The 100,000 homes campaign A model for scaling up excellence

The 100,000 homes campaign A model for scaling up excellenceThe 100,000 homes campaign A model for scaling up excellenceThis is a true story that more people ought to hear. It contains numerous lessons for any leader, organization, or social movement about how to spread something good from the few to the many. It affirms my faith in humanity. And it just might do the same for you.In a nutshell, zu siche is what happened. In 2003, West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officerBecky Margiottabegan leading an effort to reduce the homelessness problem in New York Citys Time Square. Becky welches hired byRosanne Haggerty, who founded the dem gemeinwohl verpflichtet Common Ground in 1990 to create housing for people experiencing homelessness. Becky and her team spent five years working on the Street to Home Initiative in Times Square. By 2008, the mindset, skills, and methods the team developed enabled them to find homes for 49 of the 50 homeless people living in Times Square. In 2010, H aggerty and Margiotta launched The 100,000 Homes Campaigntheir plan welches to spread what they had learned in Times Square to other cities. The goal was to find homes for 100,000 Americans experiencing chronic homelessness. The Campaign announced that they reached this goal on June 10, 2014.Thanks to a wonderful team at the Stanford Business School, the twists and turns of this story are captured in a detailed multi-media case study that was completed about a year ago. The case was written and guided byDavina Drabkin. The video producer isJohn Jamieson. Stanford ProfessorsSarah Soule,Huggy Rao, and I instigated and (lightly) guided the development. Access was restricted to our students until now, as it is designed to spark class discussion. But thanks to the generosity of the Stanford Business School, it now available to everyone for free. You can findThe 100,000 Homes Campaign case here. Because this digital case was a prototype, the navigation can be counterintuitive and trying a t times. But it is worth it - there is so much to learn and so many examples of what happens when people with noble intentions are blessed with skill and persistence. It warms my heart.While I cant capture all the key lessons from this nuanced case in a single post or article, here are five of my favorites. I suspect that you will be drawn to different highlights and inferences.1) Where is Your Times Square?One of the hallmarks of bad scaling in start-ups, organizational change initiatives, and social movements is that leaders and funders want go big before they know what works. Note that Becky and her team spent five years working on how to house people who were chronically homeless in Times Square before they developed a playbook that (they hoped) would work in other cities. When Becky teaches leaders about how to develop programs or build organizations, she cautions about impatience and asks where is your Times Square? As we say to Stanford students and visiting executives, youv e got to NAIL IT before you SCALE IT.This doesnt mean that your model needs to be perfect or that it wont change as you learn more and it is customized for different settings. But when leaders and organizations try to spread something to others that has elend been proven to work in even one place, they increase the risk of ascaling clusterfug,as Huggy Rao and I call it.2) Mindset MattersBeckys team learned to embrace theHousing Firstphilosophy during the years that they spent in Times Square. The idea behind this philosophywhich clashes with beliefs and policies held by many politicians and activistsis that it is unwise and largely ineffective to require a person experiencing homelessness to deal with problems such as substance abuse or mental illness before they can be eligible for housing. As Becky put, The cure for homelessness is a house. Advocates of Housing First argue that one of the many benefits of their philosophy is that such problems are easier to deal with (for social s ervices agencies, nonprofits, and the people in question) when people are off the streets and have a predictable and stahlkammer place to live.Although this philosophy makes sense to me, there is also a broader lesson here about scaling that my colleague Huggy Rao observed over and over when we developed our bookScaling Up Excellence It is much easier to grow an organization or a program when there is agreement about what constitutes good versus bad behavior, or success versus failure. When people agree, they know where to direct their attention and when they are making progress or not.This doesnt mean that there is a one-size-fits all mindset. What works for one organization or movement might be a disaster for another. For example, Netflix has a strong commitment to hiring and keeping fully-formed adults who are star performers the company pays very well andakin to a professional sports teamfires employees who arent stars or whose skills become obsolete. That philosophy works for t hem, but I dont think it would be effective for McDonalds or the U.S. Army. The best leaders also devote close attention to when once useful mindsets start getting in the way. In the early days of Facebook, move fast and break things was a mantra that people lived by and it helped them grow the company. But by early 2015, CEO Mark Zuckerberg abandoned mantra and mindset. After all, breaking things had become too dangerous for its users and the firms reputation.3) The best strategies are formed by doers and doing, not talkers and talkingBecky and her team focused on doing and learning, not on completing exhaustive strategy and planning sessions before they started experimenting and learning. They focused on light planning and heavy learning by doing in early days in Times Square and as their national campaign unfolded between 2010 and 2014. Their belief in this approach was reinforced byJoe McCannon, who had managed the100,000 Lives Campaignbetween 2004 and 2006. The Campaign spread evidence-based practices to some 3100 U.S. hospitals in order to reduce preventable deaths. It focused on spreading simple and proven practices from hospitals that used them to those that did not (yet). These practices included pressing health care providers to wash their hands to stop the spread of infections. Or reminding everyone who comes in contact with a patient on a respiratorfamilies and janitorial staff, for example, not just nursesthat the bed ought to be elevated at least 45 degrees (which reduces the risk of pneumonia). By the time the Campaign ended, researchers estimated that about 122,000 fewer deaths had occurred in U.S. hospitals.McCannon joined the 100,000 Homes Campaign as an advisor for about six months in 2009. One of the lessons that Joe emphasized was that THE WORST planning processes involve meetings where people talk and debate for months to develop the perfect planand to try to imagine responses to every contingency.In the case, you can watch several interv iew clips with Joe. He gets a bit emotional when he argues that there is usually little difference between a plan that takes three days of talking to develop versus one that takes three months. His view is that wasting time in all those long meetings undermines the development of a strategy that is based on reality rather than conjecture by the most talkative, pushy, and powerful people in the room.4) Beware of hollow Easter bunniesIn the early years of the campaign, Becky and her team noticed they were wasting a lot of time with communities where some enthusiastic person had signed up for the campaign. BUT despite a lot of talk and coaching from her team, nothing was actually