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Whether you’re moving out of your parent’s house or leaving the dorm life behind, becoming a first-time apartment renter is a big and exciting step. However, if you don’t know the ins and outs of the rental process, the task can seem overwhelming. Luckily, we at Redfin put together a list of 8 key tips to help first-time renters find their perfect first apartment and make the transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Los Angeles, CA, or in Brooklyn, NY, these tips will be invaluable in your journey to securing the ideal rental space.

1. Your budget needs to cover more than just rent

If you’re a first-time apartment renter, knowing how to budget for your first apartment is crucial. Your monthly rent will, of course, be the most considerable expense you need to account for, but there are other one-time and ongoing fees that you should be able to pay. Let’s take a look at these costs more closely.

Initial, one-time costs

Before moving into your new apartment, you should save enough money to pay for the following upfront costs:

Recurring costs

Once you’ve moved into your first apartment, there are several ongoing expenses you’ll need to cover every month:

  • Rent
  • Utilities, such as electricity, garbage, water, sewage, etc.
  • Internet and phone
  • Parking
  • Laundry

As a first-time apartment renter, this might be the first time you’re responsible for these types of expenses. The last thing you want to do is misjudge what you can afford because you forgot to factor in these essential components of your cost of living. 

2. Make a list of needs, then prioritize them

Start with your dream apartment – what is your ultimate living situation? While you may not end up with everything on your list, it’s essential to understand what you value in your home. Some common needs for first-time apartment renters are:

  • Functional kitchen
  • Balcony, patio, or other private outdoor space
  • Closet and storage space
  • Proximity to work, nightlife, dog parks, or other amenities
  • Natural light and direction of exposure
  • Air conditioning
  • Building amenities, such as a gym, rooftop, or business center

Once you have your list, prioritize the items from most to least important. This will help you narrow down your choices and choose between similar properties. 

3. Ask a lot of questions during apartment tours

There are some things you just need to know when you’re shopping for apartments. You may direct these questions to your prospective landlord, or you might have to do some research on your own. Here is a list of must-ask questions, but you may choose to add others depending on your needs.

  1. How much is the rent?
  2. Are utilities included? If not, how much do they usually cost?
  3. How much is the security deposit?
  4. How do I pay rent and utilities?
  5. Is there a parking fee? 
  6. Is the apartment pet-friendly, and if so, what are the associated fees?
  7. Are any deposits or fees refunded at the end of the lease?
  8. Do I need proof of renters insurance?
  9. What’s the application process, and is there a fee?
  10. How long is the lease term?
  11. How often does rent increase and by how much?
  12. What alterations can I make to my apartment?
  13. How is apartment maintenance dealt with? 
  14. Is there a property manager?
  15. Am I responsible for any maintenance?
  16. What amenities are available nearby?
  17. Are there any particular policies I should know about?

These questions are just the beginning. You likely have special needs or preferences that should inspire additional questions. Keep a list of these questions with you when touring, along with a way of recording the answers. 

4. Know the rental application requirements

Each apartment will have a different rental process. Generally, your process will include some or all of the following:

  1. Fill out an apartment application
  2. Show proof of income
  3. Complete a credit check
  4. Complete a background check
  5. Provide rental history with the landlord’s contact information or a personal reference
  6. Add a co-signer if you have a low credit score or no credit history
  7. Include an optional cover letter

To show proof of income, you’ll likely need to provide your most recent pay stubs. You can also use an offer letter or letter from your employer if you’re moving for work. Many landlords or property management companies want to see that you have a reliable monthly income appropriate for the rent payment. While it depends on the apartment, there is often an income requirement that the renter needs to make 2 to 3 times the monthly rent amount.

5. Clarify the parking situation

Some rentals come with a designated parking area or parking spot(s). If you plan to live with a roommate and you both have cars, are there enough parking spaces to easily accommodate both of you? When there are not enough parking spaces or tandem parking, roommates will often switch off week to week or find another acceptable compromise. If the apartment complex does have parking spaces, be sure to ask if this comes at an additional cost. Parking fees are becoming increasingly common at rental properties. 

On the other hand, many apartments don’t come with parking, especially in bigger cities like New York City or San Francisco. In this case, pay close attention to the street parking. The street parking signs will tell you which days or times of day parking is limited or prohibited (usually for street-sweeping or snow plowing). But you should also note how many parking spaces are free on your street— is there plenty of room or are cars packed bumper to bumper? Streets with cars parked close together usually mean that parking is difficult to find. 

