So you want to rent your first apartment? Great! There are many benefits of renting, such as no lawn maintenance, free household repairs, and the ease of picking up and moving again (as opposed to owning a house with a mortgage, at least). Most first-time renters are, of course, young adults looking to cut free of their parents' reigns and begin an independent life... with the exception of occasional visits to Mom and Dad's for a free dinner or laundry, anyway! Buyer beware, though: plenty of landlords know how unexperienced the college-aged are in renting and will try to take advantage of your naivete. The following are some warnings before renting your first apartment that will keep you (hopefully) from having to head back to your parents' house with your tail between your legs.
1. The cost of moving out... it's more than you think!
Do not just assume that the cost of moving into a new apartment stops at the first month's rent and deposit. All first-time renters should know that moving in typically involves paying the first month's rent plus a refundable deposit (usually equal to one month's rent, although there are some exceptions such as pet deposits, etc.). Ask yourself first, "Do I have everything that I need?" Remember, you will have to clean the place once in awhile, and you will definitely have to eat! Also, there are set-up fees for certain utilities like cable or Internet services. Be sure to set up these utilities before moving in, and that way, too, you'll know if you have enough money to turn everything on.
2. Avoid needing to move back home right away by creating a savings account.
Just because everyone else is living beyond their means these days does not mean that you should, too! Before moving out, consider staying under your parents' roof for just a little bit longer. In the meantime, create a savings account and put away enough money to cover yourself in the case of a lost job or a cut in hours, car breakdowns, and so on. Be sure to have at least one month covered... that's a month's rent, utilities, food and transportation costs.
3. A word of caution about roommates...
While living on your own with your best buds may sound like a lot of fun now, shacking up with friends can actually ruin great relationships and cost you a lot of money, so be careful. If you must risk it, then get everyone's name on the lease, and do not have just one person's name on every utility bill.
4. Check out the apartment in person.
Never, ever, ever rent a place you have never seen! Instead, go see the place yourself, and check over every detail carefully. Things to look for are that all light fixtures work, all faucets work, there is no mold, no broken or cracked windows, doors work, the windows open and close, no leaks in the ceiling, nothing crumbling, etc. If you cannot or do not want to bring a parent or trusted friend along who can help you assess the place, take a camera and ask to take pictures. A landlord who will not allow photos is not worth your time. Also, if possible, see if you can talk to the current resident when the landlord is not around.
5. Read the lease carefully.
The lease to an apartment is a legal document. Like any other contract, you are bound to it by law and can be taken to court for breaking its rules. If the landlord allows a pet, make sure the lease states this, otherwise he or she may later claim the pet was never allowed. Also, are there any disallowed activities or items, such as candles or incense, parties, etc.? Such rules are common in college towns especially, where fires and destructive parties where students get hurt have caused landlords to get sued and, as a result, they become extra careful. Remember, anything that is forbidden by a lease may be grounds for a landlord to kick you out.
6. Have to move out before the lease expires? Be extra careful!
When needing to move out before the lease expires, take care to speak with your landlord and follow their rules to the letter! Also, check out the laws on Tentant Rights, which vary from state to state. You can review the laws here: HUD's Tenant Rights Web Page.
7. How to make sure you get the deposit back in full.
Before moving in, take pictures of the apartment's shape as proof of any pre-existing damage. Most landlords will also hand you a list checked off with damage they already know about, but never just take the landlord's word for it. Furthermore, always pay on time or ahead of time, even, and ask permission before using tacks in the walls, nails, paint, or whatever. When moving out, give at least one month's notice before the lease runs out. The landlord will provide a cleaning list; go through and make sure that everything is as neat as you can make it! Ask about any furniture you are not keeping, to make sure you get rid of it properly. Leave nothing behind, at least without permission.