getting done. Heres a screenshot from the caseThis is a syndrome that Huggy Rao and I have seen again and again in organizations where there is a lot of enthusiasm from people and they love the idea behind some program or effortbut the problem is their expertise is in TALKING about it rather than DOING it. In particular, at several organizations that we have worked with, senior executives were tapped to lead design thinking efforts, they ran hundreds of people through design thinking training courses, and gave speeches at conferences and universities about their marvelous accomplishments. BUT when we pressed them to name a single product or service, or anything else, that had been changed for the better via design thinking methods, they couldnt name oneor pointed to accomplishments that were trivial.5) Who is the chicken fer?There is a juncture inthe casewhere Becky (on film) describes her conversation with a team in a community that had found homes for only 10 people, far below their goal. They were complaining about getting little guidance from their leader and that it was unclear who was in charge. Becky was reminded of her days in the Army, and asked them a question that was a bit shocking and quite funny Who is the Chicken Fer? As Becky explained, when she was in the Army, if a grou p of soldiers were screwing around or messing things up, an officer would ask them who is Fing this chicken? In other words, who is in charge? When Becky told the leader of the group that story, she laughed and said you are right, I am the Chicken Fer. The leaders staff gave her a rubber chicken to make the point. Soon, Becky was giving The Chicken Fer talk to one community team after another.As the case reports, the Chicken Fer story evolved into the top secret Rooster Award. Each month, Beckys team would select 10 or 15 community members who had taken it upon themselves to move the campaign forward. Each Chicken Fer received a rooster figurine to celebrate their accomplishments (see picture). Messages like this - which emphasize about accountability and clarity about who is responsible for what - are hallmarks of successful scaling efforts. Excellence spreads when people hold themselves and others accountable for doing the right things - where they act as if I own the place and the place owns me.Again, these lessons just scratch the surface. I invite you to read, watch, and listen to The 100,000 Homes Campaigncase to learn more about the nuances of the story and to find your favorite lessons. And I want to give special thanks toDavina Drabkinand her colleagues for creating this case and to Becky Margiotta for spending so much time with us - and for the wonderful things that she and her team accomplished during the campaign.Bob Sutton is aStanford Professorwho studies and writes about leadership, organizational change, and navigating organizational life. Follow me on Twitterwork_matters, and visit mywebsiteand posts onLinkedIn. My latest book isThe Ahole Survival Guide How To verstndigung im strafverfahren With People Who Treat You Like Dirt.Before that, I publishedScaling Up Excellencewith Huggy Rao.My main focus these days is on working with Huggy Rao to develop strategies and tools that help leaders and teamschange their organizations for the better - with a particular focus onorganizational friction.Check out my Stanford FRICTION Podcastat iTunesorSticher.Thiscolumnfirst appeared onLinkedIn.

How Yoga Can Keep Your Job Search on Target

How Yoga Can Keep Your Job Search on TargetHow Yoga Can Keep Your Job Search on Target2Feeling stressed out and uncertain about your short-term job search and your long-term career prospects can be a source of real anxiety. If you let it, the stress can be debilitating and even sap the joy of day-to-day living. Dont let it Find ways to seek relief. One idea? Establish a joga practice to help keep your job search on target.Spending time on your mat in a regular yoga practice can make a big difference. Just as you would put an oxygen mask on yourself before assisting others, take care of yourself first to boost your job search prospects. That can help you focus and be at your very best, while keeping up your self-confidence.How can yoga help you keep your job search on target? Here are a few suggestions that can ground you and keep you moving forward in your search for options for great flexible jobs,and healthy work-life integration.Commit to a regular yoga practice.If youve started t o establish a regular yoga practice, try not to let it fall by the wayside as you manage the many demands of job hunting. Make time to roll out your mat and get on it, even if its just for a few simple stress-busting poses. Amid all the chatter and distraction, quick everyday practices might help you tap into a sense of calmness and purposethat will serve you well in your job search. Breathe deeply.While you cant control every twist and turn of your career, you can useyogic breathing techniques, or pranayama,to help clear your head as you work toward a clearer career path. By breathing deeply and calmly, youll reduce anxiety and set yourself up for good decision-making. The best part? You can practice calm, focused breathing just about anytime, anywhere. Find your focus.Now that youve gotten a handle on your oxygen flow, turn your focus inside. Job searching is such an external exercise It may seem as if youre putting not just your experience and your credentials on the line, but al so putting something of yourself out there. By practicing yoga techniques that can help focus your efforts, you can stay true to your job search goals.Meditate for clarity.Finding your way in your career can become a frenetic undertaking keeping track of job leads, networking, targeting your resume profile toward specific jobs- it all can lead to a classic case of monkey mind. Meditation can help you tame your wayward thoughts and keep your job search on target.Let your thoughts occur as they will, but dont allow them to overpower you or deter you from your career goals.Let go of negativity.When youre looking for work, its incredibly easy to start feeling discouraged about yourself and your job prospects, especially if youve been hit with a lot of rejection as you search for just the right position. Rather than giving in (and giving up), work to let go of negative beliefsthat may lead you to believe youre not worthy. Practicing self-lovecan be a powerful tool to keep your mood buoya nt and your outlook positive.Get happy.Know this it may take time, but if you remain true to yourself in your job search, youll find the right place for you. Stay persistent and, even in the face of rejection, focus on what makes you happy in a job. Just like the breakthrough moments on your mat when you master a pose or feel blissed out after a good practice, youll break through and find your career bliss.Readers, when the going gets tough, what do you do to keep your job search on target? Share your strategies below

The Networking Email That Works Every Time

