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Ready to take that first leap into independent living? Settling into your first apartment is an incredible milestone in this long game of life, and whether you just graduated or are done saving up for rent prices, there are a few tips a first-time apartment renter should have in their back pocket.
With these tips, you’ll learn how to rent an apartment that suits your needs, uncover financial costs (big and small) and explore how to transition into your new home with no stress.
So you’re a first-time renter, but how do you find the right apartment? Take a moment to plot your monthly income on a T-chart. On one side, write down items your apartment needs, like “rent price below X” or “free parking.”
On the other side of the chart, write down your wants. For example, it would be nice if your apartment had a balcony, but it’s OK if your ultimate selection does not fulfill that. Remember, this is only your first apartment, and you can always move out if it doesn’t meet your future needs!
Below is Renovated’s T-Chart Template for first-time renters:
| Needs (Must-Haves) | Wants (Nice-to-Haves) |
|---|---|
| Example: Rent price below $X/month | Example: Balcony |
| Example: Free parking | Example: In-unit laundry |
| Example: Pet-friendly | Example: Top-floor view |
| Example: Within 20 minutes of work | Example: Gym in building |
| Example: Secure building access | Example: Pool or recreation area |
Let’s start with the uncomfortable conversation. Finances can be nerve-wracking, but they are the most important consideration. If your rent exceeds your ability to pay, you’ll have a strained and stressful living experience. But no need to worry — you can plot out your ideal rental price in one breezy afternoon!
If you’ll live alone, look at studios and one-bedroom apartments in your area. Studios are one open room with a bed on one side and a living space on the other. Though smaller, they’re cheaper and cozy.
Once you know your size, follow the 30% rule, which says your rent should be around 30% of your gross monthly income, so you’re living within your means.
However, you may need to adjust to a lower amount if you have excess outside bills like student loans. In which case, you can decrease the percentage to 25 or 20%.
Now that you know how much you can spend, cast your net far and wide. The location also determines prices. A city apartment will be more expensive than a rural town’s same-sized room.
Run through this list of questions in your search:
If you choose an apartment complex, you have your choice of floors. Landlords often price lower floors at cheaper rates, and these rooms also allow easy access for dog walking or visitors. On the other hand, gorgeous views abound on higher floors. Now is the perfect time to whip out your needs and wants list to decide where you’ll land, either high in the sky or close to the ground.
You’ll also want to decide what amenities are the most important to your happiness and needs. Some amenities– like laundry– may not be included in the monthly rent. Check the status and potential costs of these factors before applying:
The time of year also influences the price of rent. In the summer, people are graduating, starting new careers and taking advantage of warmer moving weather.
Therefore, applying in the spring and summer means more competition and possibly a higher rent due to demand. Consider moving in the fall or winter to save some pennies.
You have all the information and a couple of dream apartments on your list. Now, it’s time to begin applying. This beginner’s guide outlines questions, paperwork and preparation before settling in.
Tours are the perfect time to ask your potential landlord questions. Many answers are online, but it’s always best to get a straightforward and timely answer before you sink any money into an application. Ask the landlord about these critical areas:
If your tour promises a bright future, the application process will begin. Ensure you have all your paperwork in order beforehand, or you may miss out on an opportunity. Some landlords may require pieces such as:
Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a lease agreement to sign. Though it can be a lot of information, take time to read through the fine print. Some essentials are monthly rent, lease end date, policies for breaking the lease early, obtaining the security deposit, emergency details and other amenity policies.
Renter’s insurance protects your apartment and its furnishings from property damage. Often this will be unexpected emergencies like fire or water damage, vandalism, theft and, in some cases, mold.
Luckily, this insurance is usually cheap, and you can pay it once yearly or spread it out in monthly sums. Think about bundling with your car insurance for added savings.
Good news! You’re approved and ready to start your new life! First, mark your move-in date and plan how you’ll move in. Do you need to ask friends to help out? Are there any large items that need to be in a truck or van?
You may also need to set up utilities or Wi-Fi connections with outside vendors beforehand if it isn’t included in your rent.
One more note, change your mailing address and set up mail forwarding with the post office so you get all your messages.
Now, it’s time to whip out those cardboard boxes and get packing. Create a plan with a timeline of tasks, and separate items by things you already own on one side and things you still need to buy on the other.
Furnishing is usually the most costly part of moving, so check out secondhand stores and online marketplaces for cheaper versions of items like beds, couches, dressers and lights.
To find a good apartment to tour, you should start by searching your ideal neighborhoods in the area you’re looking to move to. You can use trusted rental websites, like Zillow or Apartments.com, to filter searches by area. You can also use your T-chart to filter for some of your listed needs, such as price and amenities. You can then schedule your tour either on the site or by contacting the landlords directly. Remember to bring a list of questions with you to your tour.
If you’re looking to find a roommate, you should start by asking friends and family if they know anyone in the area who might be a good fit. This way, you’re not rooming with a complete stranger, and you’ll get a recommendation from someone who knows you well, so it’s more likely to be a good fit. If this doesn’t work, you can use a trusted website, like Craigslist or Roommates.com, to generate a list of potential candidates. Then, reach out to the people on your list to get a sense of their personalities and lifestyles. This way, you can try to get to know the person to see if you’d be a good fit. Remember, as much as you’re interviewing them, they’re also interviewing you. Be sure to communicate clearly and put your best foot forward.
Bring lots of patience and positivity with you on moving day! It can be stressful and exhausting carrying everything in and then putting it all away, but giving yourself time and grace to get settled in is essential.
Renting your first apartment is such an amazing milestone, and that alone is cause for celebration! With tips from this beginner’s guide to renting under your belt, you’re ready to research, apply and prepare in the best manner possible.
Original Publish Date 4/19/2023 – Updated 1/23/2026.
