You’ve made up your mind – you’re finally going to move into your first apartment. Before you get too comfortable with your new-found freedom, beware. This is real life: A couple of late rent payments can damage your credit significantly and if you have a huge party the police will come. Make sure that your first experience out on your own is a good one with these tips for first time renters from some folks who’ve learned the hard way.
Tip #1 – Budget wisely
Experts suggest that your rent should be no more than 25-30% of your income. Beware of choosing an apartment that you won’t be able to afford three or six months down the road. An eviction can ruin your credit report and will be seen as a warning sign to other potential landlords. To create a reasonable budget for apartment living, take a look at your income after taxes and subtract your expenses. Include things like food, household supplies, phone, car payment, car insurance, parking fees, credit card bills, clothing, cleaners, gas, internet, healthcare, school loans, and entertainment. What you have left, is what you will be able to spend on your new apartment. Keep in mind that this total will need to include rent as well as any additional utilities, such as natural gas, water, electricity, cable and garbage pick up if it is not included in your rent. Make sure to ask your landlord to put in writing what is covered in your rent and what is not.
Tip #2 – Think about the deposits
Not only will you need to afford a deposit on the apartment itself but you might also need to pay a fee to have your electricity turned on, cable and internet hooked up, etc. Your security deposit is most often equal to one month’s rent and the other deposits will range anywhere from $25 to $100. Again, make sure that you plan ahead of time before you sign the lease and move in – moving can create a lot of unexpected expenses so make sure you have the money set aside to cover them.
Tip #3 – Use credit cards in moderation
In order to establish credit, you need to have credit. Having credit cards and paying off your debt in a reasonable amount of time will strengthen your credit report. And, there are times in everyone’s life when you need a credit card. Don’t feel guilty about using credit cards, but don’t be careless either. Be responsible when using credit cards and avoid carrying a balance for over three months. Rather than depending on your credit card as a way to make ends meet every month, know that it is there in the case of an emergency.
Tip #4 – Determine what you “need” versus what you “want”
When searching for a potential apartment, consider the things that you need and the things that you want. If you don’t own a car, your apartment will need to be in close proximity to either your place of employment or to public transportation. If you have a pet you will need to find a place that will allow pets. Things like high speed internet, a gym or pool on premise and an in-unit washer and dryer are probably items you want. Be prepared to give up some of your wants in order to get the things that you will need. Of course, the perfect apartment, which has those things that you need as well as want, and is within your budget, may be out there somewhere. Don’t feel rushed to sign a lease for the first place you see. Visit many, ask a lot of questions and you’re sure to find the place that is perfect for you.
Tip #5 – Do not sign a lease without visiting the apartment
Visit the actual apartment that you will be renting, not a model. Perform a complete walkthrough and check on the unit.
- Take measurements of the rooms and the doors (to make sure your stuff will fit).
- Pay attention to any off-smells or loud noises.
- Open all the closets and cabinets.
- Turn the faucets on and off.
- Check all appliances to make sure that they work.
- Ask about the security measures the landlord has in place.
- Are the parking lots and common areas well lit and cleanly?
- See if you can speak with one of the other tenants in the building.
If there is damage to the apartment, you can request that it is fixed before you move in.
Tip #6 – Read and understand your lease
Don’t feel rushed to sign your lease immediately. Take a copy with you and read it over in its entirety. Make sure the information in the lease is exactly what your landlord told you verbally. If your landlord said that it was acceptable for you to have a dog and there will be no additional deposits or fees for having a pet, make sure that is outlined in the lease. Look for any additional fees or penalties that may be reflected in the lease that your landlord may have failed to mention. Make sure that the lease details which utilities will be paid for by the landlord and which ones you will be responsible for.