The Networking Email That Works Every Time The Networking Email That Works Every Time The Networking Email That Works Every Time This tried-and-true email technique will put you a step ahead in your networking. Imagine if this email popped up in your inbox: Recent College Grad Who Needs Your Advice How would you feel? Honored? Important? Let's go with both. Most of us relish the chance to help from a position of authority, even if we're swamped with stuff to do. That's why the smartest networking email subject lines contain phrases like Needs Your Advice. Yes, you typically network to find a job, but you can't barge into someone's inbox and ask straight up for employment. It's too direct and intrusive. Ah, but the advice route. It can work wonders because: Everyone likes to be the expert and feel valuable. You look smart because you're asking for insight and not a job. Sending advice emails is the perfect way to get key people to notice you. An inbox is a crowded place, sure, but how many emails do important business types or any of us, really receive in a week that only ask for wisdom? One. Yours. Here's a scenario: You want a job on Capitol Hill, and a friend of a friend is chief of staff for a U.S. senator. Pretty big job, right? You send the networking contact this email: Subject line: [Your Friend's Name]'s Friend Who Needs Capitol Hill Advice Hi [Friend of a Friend's Name], My name is [Your Name], and I'm a good friend of [Your Friend's Name]. I would love to find a job on Capitol Hill but am new to Washington, DC and would appreciate your advice. How did you get started on the Hill? What are the smartest ways to apply for jobs? I want to make sure I handle the process the right way. Thanks so much for your help! [Your Name] This is effective for three reasons: Since you sought advice and not just a job, the person is much more willing to answer. You will likely gain insight into the hiring process, which would not happen if you flatly asked Is there a job opening? You began a conversation and who knows? maybe your inquisitiveness will lead to a job. Bottom line: If you want people's undivided attention, let them be the expert. They will go on all day. Related:Emails That Could Change Your Career Below are more subject lines you might want to use or adapt. General networking: Friend of [Mutual Acquaintance] Who Needs Your Advice Fellow [Your Industry] Professional Seeking Your Advice To a college alum: Fellow [Your College] Grad Looking for Advice Someone notable you admire: Big Fan of Your Work Looking for Advice Interoffice: New Employee Who Needs Your Advice Before you send another email requesting an informational interview, give this networking email strategy a try. It may be the key to getting your foot in the door. Note:This article originally appeared inRubin Education, formally known as News to Live By. Be prepared for when your resume enters the conversation.Get a free resume critique today! Recommended Reading: Network Your Way Into the Hidden Job Market Network Like an Expert: Networking Tips from the Industry's Finest Social Networking: How to Connect with Potential Employers Online

Applying for an Internal Position

Applying for an Internal Position Applying for an Internal Position One of the best places to look for a new job could be the company you are working for now. You may be interested in transitioning to a different role, shifting your career focus, working for a new department, or you could be relocating and want to continue working for the same employer. Companies want to keep good employees, and if youre interested in a job change, but dont want to switch companies, checking out what options are available can make good sense. Check Job Openings Most companies list open positions online. In addition, you may be able to sign up to receive email alerts when new jobs are posted. Before you apply, be sure that you have the credentials the company is seeking. The company isnt going to give you a different job just because you applied. Plus, you are wasting your time, and the companys time, applying for jobs that arent a good fit. Telling Your Boss Its important to let your boss know that you have applied for another position before he or she finds out from someone else. However, its also important to be careful as to how you mention your application. You dont want your boss to infer that you arent happy with your current role, even if its true. You may not get the new job, so its important to stay on good terms with your supervisor. The best rationale focuses on the positive aspects of the new job without expressing dissatisfaction about the job you have now. In fact, it is usually safest to emphasize that you are enjoying your current job, so your boss doesnt think you cant wait to move on. How to Apply Whats the best way to apply? It depends on whether you are applying for a transfer or seeking a promotion. However, in both cases, companies typically have an internal job application process you will need to follow. Following the instructions is just as important, perhaps even more so, when you are applying for an internal job opening versus an external position. Hiring managers expect all applicants to follow the rules. You wont get a pass if you dont follow the application guidelines. In fact, your application may not be considered if you dont submit the required application materials. Customize Your Application Materials Dont presume that you will automatically be hired for the new job just because you are already working for your employer. Some companies will give preference to current employees; others evaluate all candidates equally. Thats why its important to carefully write a cover letter targeted specifically to the job for which you are applying and to update and target your resume, as well. Spend Time Networking Who do you know who can help your application? A referral from your current supervisor would be terrific, but other employees can also put in a good word for your candidacy. Again, be sure to talk to your boss before you start networking. You dont want your boss to find out that you are seeking a new position from anyone other than you. Secure References Many companies require references, typically three employment-related references. If your reference list includes current company employees who are willing to attest to your qualifications it will boost your candidacy. Talk to managers and colleagues to see if they would be willing to provide you with a reference.   Ace the Interview Its important to take the time to get ready to interview. Dont think that youll get off easier because you already work for the company. In fact, you may be held to an even higher standard than external job applicants and may be expected to know more about the company and the job. Take the time to thoroughly prepare for the interview. Check out the company website to be sure you are up-to-date with all the latest news. Review sample interview questions. Make a list of the companys requirements for the new job and the qualifications you have for it. Send a Thank You Note Its always important to say thank you for a job interview, regardless of whether you are interviewing for a job with your present employer or at a new company. Send a thank you letter via email or in writing to let your interviewer(s) know that you appreciate their consideration for the job. If you do get the job, its a good idea to take the time to thank your boss for the opportunities you were provided with while working with him or her. Also, thank everyone who helped support your candidacy for the position. If You Don't Get the Job Dont feel bad if you dont get the job. There may have been other candidates, internal or external, who were a better fit for the position. Ask for feedback from those you met with. They may not be able to disclose why you werent hired, but, if they can, it will help you plan your next steps- which could entail applying for another internal position or seeking employment outside the company. Stay Positive Even though it can be challenging when you are excited about switching jobs, be sure not to neglect your current position. Its important not to slack off and to continue to excel in your present role. It will not only enhance your chances of getting a new job next time around. It will also assure your boss that you are still committed to the job you have.

