Finding your first apartment can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. Understanding the ins and outs of how to get an apartment can help you avoid some common mistakes and skip right to the excitement of settling into a quality community. While young renters typically face the steepest learning curve, even older renters can run into these pitfalls if it’s their first rental experience. Proper preparation will help ensure that you can move in confidently and enjoy your entire lease term with no regrets.
Understanding what you can afford
It’s important to draw up a detailed budget before you move out on your own for the first time. Check your pay stubs or deposit amounts for the last few months to get a solid idea of how much you can expect to make each month. This is especially important if you have irregular hours or rely heavily on tips. With your income in hand, you can begin exploring how much you can afford to spend.
Start by listing your predictable recurring expenses. This includes things like a cell phone bill or car payment. Soon, it will also include rent. Next, you’ll need to calculate your variable expenses. This is a bit trickier, so you may need to keep your receipts for a few months or comb through your bank statements. Make an honest assessment of what you spend on groceries, gas, toiletries, and entertainment.
Compare your income to your current expenses to determine what’s left for your apartment. Keep in mind that your apartment expenses will typically include:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Internet
- Water
- Trash
Some property managers may also require renter’s insurance. This coverage is an important consideration even when it’s not mandatory, as it can help protect you from the steep expenses associated with theft, fire, and other hazards. Consider pricing renter’s insurance when you’re working out your apartment budget as well.
Choosing the right neighborhood
The neighborhood will have a big impact on your rent. Consider your wants and needs carefully to make sure you feel comfortable and safe in your environment. Some things to look into include:
- Crime rate
- Distance to places like work and school
- Nearby amenities like stores and gas stations
- Noise levels, particularly at night
- Demographics
- Entertainment
Young adults moving into their first apartments may prefer to live in an area with a younger demographic and more vibrant nightlife. However, if you’re working long hours or raising young children, you may want to prioritize things like quiet streets and proximity to playgrounds.
Consider the time and cost of your daily commute. Is a cheaper apartment really worth it if it doubles your gas expenses or forces you to spend an extra hour on the bus? Think about all the places you like to visit and try to find an apartment community that puts you within a reasonable distance of these.
Comparing apartment amenities
Evaluate all the amenities of the apartment unit and community as you’re comparing your options. Look for community features like:
- Clubhouses
- Pools
- Fitness facilities
- Dog parks
- Playgrounds
- Pet washing stations
- Elevators
- Garages or covered parking
- Laundry facilities
- Availability, quality, and price of internet providers
In each unit, consider features like:
- Number and size of closets
- Number of bathrooms
- Availability of showers and. tubs
- Porches, balconies, or fenced yards
- Size, quality, and availability of appliances
- Laundry facilities
- Number and size of cabinets and drawers
- Amount of counter space in the kitchen and bathroom
- Flooring type and age
- Square footage throughout
- Measurements in each room
It’s easy to overlook small details, but something like tiny kitchen drawers that aren’t large enough for a silverware divider can become really frustrating once you’ve moved in to your new place. You should tour the floor plan that you’re considering. If possible, tour the exact unit that you will be renting. If that unit is occupied, make sure you ask about any variations between the unit you’re touring and the one that you’ll live in. Model units often have updated features that aren’t necessarily included throughout the complex.
If you have any large pieces of furniture, like an L-shaped couch or king-size bed, get the exact measurements and take a measuring tape with you when you tour the apartment. Consider where your furniture will sit and make sure you choose an apartment that will comfortably fit everything you own.
Reviewing the lease terms
Once you’ve found an apartment that you’re happy with, you’ll need to move on to reviewing the lease terms. Make sure you read through this document carefully. Don’t skip any of the fine print. Some important points to look for in the lease include:
- Rent amount
- Deposit amount
- Terms upon which the deposit is refundable
- The date rent is due
- Any available grace period for rent
- Late charges if you cannot pay rent on time
- Pet policies, if applicable
- Utilities that are included or billed separately
- Guest policy
- Rules for subletting
- Terms for terminating or renewing the lease
- Your maintenance responsibilities and those of the property manager
- Requirements for renter’s insurance
Timing your move-in
If you’re targeting a coveted apartment community, you may find that there’s a waiting list for your desired unit. You should typically start looking for an apartment about 60 days before your move-in date. This will give you time to compare your options, find the right community, and put your name down for the unit that you want. You can certainly find an apartment on a shorter timeline, but you may find your options are more limited. Starting sooner may allow you to target things like a particular floor or side of the complex.
Finding your first apartment is an exciting endeavor. Following these guidelines, you can locate the best community for your needs. Once you’ve found the ideal apartment, you can start planning your move, packing your boxes, and getting excited for your next chapter.
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