Steps to Renting Your First Apartment Career Development and Transition

STEP ONE: Figure Out How Much You Can Afford Experts recommend only spending between 25%-35% of your after-tax income on rent and housing. That means if you have $1,500 a month income after taxes, ideally, you shouldn’t pay more than $525 a month on rent. If you can’t find a place within your budget, consider getting a roommate.

STEP TWO: Make a Needs and Wants List What are you looking for in an apartment? Bedrooms Bathrooms Appliances Furniture Pets Location Security Write down whatever comes to your mind. While you might not be able to get everything on your apartment wish list, it will definitely help in narrowing down the possibilities.

STEP THREE: Identify Available Rentals With your list of criteria in hand, hop online or browse newspaper ads and start locating available apartments. Once you narrow apartments down by location, check to see if they have the things you’re looking for in a rental, i.e. appliances, number of bedrooms, etc. Use the apartment complex website or call the property manager Expand your search. Make sure to hop on websites like Craigslist to find homes or apartments that might be for rent by individual owners as opposed to bigger companies. A couple of other good sources for finding potential apartments are rental magazines you can pick-up for free at supermarkets. Keep a file of clipped newspaper ads, computer printouts and notes.

STEP FOUR: Visit Your Potential Locations Go through your list to pick your favorites based on how your Needs and Wants. Visit your potential rental units in person to see condition Be efficient by visiting multiple rentals in one day. It’s best to call the landlords and set up an appointment with them. You’ll want to set aside about 45 minutes for each visit, so plan your appointments accordingly.

STEP FOUR: Visit Your Potential Locations Make a good first impression Dress appropriately Be on Time Be polite and courteous Check for problems Mold, Mildew, Pests Check doors, cabinets, locks Check sinks, stove, toilets, lights, etc. Obvious damage like broken fixtures, holes in the walls, broken tiles General condition Ask Questions What’s the monthly rent? When is it due? Are any utilities included with the rent? How much is the security deposit? What’s the make-up of the other tenants? Have you had any break-ins in the past year? What’s the parking situation like? Do you pay for a parking spot? Who is responsible for maintenance? Am I able to re-paint the walls or make other modifications? Ask to see the actual unit you will move in to

STEP FIVE: Completing a Rental Application Decide which option fits your needs best Complete an application and submit application fee (This is often non-refundable) Be prepared for a background check Know your monthly income and have proof of income available DO NOT lie on the application Be ready to provide references and/or co-signer Application is a screening tool for landlords to pick good tenants who can pay rent Submitting an application does not legally obligate you to anything

STEP SIX: Signing a Lease or Rental Agreement After your rental application has been approved, the landlord will ask you to come to the office and sign a lease. Discuss any concerns you have about the rental unit Don’t be afraid to negotiate terms or perks. Be on your game during this time. Once you sign your name on that dotted line, you’re pretty much stuck with the terms written in the lease. Read the lease line-by-line! You are responsible for everything in the document.

STEP SIX: Signing a Lease or Rental Agreement Consider the following conditions or terms of the lease BEFORE signing anything! Expectations and conditions for guests Subletting Making alterations to the property Repairing damaged or broken items Conditions and fees for animals Smoking inside and outside Any verbal conditions discussed during tour Term of the lease/agreement Rent amount Amount and conditions of security deposit Terms at end of lease Consequences for moving out early Roommate negligence Where, how, when to pay rent and late fees Paying utilities

STEP SEVEN: Completing a Walk-Through Tour of the property after or as you sign a lease to establish the condition of the property at the beginning of the lease Don’t hesitate to point out damage to landlord, because you may end up paying for it later Take photos and notes to have landlord sign and verify Request updates or repairs be made as you tour the property Get a checklist for the end of the lease to make sure everything is in the condition they expect it at the end of your lease

STEP EIGHT: Establish a Move-In Date and Plan What date can you move in? What time that day will the unit be ready for you? Will the cleaning be done before you move in? Do you need to reserve transportation for the move? Who is going to help you move?