Resume Tips for Freelancers

Resume Tips for Freelancers Resume Tips for Freelancers Resume Tips for Freelancers Free yourself, with a resume that's equipped for freelance. Say goodbye to being chained to the office and hello to being your own boss. More and more employees are swapping their 9-to-5s for the freedom of freelancing. Forbes recently reported that freelancers represent 35 percent of the workforce. Experts expect those numbers to continue growing. Though freelancers may enjoy more freedom and the ability to choose their own clients, they still face many of the same challenges as other workersbut in larger quantity. Unemployed Americans only have to worry about finding the one job to sustain them. Freelancers face a different requirement. They must constantly search for new, higher paying gigs. Finding one job is difficult enough, but finding work to fill your empty calendar, well, that takes skill. Resumes still play an integral part of the job search. Freelancers should continue to hone their primary branding document, but, keep in mind; there are subtle changes needed to make it work. Here are a few resume tips to tailor your resume for your freelance job search. What format and design should I use? Resumes come in various shapes and sizes. Some freelance designers created a brochure, detailing their abilities, experience and education. The creative options are limitless. Just remember, the more traditional resume formats are preferred by clients. If you feel you must create a unique piece of art to represent your innovative skills, be sure to include one of these two resume types. Option 1: Chronological Resume. Chronological resumes list all pertinent information in three to four basic sections summary, experience, education and notable contributions. Organize the information in each section according to date, starting with most recent. An option is to include a subsection under experience to display their most notable clients on their freelance resume. Option 2: Functional Resume. Many freelancers have numerous skills and experience, spanning from the multitude of projects they are assigned. Functional resumes help organize these skills into easy to read sections. Rather than write a description for each job, group all similar descriptions into a bulleted list. Include the correlating experience directly under the bulleted list (i.e. company name, date and positions). You can organize lists by design, marketing, computer proficiency, etc. Should I use the term Freelancer or Independent Contractor? Many freelancers question whether they should use Independent Contractor or Freelancer as their position title. Don't use either. Choose the position that bests fit the experience. Did you manage the company's product launch? Marketing Manager or Branding Supervisor would be acceptable. Did your client bring you onboard to create eCommerce tools? You could list Lead eCommerce Technician or Sr. Backend Developer. This doesn't mean you should mislead potential clients. Never represent a project or contract as employment. Dishonesty, even if it is unintentional, leads to contract violations and lost trust. There are two basic tactics used to prevent misrepresenting a freelancing gig. Add a short phrase within the job description. An easier method is to include Contract within parentheses at the end of the title. Where should I list my projects? Once you step out into the freelance arena, the world stops thinking of you as a team member or employee. You now are an official business, selling services to the highest bidder. It's time to put your best foot, or rather, projects forward. Don't focus on including all your skills and abilities. Most potential clients assume you meet the entry-level criteria. Maintain a running tallyusing Excel or another spreadsheet softwareof all clients and projects. Include a one to two-sentence description, dates and outcomes. Create different sheets for different types of projects (press releases, campaign launches, analytics, etc.). This will help you optimize your freelance resume down the road. Create an empty section in your resume entitled Notable Clients and Projects. Leave enough room for about three to five projects. Each time you meet with a new, potential client, list your most impressive projects as they apply to the new client's needs. Keep in mind, name dropping doesn't work well for hiring managers. But clients are more impressed with big names. List those first, even if the projects were smaller and less important. Should I include an objective statement? Never include an objective statement in your resume. Not only is this outdated and awkward, objective statements rarely work for freelance positions. Write a career summary or professional biography instead. Summaries are five to six-line paragraphs and detail your most important qualities. Start by selecting five to six of the most important contributions listed under experience. Rewrite the descriptions using hard and soft skills and keywords from the client's website or job listing. Freelancer resumes also can use this section as a pitch method to replace the outdated objective statement. This tactic forgoes the career summary and focuses more on the client's needs. Remember, you're a freelancer (aka business) that sells services. Tell a prospective client what service you will provide them; not just how awesome you are or how much you know. The Freelancer Union offers free advice and proposal templates to help you create a lasting impression. It's time to go beyond the resume. Freelancers must remember to go beyond their resume. Treat your new career as a business. You're not looking for one job. Rather, you are looking to make an impression in the industry and bring in more revenue. To do this, consider your brand identity. Social media is greatbut Facebook and Twitter only take you so far. Consider these options to help market your freelance services. Professional website. All freelancers must have a websiteto showcase your work. Building a strong, professional website doesn't take long or cost thousands. Website builders like Wix and Squarespace offer freemium services and what you see is what you get editing. Business social media tools. Facebook and Twitter are great for business. Don't forget to take advantage of other tools. Pinterest and Instagram are the top social media platforms right now. Socially active businesses not only rank higher on Google and other search engines, they are considered more professional experienced. Posting to all those social media accounts is tedious. Buffer and Hootsuite offer freemium services, allowing users to post to multiple accounts at once. Industry Blog. Companies have a love-hate relationship with blogs those who understand how to blog love them; those who have no clue hate them. Don't fall into the latter category. Learn to blog, like a professional. Freelancers with a blog are considered more experienced, professional and hold a higher esteem with clients. Now, it's time to put these freelance resume tips to the test. Then, see how well you didlet us review your resume for free.

