How to Rent an Apartment or House: A Guide for College Students and Recent Graduates

Save money by not renting more than you need.

College students and young people just starting out usually don't have the money to make a downpayment on a house. People who haven't settled into a marriage or a long-term career also move around frequently, which makes renting a more sensible option. When renting your first home or apartment, keep your wits about you to avoid ending up in an overpriced or underserviced situation. Be patient and don't rush into anything.

Instructions

1. Analyze your budget and determine how much you can afford to spend on rent before going apartment or house hunting. If you use an agent, make this budget clear to them. Don't go to look at places that cost more than you can afford; they will probably be nicer, and may tempt you into renting something that's beyond your means.

2. Be practical when deciding on a place to live. The beautiful farmhouse in the countryside may be tempting and affordable, but if it's 10 miles from campus and you're a student, it may not make sense. Consider rent, location, neighborhood and amenities when making your decision.

3. Negotiate with the landlord about the rent. If you are looking at an apartment in a complex owned by a corporation, you may not have much luck with this. If you are renting from an individual, and you have good references and appear to be a reliable future tenant, the owner may be flexible. If you have painting, carpentry or renovation skills and the place needs work, bring up the possibility of a partial work exchange.

4. Rent with friends to save a lot of money. Renting a small one-bedroom apartment on your own will cost you a lot more than renting a four-bedroom place with three friends. Choose your roommates carefully; some people who make great friends don't necessarily make the best roommates. Try to find people who keep similar hours to you, and who spend similar amounts of time studying or partying.

5. Read the lease carefully before you agree to anything. Be sure you understand how long the lease is for, whether you are expected to pay a deposit and first and last month's rent, restrictions on pets, visitors or vehicles and what utilities are included in the rental cost.

6. Visit the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night before you rent there. You may discover that an area that looked pleasant in mid-afternoon is full of loud students or drug dealers in the middle of the night.

References

• Home Trader; Just Starting Out? Renting is Your Best Choice; Jane Herman
• Washington State Office of the Attorney General: Back-to-School Tips for College Students -- Renting an Apartment