Tip #7 – Get renters insurance
You might be thinking that you really don’t own enough stuff to justify paying insurance for it, but think again. Take a look at all your clothes, books, electronics, furniture, appliances, computer and computer software, etc. You really would be out a pretty penny if everything went up in smoke. Renters insurance will run between $10 and $20 a month, depending on where you live (crime rates, propensity for natural disasters and flooding, and more may affect the cost of insurance) and the level of coverage you choose to get. When you get your insurance, the carrier may ask you to retain proof of the items that you’re covering. Take photographs of your furniture, computer and other electronics and place them, along with owner’s manuals, databases and receipts, in a safe deposit box at your bank or purchase a fire proof safe for their safekeeping. Some landlords actually require all renters to carry renters insurance!
This post was updated on April 1, 2013.
can i get an apartment in my name if i never had one with a messed up back ground
Ok…im looking for my first apartment. I dont live with either of my parents and pretty soon i could be homeless! im doing everything i can to get a job so that i can save money but i have no credit!!! My dads incarcerated and my mom…well thats a whole other story. Anyway my mom refuses to co-sign! What can i do!? Ive been trying for over 6 months now to get myself established but it seems like every time i get close everything falls apart. All i want is stability…plz someone tell me what i can do. thank u and Godbless
mitchell, my advice to you you is try to find a roommate or rent a room from prospective renters, then establish your self , get a job , save money and start to build your credit with a secured credit card good luck and remember dont stress too much , it only makes things worse
I am currently living with my parents but I just turned 22, I think I’m way past due from when I should’ve moved out, but now I am ready and I really want to be able to afford it without my parents needing to help pay my bills.I am looking for a roommate and a range of $500-650 including utilities paid already. Is there such a deal? I’m looking somewhere in OKC or Edmond so its near work?Is there such a deal? If so, where do I even start? Thank you! I appreciate your help
I am currently living with my parents and I work at a chiropractors office making 10.50 getting paid every two weeks. Do you think I can afford living on my own.
I have a question, I am getting divorced after 14 years and my credit is bad, but I have a good job can I still get approved
I just recently graduated with a job. My only credit comes from paying my car loan for 6 months now. However, I have never rented an apartment before in my life and my mom does not want to cosign. What should I do to get an apartment?
Bel,
just log on to roommates.com that should be able to help!
Getting a roommate is a great idea! And Roommates.com is a FREE service you can access right through Apartments.com. It’s a quick, easy, and did we say FREE way to find your perfect roommate? Click HERE to start looking now.
we’re moving to out of town and for that we have to resign to our previous job, but looking for a apartment for us can they approve my application to get an apartment without a proof of income?
My two friends and I are planning on moving out after high school and I’am wondering if it can be done; if say we rent a two bedroom or a studio. All of us will be in college and need to be working. Also need to know if it is possible we will be making enough money to rent, but not consume all of our time so that it doesn’t interfere with school. Really appreciate you taking time to read my comment. And if anyone reading wants to help us out by giving us a deal, we are looking for a place in Cali.
im currently attending college and im ready to take on the responsibility of being on my own.. im not working at this moment is there any advice you can give on the steps to take to get my own apartment.
my boyfriend and I are looking for an apartment after we get out of school. I don’t have any credit, and i’m sure he does (from paying his cell phone bill). Is that enough to get approved for an apartment? and if it isn’t, what is co-signing?
Hi my name is Jake and i am 21. I live south of tucson and I am looking for a roommate to share an apartment. I am a clean person. I clean my room at my parents house, and never have a messy room, but still i want to move out of my parents house and get my own place. If anybody is looking for a roommate that doesn’t make a mess. well I am the person.
I am looking for a job right now.
Thank you
Jake
If you think you have bad credit, the first thing you need to do is get a credit report for yourself.
