not put off what you can do today for tomorrow. Small tasks can turn into mountains if you continue to delay.
Tackle the smaller tasks first, then graduate to the larger items on your list. If you keep at it, the job will be done in no time.
If you clean better with music, put on some headphones and get lost in tidying up your home.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
-
Not going to the hairstylist is a great way to save money, and who doesn’t want to do that? The good thing is that you can do it and it has everything to do with the way you wear your hair.
This is your time to let your natural hair shine by giving it the loving care it needs. Want to know how?
It’s all about showing our gorgeous mane in all its natural beauty. No matter if you have short hair or textured long curls, it’s all good and easy to do.
This article is going to show you some breathtaking natural hairstyles you’ll love to emulate.
Quarantine Hairstyles
Quick & Easy Hairstyles
Why not take in some lessons on how to really make your hair stand out from the crowd. Watch this:
How To Style 4C & 4B Hair
Does the 4C have you not being able to foresee a future for your natural hair? Girl, relax. You got this!
Curly Natural Hairstyles You’ll Love
People think the world of girls with curls, and the rest of us are not mad. Here’s what to do with those locs.
Natural Hairstyles With Edges Laid
Tired of those edges sticking up and out? Let’s do something about them right now.
Final Word
Your hair is one of the most unique expressions of your personality that people immediately see. Make it count. Take care of your hair by adding some treatments that are proven to work.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
-
Metro Atlanta residents who think they may have COVID now have the option to stop by two COVID mega-testing sites.The sites began operations recently and are on located in Cobb and DeKalb counties, in the northeast and southwest ends of suburban Atlanta.Where Are The Mega-COVID Sites In Metro Atlanta?
The Cobb County site is located at Jim Miller Park (Gate 1), 1295 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30008.The DeKalb County site is located at 2994 Turner Hill Road, Stonecrest, GA, 30038.What Time Do The COVID Mega-Testing Sites Open & Close?
The hours of operation for both sites are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The sites close from 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. every day for a lunch break.Do The COVID Mega-Testing Sites Take Walk-UPs?
You can’t just drive up to the testing sites and get tested. You must have an appointment to be tested. To register online and to make an appointment, please log on to patientportal.If you’re wondering how the COVID testing process works, specimen collection is done by medical staff using a nasal swab and individuals will be provided information on how to receive the results of their PCR test.Is COVID Testing Free?
COVID testing is free to all Georgians, however insurance will be billed if it is available. Additional information about the test sites and driving directions can be found at https://viralsolutionsga.com/.Final Word
The testing sites are the results of a partnership between the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the DeKalb County Board of Health, Cobb & Douglas Health Department and Viral Solutions.Health officials say the best way to prevent getting infected with COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and get your booster shot.More From AtlantaFi.com Articles: -
If you’re trying to find the COVID-19 booster shot in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll be glad to know that health officials have partnered with local retailers to make immunizations easier than never in the metro area.This article will show you where you can get the COVID booster shot in Atlanta. The city has plenty of locations that offer the booster shot for free.U.S. health officials have recommended that all Americans already vaccinated from either the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson shot get booster shots. The country’s premier health official, Dr. Anthony Fauci recently said that there’s no need for an omicron-specific booster shot as of yet.Who’s Eligible For A COVID Booster Shot?
For individuals who have received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial two-dose series:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk setting
Booster shots are also recommended for people 18 and older who had a Johnson & Johnson vaccine two or more months ago, according to the DPH.
What Places Offer The Booster Shot In Atlanta?
CVS
CVS Health announced that select CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations will begin offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot to eligible populations.
Schedule your booster shot with CVS.
Walmart
At your local Walmart, COVID-19 booster shots could be available. Call the store location closest to you to make sure. v Go to walmart.com/COVIDvaccine to learn more.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is another place you can go to be the booster shot to fight against COVID. Go to samsclub.com/covid to learn more.
Kroger
Select Kroger locations are also offering the booster shot. You can schedule your booster shot appointment here.
