This apartment blog provides apartment shopping tips, moving advice, organizing apartment, rental advice, and other interesting information related to the property management industry. This real estate business blog was created by a former apartment community manager and leasing consultant. Always check for recent policies in your dwelling.
Monday
Sunday
Saturday
Thursday
Wednesday
New Apartment Renter Experience, Tips
When I first started looking for an apartment on my own, I came across an ad in the newspaper that I liked. I called about the place and made an appointment to go visit. Now to save you some time what I'm about to reveal are some things that might come up during the initial or later visits to the property.
The first is whether you have someone who would be willing to co-sign on the apartment. Since my credit history wasn't that good and I didn't have a lot of money, I had to ask my parents to co-sign on the studio apartment I selected.
The next was I needed to be sure I had state issued identification or birth certificate and social security information until I got new ID (if you are out of the country you will need to show your passport), at least six months proof of income, and checking and savings information. Do find out what is needed before you arrive.
Third, I had to save money for a security deposit. So upon arrival I needed an application fee. The leasing consultant said she could hold the apartment for about a week with a small deposit that would go toward the rent. However, I needed to have the prorated first month's rent and a security deposit prior to move-in. Depending on credit history, a company might ask you for two or three months rent prior to move-in.
Fourth, if my parents hadn't helped me move, I would have had to pay moving expenses. Do shop around if you plan on hiring a company to help you move. Also, check for discounts and coupons. When I moved later in life, the local newspaper and Pennysaver was helpful. I saved much money.
Lastly, be sure you budget for things like gas, water, trash, electricity, phone, cable, etc. Find out what you will need to pay for in advance. Don't sign any paperwork until you know where your money is going. Read the fine print. Also, do not feel pressured to sign everything quickly ask the leasing consultant to give you some time to review the contracts at the office with a loved one or roommate. Most companies will not allow you to take the leasing contract away from the site, just the application and other material about the community.
Overall, my first transition from parent's home to my own studio apartment went smoothly. The leasing consultant was kind and patient. I took the time to tour the suite a couple of times before I moved in. I paid attention to the exterior and interior of the building. I checked for any signs of insects and rodents. I also observed the residents and neighbors.
I had a set time to move-in and arrived early. I followed the rules given to me and didn't cause any issues. The neighbors were friendly. I also maintained a tidy apartment and when issues arose, I called the leasing office as soon as possible. I paid my rent on time each month and I kept in mind that my parents co-signed on a studio for me, so I didn't want to do anything to negatively impact their credit. My job paid me bi-weekly so I saved part of my rent out of one check and part of the other out of the next check. Any additional money that wasn't spent was put away in case of future emergencies. I listed all my expenses from laundry to creditors. I knew each month how much money was going out and coming in. I made extra money freelancing my writing and typing skills.
Here's to your future move! Stay safe and once again read the fine print!
Nicholl McGuire Apartment Leasing Tips Blog Owner
The first is whether you have someone who would be willing to co-sign on the apartment. Since my credit history wasn't that good and I didn't have a lot of money, I had to ask my parents to co-sign on the studio apartment I selected.
The next was I needed to be sure I had state issued identification or birth certificate and social security information until I got new ID (if you are out of the country you will need to show your passport), at least six months proof of income, and checking and savings information. Do find out what is needed before you arrive.
Third, I had to save money for a security deposit. So upon arrival I needed an application fee. The leasing consultant said she could hold the apartment for about a week with a small deposit that would go toward the rent. However, I needed to have the prorated first month's rent and a security deposit prior to move-in. Depending on credit history, a company might ask you for two or three months rent prior to move-in.
Fourth, if my parents hadn't helped me move, I would have had to pay moving expenses. Do shop around if you plan on hiring a company to help you move. Also, check for discounts and coupons. When I moved later in life, the local newspaper and Pennysaver was helpful. I saved much money.