Few people have worse credit than I do. To my surprise, renting an apartment is something that I never really had much trouble with. I often think that the landlords just want the money. Many of them charge you a credit check fee and don’t even check your credit. The current place I rented, the landlord said I had perfect credit. BELIEVE ME…THERE IS NO WAY. I don’t want to bore you with all of my financial problems, but there is no way he checked my credit. Occasionally, landlords did call my employer just to make sure I had an income. Also, I have never been evicted…that can usually pose a problem in renting an apartment. I’m not sure, but there is some sort of database that landlords can look in to see if you have been evicted. Also, if they do check your credit and see you owe a management company, that may pose a problem. Otherwise, no credit or problems with delinquent credit cards or loans should not be much of a problem. To first time renters, just be sure you can afford the monthly rent! Most landlords will have no problem evicting you if you do not pay the rent…on time. Also, be sure to read the lease…all 15 or so pages. That is one mistake I made with my first apartment. Remember that once you sign a lease you are bound by it and most landlords will not let you sublet (at least where I live in pa) and they will not let you break the lease without hefty fines. They don’t care if you find another job in a different location, you lost you job, etc. They don’t care; they just want the rent.
Hi, Im 20 and I just got engaged with my fiance. He’s 29 and Just got a new job making 11 dollars an hour, I’m currently making 9 dollars an hour. Will we be able to afford moving out and also going to school?
Hi my name is James and this up comming summer I will be leaving college and moving down to FL to work at a Zoo in the Panhandle. From what I heard I will start at 7.00 a hour. Currently I work at a movie theater for 7.35. I will be moving down by my mom but in my own place. Besides the dorm at my college this will be the first time I live alone. What kind of place should I look for? And what is the diffrence between a Studio and a Apartment? Thanks
Me and my boyfriend are very young. But we need to find an apartment quickly. Im unemployed til the end of the month and he makes about 4 dollars every 2 weeks. Everywhere i look on the internet seems to be a lil pricey. If anyone could help that would be great
Candance I am 20 years old. If I were you I would spend some time on the internet for rentals. I have been looking for a couple of days and real estate company web sites dont help so avoid them. I would ask some friends if they wanted to be roomates so it would be a little easier for everyone.
wow, you guys do NOT seem mature enough to rent and live on your own. get a clue before you mess up your credit.
Can i get an Apartment in my name if I’ve never had one?
I was recently hired by a graphic design company to the tune of $20 an hour (est 41,600 yearly). I purchased my vehicle outright, so I only pay car insurance ($250 a month)…Can I swing a $750-$800 apartment along a with a $250 school loan? Can I live on $750 a month? what if I want to buy new furniture? Should I pursue a cheaper living situation?
For all our readers who are wondering if they will be able to rent an apartment at their income level, take a look in the “Money” category to the left and read “How to Make a Budget and Stick to It”. It’ll not only help you with the budgeting piece, but it will also help you determine how much you can spend on rent.
Dear tony,
If your talking about me I have perfect credit and am currently in college. Dont judge people by their age.
I am a 24yr Old Mother with a 2yr old and seven months pregnant and I am looking for my first place to rent I do not have credit and I am unemployed I live with my grandparents but am on the edge of becoming homeles because they want to have their home to themselfs I am on assestence from FIA in Vanburen County. I need a 2 bedroom for me My kids and my husband who is also unemployed.
I am 27. I’ve been living on my own and renting rooms from people since I was 19. When I “moved” out of my parents place, I was making about 7.50 an hour part time. I didn’t have a car so I had to walk everywhere and the DC area is not a pedestrian friendly place. I couldn’t afford much food so I had work two jobs at times. Life was real hard for a long time.
My first crash was a steal at 350 per month utilities included. A impossible to find now days. Second place was 500/month as were the subsequent residences.
Now I’m making about 14/hr. I have a car, that I’m making payments on. Going to collage part time and about to move in to my first apartment with my girlfriend. Life is still rough on the income front. If you don’t have to move out (ie. no violence/drugs in the home), then milk your parents for all you can.
