Although prices vary from state to state, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is now more than $1,098. But, whether you’re sharing with a friend, moving in with your partner, or going it alone, there’s a lot more to consider than covering this expense when renting your first apartment.
We understand that the excitement of signing a lease and getting your own place can make it easy for first-time renters to get carried away. Although, all too often, this can lead to making some of the most first apartment mistakes around.
Let’s take a look at what to avoid when moving into your first place!
1. Skimming the Lease Agreement
Of all the tips on moving to your first apartment, we can’t stress how important this one is to avoid. Paying a specified amount of rent money by a certain date might be easy to understand. But you also need to be clear about what the other 25 pages of the lease agreement are holding you to.
Landlords can have very individual rules about their properties and tenants. The last thing you want is to be blindsided by details concerning issues such as deposits and notice periods after the fact.
2. Failing to Consider the Logistics
While an affordable rent is likely top of your first apartment checklist, first-time renters often make the mistake of focusing on this and forgetting the rest. Depending on your situation, where you work, and your hobbies, living here might not be convenient.
For example, if you don’t have a car, nearby public transport links are important. And if you already have a long commute to work, the last thing you want is to make your journey even longer.
3. Not Devising a Budget
When moving to your own place, the rent is only one of the many expenses you’ll have to cover. There are also utilities to consider. Although some apartments include utilities in the rent, many don’t. This means you’ll need to budget for these as well as renter’s insurance, internet, and other first apartment essentials.
4. Buying the Wrong Furniture
First apartments don’t tend to have that much space so you’ll need to consider this when furnishing your new pad. As much as you might love that L-shaped couch, will it fit in your living room? And if it doesn’t break down into sections, forget trying to squeeze it into the building elevator. Before you buy any furniture, make sure to measure and measure again!
5. Ignoring Property Damage
As soon as you get the keys, make it your prerogative to check the apartment for damage and take photos of anything you find, no matter how insignificant. These photos will protect you if your landlord tries to hold you responsible for the damage.
You might know that giant carpet stain was there when you moved in. But without the pictures to prove it, you might have to pay out for cleaning or face a deduction from your deposit when you move out.
What to Avoid When Moving Into Your First Apartment
As exciting as renting your first apartment can be, there’s a lot to consider before you make the move.
Although, with these tips to guide all you first-time renters out there, it should be a lot easier to know what to do and what not to do.
Want more actionable advice like this? Be sure to check out our other articles for all the latest on everything from business to travel!
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