You’ve pinched pennies and hustled, and at last you’ve put together enough cash to cover first month’s rent, last month’s rent and the security deposit.
You’re completely over dormitory living and ready to claim the keys to your very own apartment or house for the first time.
But are you actually prepared?
Renting Your First Apartment Isn’t Necessarily Simple
Sorry, students — it’s true: it may seem like the toughest part of becoming a renter is amassing a few thousand dollars, but leasing your first place is more intricate than you might expect.
Handled right, it requires the same careful focus you give when cramming for a big test.
To start, how will you locate an apartment? Do you know whether the listed rent is reasonable? Will you live solo, or share the space with roommates? And — trust me, this matters — who will those roommates actually be?
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Brush up with our comprehensive guide to renting your first apartment or house before you sign that lease.
Finding an Apartment
First things first: How do you find a place? Sure, Craigslist is everywhere, but it’s not the sole — or even necessarily the smartest — choice.
You can also browse Zillow, Padmapper, Rent Jungle, Trulia and others, or grab their mobile apps. Each lets you filter for must-have features and set your budget range.
But Samson Properties’ Cristina Maccora warns these sites aren’t always reliable.
“Listings are produced by algorithms and don’t have on-the-ground market insight,” Maccora writes. “Does Zillow know if a new bus route or stop is planned nearby, which would make the place more appealing to a student?”
If your budget allows, you might also think about hiring a real estate agent. While it can add a cost depending on the local market, it could save you money down the road.
An agent can help you negotiate protective provisions in the lease before you sign and spot structural issues in the property you may miss during a walkthrough.
If you’re enrolled at a college, definitely consult your school’s off-campus housing office.
Matthew J. Underwood, an attorney practicing in the college town of Madison, Wisconsin, has assisted many student renters. His top tip for young tenants is to use your school’s tenant services — even after you’ve narrowed your options.
“These offices can review your lease and highlight any concerns or traps,” he says — so bring that document in.
Which leads us to the next major point…
Rule No. 1: Read the Lease!
So, how long will you actually live here? When is rent due, and what’s the penalty for paying late? Are pets allowed, or can you paint the bathroom purple?
The lease contains answers to all of these questions, which means, yes, you must read it. Every word.
A lease is a binding legal agreement, and it can be tough to exit if your situation changes — or if the property turns into a nightmare.
Check the clause marked “term” — that indicates the lease length. Are you committing to a year when you only need nine months? Does the agreement permit subletting if you head home for the summer?
If not, you could end up paying for an empty room miles away.
Termination terms matter too. How much notice is required before moving out? If you don’t give notice, will the lease automatically renew? What obligations do you have if you must break the lease?
Some of this will likely be discussed aloud, but persist through the fine print. You might be surprised how granular some clauses can get.
For example, a lease might include onerous repair policies that make you responsible for maintenance or require a large fee before the landlord handles repairs. That requirement could even apply to issues that existed before you moved in, says Tony Cellante, co-founder of ReviewMyLandlord.com.
Also review the lease’s terms on heating and cooling, especially if the unit lacks central HVAC.
“The lease may cap the number of units you can install, limit their size, or require that building maintenance perform the installation, with a charge if you do it yourself,” Cellante says. “Always, always, always ask first.”
And if you still find time for a social life between classes, make sure your lease won’t trip you up — or leave you evicted after a wild night.
Some rental agreements include clauses that can lead to eviction or fines if too many visitors congregate, or if guests stay too long.
“Students should double-check guest clauses in the lease before signing,” advises Brian Davis, lead real estate blogger at Spark Rental. “Nobody wants drama over a significant other spending time in the rental unit.”
Davis also notes that some leases impose strict party rules and mandatory quiet hours, particularly in college towns where landlords anticipate noisy tenants.
“I once worked with a tenant whose landlord fined her $1,000 for having too many visitors in a private space,” writes real estate attorney Brian Pendergraft.
Yes, it sounds extreme.
But when you sign a lease, you agree to all its provisions — not just the ones that got you the keys quickest.
So read every line of your lease — and take whatever time you need.
