Renting Your First Apartment? 3 Mistakes To Avoid
Whether you are moving out of your parent's home or moving directly from your college dorm, renting a two bedroom apartment can be a great option until you find a location you want to settle in. Of course, finding and leasing an apartment is not always a simple process, especially if you have never done it before. With this guide, you will learn a few mistakes to avoid when renting your very first apartment.
Not Considering a Roommate
A larger apartment may be more expensive, but you and your roommate can split the rent and utilities directly in half. This helps with your budget, which is important when you are first starting out, but there are other benefits of a roommate, too.
A roommate can help keep you, your belongings, and your apartment safe when you are home and when you are away. A roommate, especially if it is a friend, can also help make the transition of living with your parents to living on your "own" a bit easier.
Consider a roommate who you know has the discipline to hold down a job so they can pay their share of the rent and utilities. Also, if you are not someone who wants to party or constantly have company over, make sure to choose a roommate who has the same type of personality. This will reduce stress in the future.
Not Considering Location
Location is important in regards to any type of real estate and this same factor applies to where you rent your apartment. Living in a downtown area may seem more appealing because you will be close to nightlife or even to your workplace, but it will also be more expensive.
Living further out in a more rural area will be more affordable, but you will need to take transportation and commuting costs into consideration, especially if you do not have your own vehicle.
It will be up to you to determine which elements are most important. Do you want to spend more on rent, but less time on commuting? Or, would you rather have a lower rent payment?
Not Reading the Fine Print
Once you decide on an apartment, you need to read all of the fine print on your lease agreement. This fine print will help you understand the small details which you may not be familiar with.
The lease agreement will state if utilities are included and if so, which utilities are included in the rent. You will also learn if the apartment community has any amenities, such as a pool or gym, and if there are added fees for using these amenities.
Reading the fine print will ensure you know exactly where you are moving to and what you will be obligated to pay and do once you are moved in.