Renting your first apartment is a joyous occasion and an important milestone for many. If you’re about to start searching for your first place to rent, then it is important to be well-informed and aware of all the potential issues that might arise in the process. So for that reason, we’ve prepared a list of good and smart practices that you should always follow when looking for renting an apartment. However, if you’re doing so for the first time, then be sure to follow these, so you’ll be able to safely find the best place to rent.
1. Always inspect the neighborhood twice
The location is of critical importance, especially if it is your first time living on your own. This is why it’s a great practice to inspect the neighborhood twice, mainly if the apartment you found and the rent seem too good to be true. So the best thing to do is go and check out the neighborhood twice: once during the day and the second time during the evening hours. That will give you a better perspective about the overall sense of safety. When you’re moving to live in your first rental, it’s crucial to make sure that you’re absolutely secure, especially if you plan to walk home every evening or night.
2. Have a budget
Renting your first apartment likely means you’ll have to budget, at least in the beginning. Once you move in, you’ll have to start paying attention to what you spend. And living by yourself means that budgeting should be your priority. Aside from monthly rent and deposit, you’ll have to worry about monthly bills such as utilities, cable, and internet, to name some. If you own a car, you’ll also have to pay for the gas. Therefore, before you move in make sure to write an estimated list of all your expenses, so you’ll be able to budget more wisely.
3. Make sure that the apartment has everything you need
If you’re moving to your first rented apartment, then it’s likely you’ll be required to compromise on certain things. However, you should always make sure that the place is comfortable and equipped with all the things that are important to you. If you have to compromise, be sure to do things that don’t matter that much to you. Make a list of all the important things you think you might need, as that will make the whole process much easier.
4. Location should play an important role
Regardless of where you live, it’s essential to find a location that will feel welcoming, convenient, and safe. That can be both a big city, a smaller town, or even a neighborhood. In certain American states, such as Texas, there’s a big emphasis on hospitality and safety, so if you’re looking for apartments for rent in Odessa, then you’re likely to enjoy it there. Sometimes, it might take your time to get used to your new place of living, but with a bit of time and effort, soon you’ll feel at home no matter where you decide to rent. Also, when choosing a location, make sure that it feels safe, as that will make the start of your journey feel much better.
5. Be careful when signing a lease and other documents
Being careful when signing documents is going to help you a great deal in the future. Just because you found your perfect apartment doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful about other things. Now, this also doesn’t mean that your landlord will intentionally do you harm, but it’s crucial to ensure that you’re legally in a good position as a renter. Sometimes, landlords might forget to mention additional costs, but they’ll be in the contract. Your job is to read everything carefully. If that seems too difficult, feel free to consult a lawyer or ask someone close to you to help you out.
6. Make sure that pets are allowed
In case you’re moving in with your furry companion, be sure that pets are allowed in the apartment, but also in the entire building. Some buildings have a rule that pets aren’t allowed, so it is crucial to make sure everything’s okay before you decide to move in with your dog or a cat. Ideally, you should talk to the apartment community about pets prior to signing a lease. There might be restrictions regarding the pet type and their size, so it would be smart to clear that up beforehand. Also, sneaking your pet in after you move in might be risky and stressful.
7. Know your rights and obligations as a tenant
As a tenant, you have a lot of rights, but also obligations. Therefore, it’s important to become familiar with some, if not all of them. In case your renting situation goes south, it’s important to know what to do, especially if you’re a first-time renter. Holding your landlord accountable will help you get back on track after an unpleasant or uncomfortable experience. But, it is also important to know your obligations, so you won’t end up having issues with the landlord, especially over something that could have been easily prevented.
Knowing what to do as a renter will help you find the best apartment for yourself, and start your new, independent life. These tips will help you get started, so keep in mind that as long as you’re careful, patient, and organized, you will have no trouble finding the perfect place to rent.
