by Sandi Crain

Created on: October 09, 2009

Getting out from under the parent's roof and into an apartment is an exciting time in any young person's life. It can be be a wonderful experience or it can be a lousy experience but it will always be a growing experience. There are a few helpful hints to keep in mind so that the bad experiences are kept at a minimum.

Since the first apartment will be far from the nicest apartment you'll ever have look for signs of pest infestation. Roaches leave egg sacks in the backs of cupboards and under the bathroom sink. Look closely for these. Mice and rats leave little shreds of paper, insulation, and other nesting materials near cracks in the floor boards and in closets. If you don't want to share your home with these freeloaders it's best to move on and look elsewhere.

Location is a very important factor. Since it's possible the first car is not the most dependable car you'll ever have, staying within walking distance of work or school is a good idea. Learning how to live on your own is difficult enough. But while you're learning to pay bills, buy groceries, and go to college while keeping a job, it can really throw a wrench in your day if your car breaks down. Keep it simple. Stay closest to what's most important.

Take a month to month lease if you can find one. There's always the possibility that your roommate might move out or you might lose your job. Without the benefit of a large savings account you could find yourself responsible for the enormous fees involved with breaking a lease. This could ruin any chances of developing decent credit and could affect the chances of receiving a college loan should it be needed.

Take pictures of your apartment before you move in. In photo and on paper, detail every piece of damage that you can find even if it's just a dirty oven or missing light bulbs. Landlords are not always ethical. They make a great deal of profit from charging the new tenant for damage done by the previous tenant. Make sure that doesn't happen.

Be yourself. If you smoke, have a pet, or like to party make sure that the landlord knows it. It's much easier to be denied an apartment today than being thrown out of one after you have all your stuff moved in and all the utilities turned on.

Utilities are another thing you need to think about. It's doubtful that you will have credit with the utility companies when renting your first apartment so keep in mind that most, if not all, demand an upfront deposit before they turn you on. If you can, find an apartment that includes many of your utilities like electric, water, and trash in the rent payment. Heat is rarely paid for by landlords in colder climates so have at least $200 in your account to cover the deposit. In warmer climates where air conditioning is required, the same is true of the electric.

The first rental sets the stage for the future. Keeping the rent paid on time and the apartment in decent condition will show future landlords that you will be a decent tenant. Paying the utilities on time will make sure that the next apartment has lower moving in costs. Being on your own can be great fun but it's also the beginning of the rest of your life. By not forgetting this, life in your first apartment can be one of your favorite memories some day.

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