7 ways to save money on your New Years Eve celebration

7 ways to save money on your New Year's Eve celebration 7 ways to save money on your New Year's Eve celebration From the perfect sparkly outfit to the bottles of bubbly at midnight, New Year’s Eve fun can add up. Whether you’re heading out on the town or plan to stay in with a few close friends, don’t end the year stressing about your budget.Ring in the new year without breaking the bank or going into debt by making a few small changes. Here’s how to save money on New Year’s Eve.1. Find free entertainmentWhy pay for a party when you can enjoy free activities, refreshments and fun? Local community centers and groups host free events on New Year’s Eve. Check out local Facebook groups and pages or your local newspaper, and call the recreation or community center to see what’s happening nearby. You’ll save on admission to an expensive party at some bar and might even be able to get home in time to ring in the new year from your very comfy couch.Pro Tip: If there are no free local events to attend, find out where the closest firework show is being held or where local music is being played. You can probably get pretty close to both without actually buying a ticket, so you’ll save money while still enjoying the entertainment.2. Buy tickets early or at the last minuteAlright, so if you didn’t buy your New Year’s Eve tickets before, like, Thanksgiving, you’ll probably end up paying full price. The earlier you buy, the better. But if you’re a procrastinator and couldn’t make up your mind about which bar or club you want to attend, then you might need to buy a ticket at the last minute - if there are any left, that is. Here’s the catch: Waiting until the very last minute could pay off.People get sick, plans change and tickets get resold. So keep an eye out for tickets that are for resale. People may just want to get the majority of their money back and so a $100 ticket to an open bar could end up in your hands for just $80. Check out Facebook groups created just for tickets, and search “tickets for sale” to see what people are selling.3. Swap cham pagne for ProseccoIf you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve shindig, don’t blow your budget on the bubbly. Champagne is the classic drink of choice when ringing in the new year, but prosecco is just as good. The sparkling Italian wine has a similar taste to champagne and it costs less. While a decent bottle of  champagne might start at $40 a bottle,  a bottle, prosecco might start around $12.Pro Tip: If you’re looking to stock up, shop smart. Head to a discount liquor store and then ask an employee if there are additional discounts for buying in bulk. Some stores offer up to 20 percent off if you buy a certain number of bottles. Even better, ask about the return policy. If you don’t end up using all of the prosecco, you might be able to return it.4. Make it a potluckIt might seem obvious, but seriously, ask your guests to bring their fave dish from the past year to your New Year’s Eve party. It’ll save you time and money. What’s more, ask them to help stock the bar. Alcohol can cost a pretty penny, while you can probably save on food and snacks easily with coupons and smart shopping apps. To spice it up even more, host a contest or create a game that centers around everyone bringing a dish.5. Rent an outfit instead of buying oneWebsites like Rent The Runway are great for special occasions where you really don’t need a sparkly dress for more than one night. If you just have to get dressed up, don’t buy a New Year’s Eve outfit. Rent it instead. You could end up getting an even nicer dress for a fraction of the price.Pro Tip: If you must own your outfit,  consider buying it used. You could save a lot of money by buying a dress that was worn only once by someone else.6. Wear sweats instead of stilettos.Why spend a ton of money on a new pair of heels and a sparkly outfit when you can ring in the new year in your most comfortable outfit? Make your party comfy and require everyone to wear sweats or pajamas. Even if you opt to buy a new outfit, sweats a re a lot more affordable than a dress and heels. Plus, you might even wear them more than that New Year’s Eve dress, which could end up sitting in your closet and never being worn again.7. Arm yourself with a few helpful apps.If you’re hosting a party, don’t buy a thing without  Ibotta  - you’ll get cash back on basically every snack and staple you buy. Shop smart at the grocery store with  a slew of other apps, too. If you’re flying somewhere for the holiday, track the best price for your flight with  Hopper. Download  Paribus  before buying your New Year’s outfit so you can get some money back in your pocket if that dress drops in price after you bought it. And don’t order a ride from Uber without looking at  SurgeProtector  first - you could save more than a few bucks on that ride to and from the bar with this app.New Year’s Eve should be fun, so  stress less about money  and what you spend with these tips and tricks.This article was originally published on Swir led.