6. Know the best time of year to rent an apartment 

You can’t always control when you need to move, but if you do have flexibility, choosing the right time of year to rent an apartment could have a large impact. If your main concern is price, you’ll want to look for an apartment during the winter months. Typically, most people move in the summer months (college students moving away from home, etc.), so demand and prices are typically highest during this time and lowest in the winter. Keep in mind that while rent prices may be lower, there might not be a large selection of apartment complexes with availability. 

On the other hand, if your ideal apartment is your top priority, then moving during the summer may be a better option. Most renters sign 12-month leases in the summer. Therefore, most leases usually also end around that time. This means the highest number of new apartments are coming on the market, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The main downside here is that rent prices will typically be higher, and you’ll need to act fast before the best apartments are off the market. 

7. Thoroughly read and understand the lease agreement

As a first-time apartment renter, reviewing your lease agreement is one of the most important steps to getting your apartment. Though the lease may contain complex language, it will outline the most important agreements you’re making by signing it. Here are a few things you should make a note of:

  • The length of your lease
  • The pet policy and any special terms (like additional fees)
  • Deposit requirements and how your deposit is returned
  • Sub-letting rules
  • Utility responsibilities
  • Maintenance procedures
  • Liens or claims to your property if you don’t pay rent

When in doubt, having your lease reviewed by a landlord-tenant attorney is a great idea. The attorney will be able to catch any illegal provisions, explain how provisions work, point out unfavorable provisions and their consequences, and suggest changes that provide you with a more favorable lease.

8. Get renters insurance

In many cases, carrying renters insurance may be required by your landlord, especially if you’re a first-time apartment renter. Even if it isn’t, it’s still a good idea to have it – regardless of if you’re a long-time tenant or a first-time apartment renter. A renters insurance policy protects you in three significant ways:

  • Personal property protection: If someone steals, damages, or destroys your personal belongings, you will receive a payout (minus the deductible). 
  • Personal liability: If someone gets hurt in your home, renters insurance will pay for medical bills and lost wages, depending on the terms of your policy. You may also be covered if you end up in a lawsuit. 
  • Loss of use: If your apartment becomes uninhabitable, loss of use coverage pays for your expenses, up to coverage limits, while you live outside your home. 

Always be sure to review your policy carefully. It’s a good idea to create an inventory of your personal belongings so that you both have a record of what you own and ensure your coverage limits are high enough to protect you in the event of a total loss. If you are unsure about any part of your insurance policy, speak with your agent. 

A final note on renting your first apartment 

Searching and finding a perfect apartment rental requires some diligence, patience, and preparation. By following these tips, you can avoid possible pitfalls and make your apartment hunting process as seamless as possible, especially if you’re a first-time apartment renter.

Source: redfin.com

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It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across town or across the country. With kids or flying solo. Moving for work or for adventure. Moving etiquette is real. Listed below are some of the biggest faux pas you can make when dealing with your movers. Avoid those actions throughout your moving day and enjoy a seamless move and a happy crew.

1. Making movers wait

The biggest mistake you can make on moving day is making your movers wait around for you. Their time is just as valuable as yours and, while you may be taking the day off for your move, the movers are on the clock and hoping to complete the job as quickly as possible.

Much of the advice listed below plays a role in making sure your movers aren’t waiting on you for anything but it’s being mentioned here at the top anyway because it is the number one thing you can do to make your movers mad.

2. Forgetting to separate out problem items

There are a number of items that reputable movers will not move. Things like flammable or volatile substances can put your other items at risk and can even risk the safety of your movers themselves.

Regardless of training or road time, driving a large truck with thousands of pounds of cargo is difficult and dangerous. Not just because of the size of the cargo but also because of the other drivers on the road. Don’t saddle your movers up with potentially dangerous cargo and either make a plan to dispose of, leave behind or transport these items yourself.

3. Not labeling clearly

Your movers don’t know your home as well as you do. That’s true for the home you’re leaving and the home you’re settling down in. Make sure you label everything — yes, everything — as clearly as possible.

Even if you know the blue plastic bin is holding all of your remotes and family streaming passwords on moving day, you may not remember that by the time unpacking rolls around. Beyond that, without proper labeling, any important boxes are vulnerable to being cast out into a corner and forgotten about.

So, even if you think it’s over the top, label everything that’s making the move with you as clearly as you possibly can.

4. Neglecting the small details

There’s so much more to moving than boxing up your things and making the trip from A to B. In order to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible, it’s important that you handle all of the ancillary logistics that can hold up the process if not thought about ahead of time.

