Moving can be difficult, especially when it’s into your first apartment. Taking this step in your independent journey can be really stressful without the right resources and support. It doesn’t help that there is so much information and apartment-hunting lingo you are expected to know and understand prior to signing the lease. I moved into my first apartment when I was 19 and there were so many things that, in hindsight, made sense, but at the moment were unknown to me. So, here is a list of the top 6 things I wish I knew before signing my lease and moving into my first apartment.
- Renters Rights
Knowing your rights as a renter is one of the most important and understated aspects of living independently. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by what you didn’t know you had the right to as a renter in your state. Keep in mind, renter’s rights may vary depending on the state you live in, so it’s important to check with your state on the specific rights guaranteed to renters where you live. Educate yourself on your rights as a renter so you can best protect yourself and your financial situation when dealing with complexes and property managers.
- Are utilities included in the lease?
An aspect of renting, whether it be in an apartment or house, is establishing how and by whom the utilities are paid. In most instances, utilities include but are not limited to, gas, water, electricity, garbage, sewer, and Wi-Fi. Some property managers will include some, if not all, of the utilities in the total of the rent. But it’s not uncommon for most/all of the utilities to be a separate monthly fee paid either to the property manager/complex or to the city directly. Prior to signing the lease, make sure you understand how utilities are handled and discuss the process by which they are paid for with your property manager.
- Wifi and Gas
When thinking about utilities, it’s important to consider your gas and Wi-Fi options specifically, as they are most often paid separately. I personally use the company Xcel Energy to provide for my gas. I pay through their website, using an account I created when I first moved in and gave my account information to my complex.
Similarly, I use Xfinity to get Wi-Fi. I created an account and internet plan with the company, after which they sent me the equipment I needed. I pay monthly through an app. In my experience, unlike with gas, my complex does not require that I give them any information regarding wifi, as it is a separate utility completely. However, that may vary amongst property managers and complexes and it is best to check before moving in. Often, complexes will have special deals with certain internet and gas companies. Ask the complex you are looking to move into if they offer such deals with any specific companies.
- Renter’s Insurance
Another element to consider when moving into a rented space is renter’s insurance. Renters’ insurance, otherwise known as tenants’ insurance, is similar to homeowners insurance as it covers belongings within a dwelling in the event of damage or theft. However, unlike homeowners’ insurance, renters’ insurance doesn’t cover the dwelling itself, including structural damage. Some property managers/complexes require tenants to get renter’s insurance. This is a separate entity that will most likely be covered by the tenant, not the complex. Be sure to check with your property manager/complex about what they specifically require regarding renters’ insurance.
- Are pets allowed?
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to consider. When looking for a place to live, be sure to ask if pets are allowed. If they are, they may only allow cats but not dogs. Also, there may be breed restrictions to both cats and dogs, so it’s important to check if your pet’s breed is allowed, as that may affect whether or not you want to live somewhere. When renting, it’s often required of the tenant to provide the pet’s vaccination records and other such information, to the property manager/complex. If a pet doesn’t have the required vaccinations, they may not be allowed in the complex.
Also, just like you have a security deposit, so can your pet! Some complexes require a pet deposit to be paid prior to move-in, as well as a pet fee. A pet deposit is a one-time refundable fee that covers property damage by pets, while a pet fee is a non-refundable, one-time fee for wear and tear and property damage.
Pet rent is also a factor to consider when looking to move into a rented space. Normally around $35-$60 a month, pet rent is similar to your rent as it covers the cost of your pet living in an apartment every month.
- Laundry
Laundry is a necessary resource for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it’s provided everywhere. Some apartments don’t provide laundry facilities and require tenants to look elsewhere to do laundry. While this may work for some, it may not work for others, so it’s best to consider this as well when home hunting. If laundry facilities aren’t provided, local laundromats are always an option, as well as hand washing your clothing at home.
Some complexes may also provide laundry services, however only in specific areas within the complex. Where I currently live, there are four designated laundry facilities that are open 24/7. Facility upkeep is taken care of by the complex, however, it’s up to tenants to provide laundry detergent, softener, etc. Machines are coin and card-operated, costing me about $3.50 per load of laundry.
If neither of these options work, there are complexes that do provide laundry services within each apartment, however, they may not come with a washer and dryer specifically, only to hook-ups for these machines. Be sure to establish what it is you’re specifically looking for, as well as what you are willing to give up when looking for a suitable place to live.
There are many more things to consider when moving into your first apartment than just what is listed here. The best advice I could give anyone moving into their first apartment is doing your research and establishing what you want in a home, as well as what you don’t. Some aspects of apartment living are negotiable, and some aren’t. So, do your research and communicate with those you plan on living with to establish what your needs as a unit are, as well as what you need personally. Moving is never an easy process, but I hope these couple of tips and insights help carry the load that comes with living independently.