Tenancy Agreement FAQ - Australia-SA

Tenancy Agreement FAQ - Australia-SA Tenancy Agreement FAQ - Australia-SA GeneralWhat is meant by Governing Law?The Governing Law will be the jurisdiction in which the property is located. It may or may not coincide with the jurisdiction in which the parties reside. The Residential Tenancy Agreement will be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the property is located. Why isn't a verbal residential tenancy agreement sufficient?The problem with oral agreements is that they can be difficult to enforce. If a dispute arose, a court would have to hear evidence and decide whose version of the truth to accept. If there is a written agreement, courts will generally be obligated to uphold the terms of the written agreement even if they don't agree with them. What is addressed in a residential tenancy agreement?A Residential Tenancy Agreement typically addresses the following: the type of property being let; the address of the property being let; the term of the tenancy and whether the tenancy is fixed or periodic; the amount of rent payable, how often and when the rent should be paid; and the provisions of any bond. In addition, a residential tenancy agreement may also identify the following: taxes that are payable by the tenant; landlord improvements and signing incentives; tenant improvements and signing incentives; landlord and tenant repair obligations, who will pay for what utilities; whether the tenant can assign or sublet the property: notice provisions for termination of the tenancy; and insurance provisions. What makes a residential tenancy agreement different from a commercial property lease?A residential tenancy agreement is a tenancy agreement for your home. Governments have recognised the sanctity of the home and have extended increased protections to tenants by enacting laws ensuring a minimum set of rights for tenants. A Residential Tenancy Agreement cannot take away these basic tenant rights. When should the tenant be given a copy of the tenancy agreement?A tenant must be provided with a copy of the agreement at the time they sign the agreement. A copy that has been signed by both parties should be provided to the tenant within 21 days. The PartiesWho are the parties to the tenancy agreement?The parties to a tenancy agreement are the lessor, also called the landlord, and the lessee, also called the tenant. The lessor owns the property and allows the lessee to use the property in exchange for monetary payments called rent. Who is the landlord's agent?The landlord's agent may be anyone who looks after the property for the landlord. An agent may be the landlord's friend, a landlord's family member or a landlord's real estate agent. Landlords are usually held responsible for their agent's actions. What does ACN mean?Under the Corporations Act 2001, every company in Australia is issued with a unique, nine-digit number. This number is referred to as an Australian Company Number (ACN) and must be shown on a range of documents. The purpose of the ACN is to ensure adequate identification of companies when transacting business. New companies are issued with numbers by the Australian Securities Investments Commission (ASIC) upon registration. What are the landlord's obligations?The landlord's obligations are defined by the terms and conditions contained in the tenancy agreement and the laws specific to South Australia. The landlord must: allow the tenant peace, comfort and privacy; provide the premises in a clean and reasonable state; maintain and repair the premises (having regard to their age, character and prospective life); pay council rates and land tax charges; pay rates and charges for water supply as agreed between the landlord and the tenant (In the absence of an agreement the landlord will bear rates and charges for water supply up to 136 kilolitres per year - any amount above this is the responsibility of the tenant. If there are multiple properties on one meter, a special clause must be included in the tenancy agreement outlining how water charges are determined.); give proper receipts for any money received from the tenant. (If the tenant pays rent into an account that is kept by the landlord or agent at a financial institution and the landlord or agent keeps a written record containing the information normally required on a receipt, a receipt does not have to be given to the tenant.); keep proper records of rent received during the tenancy; provide and maintain locks to ensure the premises are reasonably secure; complete and provide 2 signed inspection sheets and a copy of the information brochure to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy; and provide the tenant with a copy of the tenancy agreement if the landlord has required the tenant to sign a written agreement. What are the tenant's obligations?The tenant's obligations are defined by the terms and conditions contained in the tenancy agreement and the laws specific to South Australia. The tenant must: pay the rent on time; keep the premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness; pay rates and charges for water supply as agreed between the landlord and the tenant (In the absence of an agreement the landlord will bear rates and charges for water supply up to 136 kilolitres per year - any amount above this is the responsibility of the tenant. If there are multiple properties on one meter, a special clause must be included in the tenancy agreement outlining how water changes are determined.); not intentionally or negligently cause or allow damage to be caused to the premises; notify the landlord of damage to the premises; notify the landlord when repairs are needed; not use the premises, or allow them to be used, for any illegal purpose; not cause or allow a nuisance or interference with the reasonable peace, comfort and privacy of anyone else living in the immediate vicinity of the premises; not fit any fixtures or make any alterations to the premises (including picture hooks, shelves and fences) without the landlord's permission. What if I don't know one party's name or contact information?A blank space will be provided in the form that can be filled in later if you are missing information about one of the parties. We recommend, however, that you attempt to make the contract as complete as possible, for greater certainty. What happens if I breach a term of the tenancy agreement?If you breach a term of the tenancy agreement you are responsible for correcting it. If you are the tenant, this may involve you paying money to fix any problems caused by yourself or your guests. If you do not voluntarily pay to correct the breach you can be sued for damages sustained as a result of the breach and/or possibly evicted by the landlord. The PremisesWho can live in the premises?Only tenants and people listed as occupants may reside in the premises. The landlord must be informed and approve of any change to the list of permitted tenants. Children born or adopted while the tenant lives in the premises are automatically added to the tenancy agreement as occupants. Also, each jurisdiction may restrict the number of tenants/occupants in the premises if that number violates health or safety standards for housing. Health and safety standards are typically expressed as 1 person per X sq. metre. The standard varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction so if you are concerned, check with your local housing/public health authority. What is a basement suite and how does this differ from renting a room?Typically, letting