“Don’t let anyone rush you,” Cellante says. “Real estate agents and landlords sometimes push a ‘now or never’ vibe, but that’s seldom true.”
“If you like an apartment, take a copy of the lease home and read it calmly, and have someone else review it too. Take your time. There are plenty of units out there.”
And Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate
Here’s the point: The lease isn’t set in stone.
For it to be enforceable, your signature must appear — and that means you can request modifications.
If you discover a clause you can’t accept but love the unit, ask the landlord to amend it. The worst answer is “no,” which leaves you where you started. No harm done.
Major parts of the agreement are negotiable. Some renters have even secured lower monthly rent by showcasing strong credit, paying several months’ rent upfront in cash, or simply being pleasant and reasonable.
After all, landlords are taking a risk too. Finding reliable tenants can be as tricky as hunting for the right apartment.
One detail to clarify early on: When will you get your security deposit back after moving out?
“Most statutes only require the deposit be returned in a ‘timely fashion,’” Cellante warns. “If that’s too vague for you, try to add a clause to the lease specifying the time frame the landlord has to return your deposit after a final inspection.”
Because believe me — amid the chaos of moving, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is your security deposit. You’ll likely need it to secure your next place.
What to Look for on Your Walk-Through
Thought you were ready to sign? Not quite! (Almost, though, I promise!)
One non-negotiable step: conduct a walk-through of the actual space before you commit.
Don’t be fooled by staged model units kept vacant for tours. Insist on seeing the exact apartment you’ll rent before you agree to spend thousands of dollars living there.
While you’re inside, be observant.
Of course, look for appealing features like lots of natural light, good storage, and plenty of outlets. But also play detective, quickly assessing the space’s quality.
Is paint flaking or peeling, especially in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement?
“That could indicate excess moisture behind the walls,” warns Teri Easter of The Betty Brigade, a relocation-specialist group in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Water intrusion and leaks can cause mold — which poses real health dangers.
And there’s the more immediate concern of structural issues, like a ceiling ready to cave in.
“Check a property after heavy rain,” Easter suggests. “Leaks will be obvious, which helps you decide whether to sign.”
Also, ask the prospective landlord questions during the tour. Useful ones include:
- How old is the building? Older structures aren’t necessarily worse, but age can mean more wear and tear, clogged pipes, or outdated wiring.
- How old are the appliances? A renovated kitchen isn’t a guarantee, but newer appliances are usually more reliable than a stove from the 1940s. Paul Burke, founder of RentHoop, recommends asking whether prior tenants had issues with critical appliances like the water heater, air conditioner, and toilet.
- What are typical utility costs? If possible, ask previous tenants — they paid the bills. If that’s not feasible, ask the landlord for rough figures so you can plan your budget.
- Who supplies internet service? You may have limited cable choices, but a dependable internet connection is essential for most students and professionals. Do some digging to avoid a painfully slow connection before a big deadline.
Finally, note — and photograph — any existing damage before you sign the lease.
Get the landlord’s written acknowledgement that these issues predated your occupancy so they won’t be used against you when the time comes to return your security deposit.
Keep documenting even after you move in, Cellante advises. In the first few days, “update the list with anything you missed initially. Pay close attention to damage, leaks, or strange noises.”
“This could be your strongest evidence in a dispute with the landlord and may be crucial to getting your security deposit back.”
You Signed the Lease? Congratulations! Now Do This
Alright, am I done nagging so you can go sign the lease already?
Fine — go for it. And congrats! Welcome to the sometimes-odd adventure of having your own place… sort of.
Just one final reminder before you head out to buy throw pillows:
Get renters insurance!
While the landlord likely carries property insurance, it usually doesn’t cover your possessions in case of theft, fire, flood, or other disasters.
Depending on your credit and location, renters insurance typically costs $20 or less per month — basically the price of a pizza and some beers.
You now have your own home, and you’ll likely fill it with things you care about. Protect those items so they survive many more lease changes to come.
Alex Rivera’s work has appeared in various online publications. Find @AlexRiverWrites on Twitter to say hi.