These things include parking permits for the moving truck and freight elevator reservations. Basically, anything at the location you need to take care of upon your arrival, you should plan out ahead of time.

You should also do your best to get to the location before your movers to ensure that there are no unexpected issues waiting for you at your new apartment.

5. Not separating out irreplaceable items

Separate out any items you would consider irreplaceable and are able to pack into your own truck or car. Obviously, if your 12-person dining room table is irreplaceable, the movers will still have to handle an object of that size.

But, if it means a lot to you and you can move it yourself, just do that. It makes life easier for you and your movers and lessens the stress and emotional burden that comes with picking up your entire life and heading to a new place.

6. Not providing extra supplies

You hired movers so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting with your move. While your movers should come prepared with everything they need to get the job done, you should do all that you can to support your crew.

Be sure to make extra supplies, like tape, boxes, packing paper, markers for labeling, scissors and anything else that you think could be of help to them, available and easily accessible. Not only is this easy for you but it can also potentially save your movers time during the day if they always have the supplies they need at the ready.

7. Not offering refreshments

It doesn’t matter if you’re in the dog days of summer in Atlanta or the middle of winter in Minneapolis, you should offer your movers water at the very least. Moving, like all strenuous physical activity, is something that requires significant physical strength and proper hydration. Without those two, your movers risk damaging your possessions or injuring themselves.

It doesn’t take long to set out a pitcher of water or provide the crew with some water bottles and it will show your movers that you appreciate and respect the effort they are making to get you moved as efficiently as possible.

8. Hovering over your movers

Your movers are professionals. Let them do what they do, which, if you hired the right company, is get your belongings from A to B as quickly as possible. They don’t need you hovering over them making sure each box is placed perfectly in their truck the way you’d like it.

9. Forgetting to tip

Moving is hard work. It’s why you hired someone to do it for you. And, while you may have paid a pretty penny to accomplish the move, it’s still customary to tip. Will the movers pack your stuff back up and hold it on the truck until you break out a few bills? No. Is it the right thing to do, though? You betcha, especially if they did a great job.

You will make it

Is moving stressful? Yes. Is it also something that people do every day? Yes. You’ll make it through your move and into your new rental. Do your best to plan ahead, supply your movers with everything they need to succeed, stay out of their way and stay calm.

It may seem like a lot now but you’ll be settled into your new place and your new life in no time. Happy moving!

A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.

Source: rent.com

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You’ve accepted a great job in another state. Now, you have to find housing. That can seem like a daunting task when you don’t know the area. This is where corporate relocation services come in.
ApartmentGuide explains what corporate relocation companies do, how they can help you and what to expect, when you’re moving for work.

They take care of the moving

Corporate relocation companies are hired by your employer.  They take care of packing and moving your belongings. This takes a load off of you, so you can focus on having a great first day at work. The truck can get pretty hot. If you’re moving during the summer, they may not be able to pack things like candles, lotions etc. These things may explode or melt in the truck due to the heat.

They help you find a new home

Part of the corporate relocation services package is helping you find a place to live. They have business relationships with the local real estate agents who can help you find a home that suits your needs.

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They help you find temporary housing

It’s understandable that you would want to physically see what options you have before jumping into a lease. The time of year which you accept the new position will determine availability. Most companies offer temporary furnished housing (or a hotel) until you can move into your new place.

What about your current lease?

When you accept a job in a new state, companies would rather you start sooner than later. If you are in the middle of a lease, the corporate relocation company will work with your new employer and landlord to buy you out of your lease. The sooner you can move and start work the better.

What about your car?

If you’re flying to your new home, your car will be shipped to you when you move. Typically, you’ll receive a rental car until your vehicle arrives.

What about your pets?

What to do with your pets can be stressful. If you are unable to take your pets with you on the plane or in the car, some companies offer pet relocation services too. You should not have to part with your fur baby simply because you took a job out of state.

What about your belongings?

When you’re ready to move into your new place, the company will bring your belongings to you. The only thing you have to do is unpack. Your items are insured should anything happen to them.

Hot Tip: There is usually a deadline to file a claim, so you want to make sure you are diligent with your unpacking.

What about the boxes?

Once the unpacking is done, you can breathe a sigh of relief. But what do you do with all those boxes? Some companies will come pick them up, but if not, you have options. You can sell them, give them away for free online, or you can take them to your local recycling center.

When you’re starting a new job out of state the last thing you want to worry about is your move. You have a lot on your mind learning a new job and adjusting to a new culture. Moving is hard work, but a good relocation service will effectively ease that burden so you can smoothly transition into your new home.