a room or a basement suite means you are sharing an accommodation with the landlord. A basement suite is a self-contained dwelling unit complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Most tenants of a basement suite use a separate entrance to enter the house than the rest of the occupants. If you rent a room, you will likely share either the kitchen or bathroom with the landlord. What are body corporate bylaws?A body corporate is the group of all the owners of lots or units which share common property. The body corporate bylaws refer to the set of rules governing the internal management of those lots. The bylaws may specify rules relating to noise, parking, behaviour of guests, pets, garbage disposal and the use of common property. The bylaws are sometimes referred to as a Community Management Statement. Tenancy Agreement TermWhich tenancy agreement term should I use?LawDepot allows you to choose from 2 main types of tenancy agreement terms. Fixed End Date - A tenancy agreement with a fixed end date gives certainty of term for both the landlord and the tenant. It specifies the exact day the tenancy will end. The advantage here is that neither party has to give notice to terminate the tenancy agreement, it simply ends on the specified date. During a fixed term tenancy agreement the landlord cannot increase the rent, or change any other terms of the tenancy agreement unless he specifically reserves the right in the agreement, and the tenant agrees to the changes. Periodic - A periodic tenancy will continue so long as neither party wishes to terminate the tenancy agreement. To terminate the tenancy agreement the landlord and tenant must give notice of their intention to leave as specified by statute. A landlord can raise the rent, or change the terms of the tenancy agreement in these types of agreements by providing proper notice as required by statute. At the end of the notice period the tenant must move out or the landlord can start eviction proceedings against them. What happens when a tenant tries to terminate a fixed term tenancy?Typically when a tenant agrees to a fixed term tenancy, usually for either 6 months or 1 year, the tenant is agreeing to be responsible for the rent for that period of time. If the tenant vacates the premises prior to the end of the term of the agreement, the tenant will typically still be responsible for payment of rent for the entire length of the lease (provided the tenancy is not in a jurisdiction that allows the tenant to give notice to prematurely end a fixed term tenancy). Typically, if the Landlord is able to re-rent the premises prior to the end of the lease of the breaching tenant, the breaching tenant is no longer required to pay rent as the landlord cannot collect double rent for the premises. In addition, some leases may contain penalty clauses whereby the tenant is required to pay re-rental fees to cover part of the cost of the landlord having to re-rent the premises. However, the amount of the re-rental fee has to be reasonable and must be a pre-estimate of the damages that the Landlord will suffer in having to re-rent the premises early. What happens when the tenancy agreement term expires?The expiry of the tenancy agreement does not necessarily terminate the rental arrangement. If a Periodic term is selected, the tenancy agreement will automatically renew based on the same terms as the first tenancy agreement, unless it is varied by giving proper notice as required by statute. So a Periodic monthly tenancy agreement that continues for one year is actually 12 separate, automatically renewing tenancy agreements. The tenancy agreement will continue to renew automatically until one of the parties wishes to terminate the tenancy agreement (by giving proper notice as required by statute). If a Fixed term is selected, the leasing relationship may still continue after expiry if both the landlord and the tenant wish it to. In some jurisdictions, statute dictates that it will become a Periodic term tenancy agreement, usually of the month-to-month variety, though this may vary. In other jurisdictions, the Fixed term tenancy agreement may become a tenancy at will or a tenancy at sufferance when it expires, which lasts only as long as both parties wish it to, and is not subject to as much legal protection as a Periodic tenancy agreement. If you wish to terminate all rights under a Fixed term tenancy agreement as soon as the tenancy agreement expires, you must serve proper notice before the end of the tenancy agreement term, in accordance with local statute. RentCan the landlord increase rent?For fixed term tenancies, landlords can only increase rent if they have provided specific terms in the tenancy agreement allowing for rent increases. In any case, the landlord can only increase once in any 6 month period. The landlord must provide the tenant with at least 60 days' written notice before increasing the rent. NoticeHow much notice do I need to give to terminate a tenancy?In most jurisdictions, there is a minimum period of notice required by statute. The tenancy agreement can specify a notice period longer than the legal minimum, but it cannot specify a period shorter than the legal minimum. If it does, the legal minimum notice will still be required. You should consult the governing statute for these legal minimums as they will vary according to jurisdiction and the type and length of the tenancy agreement. What is notice to enter?A landlord usually does not have the right to enter a rented apartment suite unless there is an emergency, for example a fire or gas leak, or unless the landlord gives the tenant proper notice as defined by statute. So long as the proper notice is given, a tenant cannot refuse entry to a landlord. What should I do if I do not want to renew my tenancy agreement?You must provide proper notice to the landlord that you do not intend to renew the tenancy agreement, before the tenancy agreement expires. Notice must be given a certain amount of time before the tenancy agreement expires, as dictated by statute in your jurisdiction. This amount of time is called the notice period. Typically, the notice period is one month for leases with a term of one month or less, and two or three months for leases with a term of more than one month, but this will vary according to the jurisdiction. You should consult the governing statute for the jurisdiction the property is located in to find out the required notice period for your tenancy agreement. What is the minimum amount of notice to be given when terminating a tenancy?For periodic tenancies, the tenant must provide the landlord with at least 21 days' written notice before terminating a tenancy. However, if each period in the tenancy term is longer than 21 days, then the tenant must provide the landlord with written notice equivalent to a single period. If the tenant has a fixed tenancy and wishes to leave at the end of the fixed period, the tenant does not have to provide the landlord with written notice. Bond and DepositsWhat is a bond/security deposit?A bond/security deposit is a sum of money the tenant pays to the landlord to guarantee that the tenant will fulfill all obligations under the tenancy agreement. The landlord holds the security deposit in trust for the term of the tenancy agreement to ensure that the tenant does not default on the terms of the tenancy agreement or otherwise damage the property. Should the tenant damage the property (normal wear and tear excluded) or if the Tenant has not paid rent, the landlord is entitled to