Patrick, always go for the cheapest place you can. How much you can afford is up to you. Its all about lifestyle. If you’re making 40k then spend like your making 30k and you’ll do fine. If you haven’t yet, get a room in someone’s house if possible. It’s much cheaper and gets you experience on living on your own with less legal mess. Get a place that includes utilities so you pay a flat rate instead of relying on the weather to determine your bills.
And seriously, if yall don’t have jobs, get some! Life isn’t free. Its not all flowers and kittens. This ain’t a commune. Get a job hippie!
I’m 19 and about to have my first baby April 13 2007 and i have no job right now. I want to know how can i get in anapartment. And what do i say to the people.
I bought a house with my mother (who was supposed to make the payments on the house) and now there are late payments. Now I want to get my own apartment but I know that the house and the late payments are going to show up on my credit. Since it was not my fault will that have a big affect on me getting an apartment? Everything else on my credit is decent…it’s just the house, and I make enough money to afford an apartment! Will I still have a chance in getting one?
were still looking an aprtment with my bf, sometimes im tired with excitement bcoz im planning now 2 buy new appliances 4 our apartemtn but we r hoping dat we can find d right one for us…
This site really helped me come up with more important questions to ask my future landlord(s) Thank you!!!!
it would be a good idea to check online for the state’s LANDLORDS TENANT ACT so you can check to see if the landlords are being legal or not!
I am a 21 year old college student wanting to move out and get a place with my boyfriend. We need a three bedroom apartment because we take care of my 3 year old brother because my mother is unable to do so. I don’t want to move until I get my acceptance letters from the universities, but we do need our own place and not so expensive.
i want to get a apartment but i have no proof of my income my boyfriend has a job and will be living with me but i have bad or no credit and he has a record too so i was wondering can i get a place using his income with just my name on the lease?
I really appreciate your tips thank you for educating me on an apartment
im 19 and i live in a small town in northern ontario with my parents. in august i hope to move to newfoundland (my boyfriends parents moved him out there.hes not moving in with me) this means that i probably wont be able to take a look at the places myself, he may do it for me, but it also makes it very hard to get an apartment as well. does anyone have any specific tips for moving from home to an apartment a long ways away from there? thanks. lisa
Am a newspaper reporter working on a feature about the challenges of renting your first apt (or room) after leaving home or school. Would appreciate hearing stories and pointers from first-time renters in the Daytona area and nearby Central FL. Thanks, people.
I have a pretty nice living situation. I’m out on my own, from mother for the first time. The freedom feels good. I’m Renting a room from this old lady. My mom paid the rent for the first month so I’m pretty straight. I’m job-searching this month so I can buy my own things, pay the rent, stuff like that. The lady which is my roomie, is pretty quiet. She leaves around the time I wake up so I really have the place to myself. I suggest you definitely get an elderly person for a roomate. They are practically no trouble at all.
hey, i just signed a lease on my apartment that i just got and i’m in the same situation. i have no credit, my dad’s pasted away, and i can’t live with my ma if i’m gonna live in another state. so the apartment i found told me that i had to pay 6 months rent up front. if u got the time and money, work ur butt off. i got two jobs just to make enough for all that. just a thought. good luck
i want to get a apartment but i have no proof of my income my boyfriend has a job and will be living with me but i have bad or no credit and he has a record too so i was wondering can i get a place using his income with just my name on the lease?
I feel like to scream out for a real help since I have my both Deaf sons who really need their good Deaf education in Fremont, Ca as they want to go back to their old Deaf school that they attended before we moved into another state and now, we just moved back in Ca which effects me to look for a place to live by our own if we can afford since we are living on our small incomes.
Please allow me know if I have another chance since I know my credits are pretty bad which blocks me to be able to get a place quickly enough causes my sons and me to live with someone for a while which I feel it’s no good to continue living with a mess roomate.
I been trying to find the section 8 or even HUD I really not know where I could go to since I’m new to Merced, Ca myself. We used to live in Fresno, Ca in a quite long time ago.
Please help us in ASAP.
