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What you must know before you grab those keys!
Renting an apartment for the first time is a super exciting and freeing experience! However, there is a TON of research and effort that has to go into it. From finding the right location to understanding lease agreements, there’s much to consider before committing to a new home. Whether moving into your first apartment or looking for an upgrade, these essential apartment renting tips will help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
As someone who has done over five moves (with more to come), there have been tons of things that I either missed doing, regret doing, or wish someone told me about. Keep reading because I’m diving into all I know about apartment renting tips!
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Before you start searching for apartments, you need to calculate how much you can spend on rent. Usually the rule is that your rent should not be more than 30% of your monthly income. Don’t forget to include additional costs like utilities, internet, renter’s insurance, and parking fees. Bigger apartments with more bedrooms/space will have higher utility costs, so keep that in mind.
2. Consider Location and Commute
When people say location is everything, they mean it! Being by a busy road, far from work, or away from friends or family will impact your lifestyle. Be sure to consider the following things when touring apartments:
- Proximity to work or school
- Access to public transportation
- Nearby grocery stores, restaurants, and essential services
- Safety and neighborhood vibe
A longer commute might seem manageable at first, but it can become stressful and costly over time. When looking for my current apartment, I kept my commute to work under 20 minutes, and I have all major grocery stores and shopping centers within 10 minutes of me!
3. Understand Your Lease Agreement
Never sign a lease without reading it carefully. A lease is a legal agreement, and to break a lease, you’re looking at paying potentially thousands of dollars. Pay attention to details such as:
- Lease duration (6 months, 12 months, or month-to-month)
- Rent increase policies
- Security deposit requirements
- Rules about subletting, pets, and guests
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Lease-break policies and fees
If there’s anything unclear, ask your landlord or property manager for clarification before committing. A lease is a LEGAL agreement, so you are still contractually obligated to what you sign, even if you don’t read it.
4. Check for Hidden Costs
Some apartments may have hidden fees that aren’t immediately obvious. Ask about additional costs like:
- Application fees
- Move-in fees
- Utility fees (some may not be included in rent)
- Pet deposits and monthly pet rent
5. Visit the Apartment in Person
Photos can be deceiving, so always visit the apartment in person before deciding. While there, inspect:
- Water pressure and plumbing
- Electrical outlets and appliances
- Signs of pests (rodents, insects, etc.)
- Cell phone reception in different rooms
- Noise levels from neighbors and traffic
- Cracks, dents, or holes in the walls or floors
- Windows and doors, and if they latch properly
If you can, request the specific room you want to rent. It’s easy for a landlord to show a “model unit” spruced up and nothing like the actual apartment.
6. Research the Landlord and Property Management
A good landlord will significantly impact your renting experience, or better or for worse. Look for online reviews and ask current tenants (really helpful if you know friends or catch someone walking around) about their experience with maintenance requests and communication. Be careful for spammy or fake Google reviews. Unfortunately, some companies purge their reviews and paint a five-star picture when that’s actually not the case.
7. Get Renter’s Insurance
Many renters overlook insurance, but it’s an affordable way to protect yourself. Renter’s insurance covers your personal items in case of theft, fire, or water damage. It can also help protect you if someone is injured in your apartment. Most landlords require it nowadays, and it helps protect you and your things, so it is very worth it in my opinion.
8. Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Each state has different laws regarding tenant rights. Familiarize yourself with laws concerning:
- Security deposit returns
- Eviction policies
- Landlord responsibilities for repairs
- Lease-breaking clauses
Understanding your rights will help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous landlords.
9. Document Everything Upon Move-In
Before moving in, take photos and videos of the apartment’s condition. I mean pictures of EVERYTHING. This will protect you if the landlord tries to charge you for pre-existing damage when you move out. Email a copy to yourself and the landlord as proof. Ensure your photos and videos have timestamps (which is why I recommend emailing them to yourself and your landlord).
10. Plan for Furniture and Essentials
Make a checklist of furniture and household essentials you’ll need. Essentials may include:
- A comfortable bed and mattress
- Kitchen appliances and utensils
- Storage solutions (shelves, closet organizers, etc.)
11. Negotiate Rent and Lease Terms
Many landlords are willing to negotiate, especially in competitive markets. Consider negotiating:
- Rent price (especially if you’re signing a long-term lease)
- Free parking or amenities
- A lower security deposit
It never hurts to ask, and you might save hundreds of dollars throughout your lease.
12. Be a Responsible Tenant
Once you move in, maintain a good relationship with your landlord and neighbors. Follow the rules outlined in your lease, report maintenance issues promptly, and pay your rent on time. Being a responsible tenant can make your renting experience much smoother and improve your chances of receiving a full security deposit refund.
Final Thoughts
Renting an apartment for the first time is a massive step in your life! Being informed can help you make the best decisions. Following these 12 essential tips, you can avoid common mistakes, find the perfect apartment, and enjoy a stress-free renting experience.
Do you have any other great apartment renting tips? Share them in the comments below!
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