Lastly, be sure you budget for things like gas, water, trash, electricity, phone, cable, etc. Find out what you will need to pay for in advance. Don't sign any paperwork until you know where your money is going. Read the fine print. Also, do not feel pressured to sign everything quickly ask the leasing consultant to give you some time to review the contracts at the office with a loved one or roommate. Most companies will not allow you to take the leasing contract away from the site, just the application and other material about the community.
Overall, my first transition from parent's home to my own studio apartment went smoothly. The leasing consultant was kind and patient. I took the time to tour the suite a couple of times before I moved in. I paid attention to the exterior and interior of the building. I checked for any signs of insects and rodents. I also observed the residents and neighbors.
I had a set time to move-in and arrived early. I followed the rules given to me and didn't cause any issues. The neighbors were friendly. I also maintained a tidy apartment and when issues arose, I called the leasing office as soon as possible. I paid my rent on time each month and I kept in mind that my parents co-signed on a studio for me, so I didn't want to do anything to negatively impact their credit. My job paid me bi-weekly so I saved part of my rent out of one check and part of the other out of the next check. Any additional money that wasn't spent was put away in case of future emergencies. I listed all my expenses from laundry to creditors. I knew each month how much money was going out and coming in. I made extra money freelancing my writing and typing skills.
Here's to your future move! Stay safe and once again read the fine print!
Nicholl McGuire Apartment Leasing Tips Blog Owner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Things You Might Find Useful on this Blog
apartment shopping
apartment decorating
moving
apartment organizing
lease contract
about this blog
apartment problems
maintenance
property management
apartment hunting
how to rent an apartment
landlords
pest control
roommates
apartment searching
eviction notice
leasing consultants
security deposit
tenant screening
Internet apartment shopping
apartment move in
apartment move out
apartment noise
blog owner
first apartment
how to organize apartment
mold
rent increases
renting
section 8
30 day notice
apartment checklist
apartment inspection
apartment leasing
apartment management
apartment rental guides
apartment rules
apartment tour
appearance
bad landlords
bankruptcy
buying rentals
curb side appeal
disgruntled residents
electricity
fair housing
furnace
heat
moving to New York City
neighbors
new apartment renters
real estate
relocation tips
rental application
renters
senior adults
senior housing
shopping for the apartment
shower
toilet
windows
English phrases for apartment problem
English phrases to rent apartment
FEMA
HUD
Tokyo
air conditioning
amenities
american disabilities act
annoying visitors
annual inspection
apartment abroad
apartment budget
apartment furnishings
apartment investing
apartment marketing
apartment mobile apps
apartment pool
apartment renovation
apartment rent assistance
apartment reviews
apartment tips
apartment townhome tours
apartment waiting lists
apartment workout
apartments for rent
approval process
bad credit
bad property management signs
bad rental properties
bed bugs
bug proofing
cable
can't afford rent
canada
carbon monoxide
cargo container
cargo container apartments
carpet stains
children
city apartment rentals
clogged kitchen sink
clogged shower drain
community managers
community party rooms
couples
court
credit reports
death
discrimination
domestic violence
duct cleaning
fall move in date
gangstalking
garbage disposal
gas heater
ghost stories
gifts
good residents
guest cards
guests
haunted
hoarding
homelessness
hot water heaters
how to avoid rental scams
how to find an apartment
how to sell your stuff
humor
leaky roof
living alone
lofts
move in date
move in inspection
move in specials
move out date
move out inspection
move out parent's house
moving to Houston
moving with children
natural disasters
new neighbors
no hot water in shower
no job
no rent cap
odors
on paying rent
packing
partial rent
pets
pipes
problems paying rent
public transportation
qualifying
quiet hours
refrigerator
rent to own
rental fees
rental housing help
rental insurance
renting a home
renting apartments overseas
resident retention
second hand smoke
serviced apartments
snow plowing and salting
snow shoveling
still living with parents
stress free apartment move
studio apartments
suite upgrades
tardy rent
tenant laws
tenant rights websites
terrace level apartments
thermostat
trends
types of dwellings
unemployment
unpacking
utilities
walk through
wall paper
water
water damage
water pressure
what not to rent
work order request