How to Rent Your Own Apartment

Ah, home sweet home. There's nothing like it, right? But your dream of a nice apartment home may soon disappear if you do not take these simple steps to prepare. Whether you are just starting out or have been on your own for awhile, you can never be too prepared.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit Report
• Security Deposit
• Addresses and landlord names
• Time
• Transportation
• Savings

1. Search for your new apartment online or in the newspapers. Make a list of potential homes. You can add the numbers directly into your cell phone contacts so you can call them on your break, weekend or lunch hour. No more lost paper, everything is at your fingertips.

2. Drive around and seek out for rent signs in desirable locations. Do not forget to go down the side streets.

3. Scour craigslist for affordable apartments and call numbers immediately as these properties tend to go quickly.

4. Save money or set money aside for your first and last month's rent. This may be in excess of one to two thousand or more depending upon apartment price.

5. Pull your credit report and check your credit score so you are not faced with unpleasant surprises. Many landlords will also give you a break on the first month's rent if you have good credit.

6. Think about how you will furnish your new apartment. If you need items, shop at thrift stores, finance larger items and ask family and friends if they have extras of anything. You will be surprised at the collection you may receive when everyone contributes.

7. Save for a few months extra rent, if possible. This will add security during the stressful time of moving.

8. Ask the landlord if you can sign a month to month or shorter term lease. This protects you in case you find you do not like your apartment for any reason, have to relocate or lose your job.

9. Negotiate pets ahead of time. This will save you aggravation and fees later on. Most landlords will accept small pets, even if you have to pay a small deposit.

10. Document everything on paper or in pictures when you move in, especially obvious damage.

11. Set up automatic withdrawal if you feel you will not remember to pay your rent or do not wish to mail it.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a few finishing touches on your apartment to make it your own such as buying an item you have always wanted or purchasing new or "new to you" furniture.
• Check out amenities that you need or want ahead of time.
• Trust your instincts. If you think an apartment will not fit your lifestyle, take a pass, no matter how nice it is.
• Look at getting an apartment with a landlord and tenants you can live with.

[kluke82]

on 10/29/2009 Great tips and suggestions for renting an apartment!

[godfather25]

on 10/20/2009 Great on renting your own partner.

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/20/2009 Very good steps. I used to be a leasing agent and manager of several apartments and all this information is really good. 5*