INTRODUCTION: WHY KEEP RECORDS?
1. SOME OF THE BASICS
- Read documents before signing
- Make sure the printed form reflects the actual agreement
- Ambiguities in a document
2. THE RULES OF EVIDENCE
- Hearsay
- Hearsay exceptions
- The Best Evidence rule
3. PUTTING IT IN WRITING
- "Confirming our conversation"
- Memo to file
- Cover letters
- Keeping an events log
4. MAILING A LETTER
- Registered mail
- Certified mail
- Certificate of mailing
- Delivery confirmation
5. A FEW TIPS ON RECORD KEEPING
- Getting names
- Organizing records
- How long to keep records
- Care of original documents
6. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS
- Recording conversations
7. KEEPING FINANCIAL RECORDS
- How to keep checking account records
- How to use a personal check to document a transaction
- Documenting tax deductions
- Documenting cash transactions
- Saving cash register receipts
- ATM receipts
8. DOCUMENTING LANDLORD-TENANT TRANSACTIONS
- Documenting rent payments
- Proving claims about apartment conditions
- Logging heat complaints
- Keeping track of security deposits
- Landlord and agent promises
- Documenting repairs made
- Documenting delivery or non-delivery of a lease
- Avoiding discrimination complaints
9. DOCUMENTING OTHER CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS
- Car repair records
- Buying real estate
- Loan transactions
- Returning merchandise
10. RECORD KEEPING ON THE JOB
11. RECORDS OF MEETINGS
CONCLUSION