Many thanks…. God bless
I was wondering i’m moving out in a couple weeks i have about $3000 saved for an apt in arizona yet i do not have any credit but enough for a place to move into and a job is there any way to get a place without needing it?
For everyone trying to get an apartment with no/bad credit or a limited income: apply for the HUD program, section 8. This one step will really help you with making the payments, and landlords that accept HUD tenants usually don’t care as much about your background because their paycheck comes straight from the government.
I know that your pride may be hurt a little, but also consider the WIC program or food stamps. This isn’t something you should use forever, but it really can help you get back on your feet, especially if you are between jobs.
Good luck everyone!
i never had a apartment before
my credit is not good i was divorce about 2 or 3 months i have been going place to place i need help,please help me i need a 2nd changed.
If I co-sign for a friend with it affect me in anyway in getting my own apartment? The friend I co-signed for is very trusting and has never financially did anything wrong to me or anyone.
I am 19, have a steady job, and do not have a credit card. Is there any way to get an apartment without one, and without having someone co-sign for you?
I’m 20, making 3000 per month, no credit, no rental history (been with parents) and every place i talk to want a co signer? I also spoke with a section 8 complex manager just to be told i make too much to qualify! what should i do?
well i am a first time renter does any one have any real good tips on how to pick a good place!?
Hi, everyone! I am 18 years old and having numerous parent issues! My dad says he wants me to leave, sometimes he says he doesn’t want me to leave. I am so confused! I just feel that I should live on my own anyways.. to get away from certain problems! I am a freshmen in college (my first quarter) and am planning on transferring (already!) to another college. I searched many of the student community housing in Athens,Ga (where I plan to move). I never had a job in my life or any credit. I have only talked to my mom about it but not my dad. I am looking at furnished apartments with utilities. Someone please help me!!
paying a cell phone bill every month doesn’t give you credit…that’s what i was told when I tried that. you will need to get a co-signer or if all else fails, try getting a credit card,just make sure u keep up the payments on that, because as soon as you’re late, your credit will become bad
hi, i make $ 300,000 and i live in the projects, can anyone tell me what my problem is ?
I’m 19 and i am ready to move out of my moms house my credit is bad, when i was 18 i applied for everything because my mom and i where very low on money and my father died when i was 16 and know my mom has remarried and i don’t like him i have a job and i am in school i just don’t no the first step to take can someone please help me thanks
I am 22 yrs old , I have had my job for over 3yrs as a part time employee. I make $10.00 an hr. I am planning on becoming full time at the start of the summer and get an Apartment in the Fall. I have 3 credit cards with balances and never had any late fees. My credit is good (last time I checked) but I have no employment history. I do have a friend that wants to be my roommate. I am looking for $900-1300 luxuray style apartments in Baltimore City. Any advice ?
I am beginning to establish credit and save money on an apartment for my fiance’ and am also getting a car. Could I establish credit by making a car payment with a credit card? Is that even possible?
Great Advise ^
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If you need to find a roommate, this is the perfect place to find one and it’s FREE! Check it out!
I have a question. Why does everyone that comment have to bash other people? This website is made to help, not ridicule people.
Now, My other question is I have never lived in an apartment on my own, and the prices are really high. Does any one know of any discounts that the apartment complexs might give?
yea you can do it i make 6.70 every to weeks and i wont my own apartment and iam not going to let nothing stop me just get what you can afford now and then when you got all what you need save up then go get what you wont
hi i am looking for an
apartment and i just wanted
to say that these tips
really helped thnks
Im 22 years old, i have a four year old little girl, and i currently live at home. I have lived on my own once before but with a boyfriend, who had every bill in his name. I know my credit isnt in the best shape, its probably pretty low (didnt make the best financial decisions last year), but now im looking for my own apartment. Any suggestions on how i can get a nice place with not so nice credit?
