Important tips for renting your first apartment (from someone who just went through it)
Renting your first apartment is an exciting and confusing time. You’ve probably already researched the basics. You have your roommates, you have your budget, and you have your “top ten questions to ask landlords” in hand.
But that’s not all you need to know. A lot of first-time renters end up in a bad apartment with a terrible landlord because knowing how to find good properties is a difficult skill to learn.
When I was looking for my first apartment last year, I stumbled along, trying to make sense of this confusing landscape.
By the time I settled on a place, I picked up some valuable skills and advice that helped me know for certain I had made the right choice. Today I am going to give you my advice, and the tips that helped me the most when renting my first apartment.
1. Have $3,000 saved
I know this seems like a lot but trust me, it will help cushion the financial blow. Between a security deposit, first month’s rent, setting up utilities, and other various move-in costs, moving into a new place is expensive. More expensive than anyone had prepared me for.
When I moved into my new place, I ended up draining my emergency savings account in order to pay for everything. Don’t make the same mistake. If you know you will be moving into your first apartment in the coming months, start saving now.
If you are answering a “roommate wanted” ad, the costs may be lower, but most leaseholders still expect a deposit of some kind and first-month’s rent.
2. Use Facebook Marketplace in addition to other renters’ websites
Facebook Marketplace was where I found most of the properties I toured. I knew I didn’t want to move into an apartment complex and Facebook had more independent landlords posting their properties. If you are looking into renting in a complex, websites like Zillow and Apartments.com will be a good bet, but I urge you to take a look at Facebook Marketplace. You’ll be surprised to find some affordable properties listed that you wouldn’t otherwise see.
3. Research the landlord or property management company
The Internet is a blessing when it comes to finding reviews. I was about to break my no-complex rule and check out a trendy apartment complex in my city. I hopped on Google, and it turns out the tenants have been complaining for years about a hot water problem and the building managers refuse to do anything to fix it. I crossed that listing off my list and moved on.
Taking a few seconds to google the landlord, apartment complex, or the management company that owns the property can save you a lot of headaches in the future.
4. Drive around the neighborhood
You probably already have a good idea of the neighborhood you want to live in. You might have picked something close to work or school, or maybe you want something in the heart of downtown. Whatever your preference is, when you schedule a tour of a property, make sure to get there around 20 minutes early and take a drive around the neighborhood. How are the roads? Are you near any grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, parks, etc.?
While you may like the general area, you may not like the exact neighborhood where the property is located. Maybe it’s too close to the train tracks, and that’ll keep you up at night. Maybe it’s too far from the interstate, or there aren’t enough restaurants around. Whatever the case may be, taking a drive around will give you a more concrete idea of the neighborhood and whether or not it is what you’re looking for.
5. Have your bank statements, pay-stubs, and credit score on hand
Most landlords operate on a first come/first served basis. If you’ve found your dream apartment, but another qualified renter jumps on it before you, then you’re out of luck. Having proof of employment and your credit score on hand will help you be prepared to answer any of the landlord’s questions while you are still face-to-face.
6. Make sure to find out about utilities
What utilities does the landlord pay for and which are your responsibility? Many landlords will at least pay for water, while some don’t pay any utilities. Some landlords will have a flat utility fee in addition to the monthly rent.
Find out what each property offers for utilities. You may find that while one property has a slightly more expensive rent, the landlord covers all basic utilities, making the monthly bills come out to the same or less than other properties. Having all the facts will help make your decision easier.
7. Inspect for signs of pests!
Please please please look carefully at every property you tour. Are there rat droppings in the cabinets? Or a dead roach in the back of the closet? No one wants to deal with an infestation, so if you find the signs of one, pass on the property immediately.
I toured one apartment in a gorgeous neighborhood uptown. It had high ceilings, huge windows, a balcony, and was right across the street from my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. And the rent was so cheap for an uptown apartment. It was too good to be true. And I was right. When I was walking around the apartment, it just felt dirty, and sure enough I opened the kitchen cabinets and saw roach traps. I walked the halls and saw dead roaches near the other units. I knocked on the door of the downstairs unit and asked if the building had a roach problem. To put what he said nicely, he saw roaches every day and the landlord never did anything about it. I never walked out of a building so fast in my life.
You do not want to get trapped in an apartment like this. Look for signs of pests, and if you spot anything, move on.
8. Touch everything
Flush the toilet, turn on the shower, check out the fridge, open every drawer and cabinet in the house. Don’t be afraid to touch anything and everything. A sticky drawer is livable, but a broken hot water tap might be a deal breaker.
9. Talk to the neighbors (without the landlord present)
It is always a good idea to talk to the other tenants, but they likely won’t give you truthful answers to your questions with the landlord hovering around! If you get a chance, have a chat with your immediate neighbors to find out about the property.
How is the landlord? Do problems get resolved quickly? What is the vibe of the property?
Talking with the neighbors will give you a good idea of what day-to-day life is like at the property you’re touring.
10. Read the lease agreement carefully
It is important to know your rights as a tenant. Use online resources such as Nolo.com and HUD.gov to make sure you are entering into a fair lease.
Have someone you trust read over the lease before you sign.
11. Trust your gut!
Ironically, the place I ended up renting was the place I spent the least amount of time touring. As soon as I walked in, I had a gut feeling about the place. The landlord was open and honest, pointing out flaws in the property (such as a closet door not closing all the way) before I even had a chance to ask.
After six months of living in the place, I’m confident I made the right choice and I’m glad I trusted my gut.
When you get a gut feeling – good or bad – trust it.
Go forth and rent!
Renting your first apartment can be kind of scary, trust me, I know. But if you arm yourself with research, knowledge, and intuition, you will be fine. Know your rights, know your deal breakers, and go find that dream apartment!