Renting an Apartment

You may encounter your first experience with renting when you graduate high school or when you are in college.

This can be a very exciting time as it is your first time “on your own”, but it’s still important to be responsible and make sure that you are living in a place that is right for you.

Step 1: Figuring Out What You Can Afford

When looking for a place to rent, start by knowing what you can afford to spend on a monthly basis. Figure in your cost of living (ie: groceries and other necessities) and don’t forget that you will have other expenses such as utilities, cable, phone, internet and any other bills.

Step 2: Finding the Right Apartment

Not including the price, the following are important factors in finding the right apartment:

• Location – How close are you to school/work? Do you feel safe in the area? What parking options are available?
• Condition – Are there cracks in the walls, ceiling or floors? Do the appliances work? Are there any leaks? Are windows and doorways in good condition? Has the apartment been cleaned? Check the condition of e-v-e-r-y-thing.

Other important factors to consider, If they apply, are policies on having pets or smoking in the apartment.

Step 3: Meeting the Landlord

When you’ve found a place that you are interested in, talk to the landlord and make sure that you can deal with them. Your best bet may be to have your parents go along with you to look at the place and to meet the landlord. Meeting the landlord is an important part of finding an apartment – you want to make sure that they are reliable and trustworthy.

Step 4: Asking Questions & Signing the Lease

Before you sign the lease, make sure you have read it carefully and understand it. Be sure that it addresses things such as future rent increases and your privacy rights. Ask any questions that you have for the landlord at this time.

Some questions might be… Does the lease automatically renew? Is there a possibility of getting out of the lease if necessary? Is there a maintenance person for the property? Are any utilities included with the monthly rent? Whose responsibility is it to make small repairs?

Whatever terms you discuss and agree to – make sure that they are all in writing.

Step 5: Moving Into & Living In Your Apartment

Before you move anything in, take inventory of the place. Know the condition of every inch of the apartment and make sure that your landlord knows it, too. Even if you did this step prior to signing the lease, it’s important to check again for anything that may have changed. You don’t want to lose your security deposit paying for damages that you didn’t create.

Once you've gone through the process of finding an apartment and moving in, you probably won't want to be kicked out. This part should be pretty easy. There are two key parts to this:

1. Pay your rent in full and on time.
2. Follow the terms you agreed to in your lease.