The best thing to do is try and find a steady job and work for a few months before trying to find an apartment. Most landlords won’t let you live in their building if you don’t have proof of income.
useful overview
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Find out of the apartment is submetered or not. You can save yourself lots of money on utilities if you use them wisely. If the apartment is not submetered you end up paying for other tenet’s wasteful habits.
Hi, I am 22 years old, I still live with my mother only because we are in the handbag business together. We are going through the process of inventhelp, but we have to wait now for about 6 months until we here about a manufacturer. I was trying to say that if you don’t have any money, invest your time into work at home programs or do some research on making money from home. I am currently working at home and still living with my mother to support her. We are going through the forclosure process on our house so we have plans to move to Destin FL. I hope working from home helps as it has worked for me. Thanks.
I’m really desperate for help.My boyfriend and I want to get our first apartment now and we are really struglling for money? Is there anyway to make it easire until you find your ground? Thanks
I am only 19 years old and im really wanting to move out of my parents house. I work and go to college. Im trying to get another job that works me more hours because my job now closes at 6. I am just wondering if i could be able to get my own place i need help and advice. I have some money saved up now. Its just a matter of if an appartment will let me rent. I dont have credit established to. I also dont know where to begin looking for the right apartment.
Dears
Plz I am anew guy in USA I saty there for 40 days and I have green card so i rent apartment for 6 month and I pay for 2 month but the rest of the 4 month I could not pay them because I leave USA because my Mother illness now i wanna to go back to USA what can I do can I rent another apartment after i pay the previous rent I mean is that will effect on my cridt ,will some one agree tohire me apartment
regard
Im 17 Graduated High School Last Year, Im Starting Cosmetology In a Technical College Near My Parents House In February I Get Paid 945.00/month & 2000.00/every 2 months, Just to go to college. Financial aid takes out the tuition money from my 2000.00 check and i take out money for my book and kit and uniform then save the rest i take 50$ outta the monthly 945 check for my phone bill and the rest is saved i am turning 18 on september 18 i plan on tranfering and moving to kendall fl at the end of september i will be living on my own, could i do it , does anybody think i would be able to do it, advice is highly needed
this will be my first apartment im 31 and living with my parents is starting to get to me cause people my age are on their own . how do i set up a budget for an apartment? also, should i pay off my doctor bill first before i get an apartment cause that has put a set back on my saving for an apartment . i need help where do i start ? so confused
All good points–as a first-time renter myself. Our renter’s insurance costs about $10/month. Probably because our stuff isn’t very expensive so it wouldn’t cost too much to replace.
One of the most informative articles I’ve read so far! I’ll be first time renting by around January and am rather nervous about it. The only real advice I’ve had so far is to look into becoming a Ad Hoc Property Guardian, which does seem ideal. Has anyone ever heard of it? I guess I’m just gathering as much information as I can to make the right choice, which is only natural.
I’ll definitely be avoiding credit cards, my sister got herself into some bother with credit cards and property.
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OK…this is my first time ever lookinq for and apartment i am currtly still and school this my last year and the school i go to they is findinq me a job so when i get the job i am going to start lookinq for me a apartment but um my question is can you find a apartment at the age of 17 or 18
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Perfect book for first time apartment dwellers and even those who just want to spruce up there places!
I am looking to move into an apartment in San Diego from New York. I want to move to SD in order to get work, but do I have to be employed in order to get an apartment?
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I came across these tips for first time apartment renters. Check it out. http://www.gardencommunities.com/moving-resources/first-time-renter-tips.aspx
Okay so I recently just moved into an apartment where the beginning has been a total disaster. Before signing the lease I did a walk through, and the apartment wasn’t move in ready but they said it was going to be by the time I moved in. So I signed the lease… Then comes the day I moved in like two days ago and nothing was fixed.. They finally got around to fixing a few things but I’m still missing a bedroom door… What should I do? Are you aloud to ask if you can get money taken off your first months rent??
Thanks!