1. Steps to Renting Your First Apartment
Career Development and Transition

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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?