Walgreens
At Walgreens pharmacy, you can make an appointment for a COVID-19 booster shot. It can be scheduled through Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine by calling 1-800-Walgreens or by calling a local Walgreens store.
Final Word
Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.
If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.More From AtlantaFi.com Articles: -
Looking for a wig that will last for a while? Let me introduce you to Outre wigs, which I have been using for a few years. If you’re looking for a wig that is durable, the Outre wig is one of the better brands of hairpieces sold online.
In this article, we’re going to go over what makes Outre wigs so special as well as tell you a little about the company.
Are Outre Wigs Good?
Outre wigs are known for their ability to withstand fair amounts of heat and other effects of the weather. That makes them very valuable for people who are on the go.
The brand specializes in wigs as well as hair weaves, braids, and additions. While Outre wigs are for everyone, they are especially popular among black women.Here’s what one reviewer says about her Outre wig: ” I can’t believe I once paid over $1500 for this same look on my real hair in Beverly Hills! This wig is a little thinner than expected but that’s ok. For $30 it’s a one and done wig and is a nice one to add to my collection. I own several wigs, ranging from $30-1000 and believe me, this is a great one and a steal!”Are Outre Wigs Made Out Of Human Hair?
Outre wigs are typically made out ot 100% human hair. Although their are some synthetic varieties.Let’s look at some of the different styles of Outre wigs available online.
Outre Neesha Soft & Natural Synthetic Swiss Lace Front Wig
Outre Neesha Soft & Natural Synthetic Swiss Lace Front
Outre Melted Hairline Lace Front
Blonde Contour Lace Front
Frontal Effect Hairline
What Is A Human Hair Blend?
Some people who prefer the Outre brand or similar ones, may be confused about what human hair blends are.
Human hair blends are typically a combination of synthetic strands mixed with human hair. The human hair usually is comprised of damaged cuticles that are supplemented by the synthetic strands.Final Word
Outre wigs have a reputation for being luxurious, thus they’re typically worn for big events or special occasions, but you can wear them anywhere.While they are popular, Outre is not the only top brand of wig there is. Here are some other wigs you might like.The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
-
So you’re about to sign a new lease agreement to rent a place of your own. You’re about to get the keys. All you have to do is sign the lease.
Before you do, there are some very important things you need to know.When Do You Sign The Lease To An Apartment?
You sign the lease to an apartment when you’ve made sure you can afford the place and the terms are favorable to you. Many tenants skip this step and it comes back to bite them.
Please know that when you sign an apartment lease, you’re agreeing to a contract. That means you’ll be legally bound to follow what’s in the lease.
The landlord has done all he or she could to get you to sign up for a new apartment. Perhaps they’ve taken you to the pool area and tried to impress you with the courtyard. Maybe you’ve been treated to the excellent fitness center or community room with a huge bar and billiards table.Before you sign the dotted line, you should remember to make sure you know the following things:1. Know Who You’re Renting From
Landlords will typically do a background check on you before they decide to rent to you. They want to know what type of person you are and more importantly, whether you’re a criminal.For the same reasons, you should do some research on your prospective landlord as well.Go to a website like RateMyLandlord, landlord online or ReviewMyLandlord.com to see what you can find out about your landlord before you sign the dotted line.2. Document The Property’s Condition
Many landlords will not disclose cosmetic damage that is hidden or undetected by the tenant. That’s why you should look for things that could be broken or damaged in the apartment.Once you find something that is already damaged, make sure it’s written down in the lease.This will legally protect you in the future if there is a dispute about the condition of the property.3. Make Sure You Know About All Fees
In addition to your monthly rent, many landlords will tack on other fees and charges not specified in the lease.For example, there may be a service fee to use the trash chute. There also could be a service charge to use the washing machines.Make a list of all the charges associated with your rent. Total it up so you can see how much renting there is actually costing you.Final Word
Getting a new place is not as simple as looking online and asking to sign the lease. Your money, and more importantly, your safety, should be guaranteed beforehand.