recover the amount owing from the security deposit. Usually the tenant must provide the landlord with the security deposit at the start of the tenancy agreement term. At the end of the tenancy agreement term, the tenant will receive the deposit back minus any deductions for repairs/restoration. Please note: in some jurisdictions, a landlord is not allowed to ask for a security deposit. In other jurisdictions, a landlord may require both a security deposit and other types of deposits (for example, a pet damage deposit). You should review the governing legislation for the location of the property to make sure the type of deposit is allowable. What is the maximum amount of bond/security deposit?In South Australia, the maximum bond equals four weeks rent if the rent is less than $250/week. If the rent exceeds $250/week the landlord/agent can ask for a bond equaling six weeks rent. A receipt showing the date, the person's name, the amount and the address of the premises must be issued within 48 hours after the bond is paid. All security bonds must be paid to the Residential Tenancies Fund using the Bond Lodgement form within seven days (or in the case of registered land agents, within 30 days) of receipt. When can the landlord deduct from the bond/security deposit?The landlord can deduct from the bond/security deposit when the tenancy ends and the tenant owes the landlord money for either unpaid rent or damage to the premises. The landlord generally cannot deduct for reasonable wear and tear on the premises, (i.e. wear and tear that occurs just from living in the premises). The landlord can deduct for stains on the carpet or countertops, large holes in the wall, and missing appliances and other such things that are beyond reasonable wear and tear. Inspection SheetWhat is an inspection sheet?Prior to moving in, the tenant and the landlord should walk through the premises and write down any existing damage. This written account is called an inspection sheet. The landlord and tenant should both get a copy of this report. It is also a good idea to take photographs or a video of the condition of the premises. This will assist in interpretation of the an inspection sheet if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy. In some jurisdictions, an inspection sheet is also required upon moving out, as a condition for the landlord to make a claim against the tenant's security deposit/bond. Why do I need an inspection sheet?An inspection sheet will help to prove what damage was caused by the tenant for purposes of deducting the amount to fix the damage from the bond. What needs to be considered when filling out an inspection sheet?The following should be considered when filling out an inspection sheet: At the start of the tenancy the landlord must provide the tenant with 2 signed inspection sheets. The inspection sheets should include a comprehensive list of the condition of all the contents in the premises (including fixtures, furniture and appliances) at the start of the tenancy. The tenant must sign both sheets and return 1 of the copies to the landlord. The inspection sheet should be kept in a safe place. The inspection sheet provides evidence of the condition of the premises at the start of the tenancy and it may help resolve any dispute which may arise. MiscellaneousWhat is an assignment and how does it differ from a sublease?Assignments and subleases both occur when the tenant gives his/her rights under the tenancy agreement to a third party. A sublease or an assignment typically requires the consent of the landlord. An assignment occurs when the tenant gives to a third party all of his or her remaining rights under a tenancy agreement for the entire term of the tenancy agreement. If a tenant assigns property and the landlord consents to the assignment, that tenant no longer has any rights to the property nor any obligations to the landlord. In a sublease the tenant can transfer a portion of the leased space (e.g. a room in a house) or a portion of the tenancy (e.g. for 5 of the remaining 6 months of the tenancy agreement) to a third party. The original tenant retains whatever rights under the tenancy agreement he or she has that were not transferred to the third party, and also retains most of his or her obligations under the tena ncy agreement. The original tenant can still sue and be sued by the landlord for lease violations. What are signing incentives?Signing incentives are bonuses the landlord gives to the tenant, typically for either signing a tenancy agreement or signing a fixed term tenancy agreement. They may include free month's rent, or a rent decrease for the months of the fixed term tenancy. If the tenant breaches the tenancy agreement, these incentives may have to be paid back to the landlord. Why do tenants need insurance? Doesn't the landlord already have it?While the landlord typically has insurance, it usually covers only the landlord's assets and liabilities. If you want coverage for your personal belongings or for your own negligence, you need to have renter's insurance. What coverage you want should be discussed with an insurance agent. What is meant by the Act?The Act refers to the legislation governing residential tenancy agreements in your jurisdiction. After you select the Location of Property when you are filling out the Tenancy Agreement Details, you will see a link beneath your selection to the governing legislation for the jurisdiction you have selected. It is not necessary to specifically state the name of the Act in your contract, as the relevant legislation is satisfactorily identified by the severability clause of your tenancy agreement. What does the clause other charges will be treated as rental arrears mean?Some rental contracts contain payments other than rental payments. For example the tenant may be required to pay utilities bills, or NSF charges, late fees or other charges. If these charges are not paid by the tenant, the landlord may treat these unpaid amounts as non-payments of rent and start eviction proceedings against the tenant for non-payment of rent. If this clause was not in the contract, the landlord could not treat a failure to pay these bills as a non-payment of rent and could not start and eviction process as quickly (or at all in some cases). What happens if I sign a tenancy agreement but cannot move in or take possession?When you sign a tenancy agreement, you are promising under contract that you will pay rent to the landlord. This is a legal obligation that courts take seriously. You may be liable to the landlord for loss of revenue that the landlord suffers as a result of you not paying the rent, even if you have a good reason for not being able to take possession. In some situations it may be less costly for you to simply take possession and immediately serve notice that you will be vacating as soon as the notice period expires - it may sometimes be better to pay for one or two months' rent than to go to court and be forced to pay more. Because this is a complicated situation, you may wish to contact a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction, especially if large sums of money are involved. You should inform your landlord immediately of the situation, so it cannot later be claimed that the landlord suffered losses as a result of not knowing that you were not going to move in. You may also wish to contact your local Residential Tenancies Board or government agency who oversees landlord/tenant disputes to find out the extent of your liability, which may or may not be limited by statute.