New apartment?

Question

I'm 22 years old, and for the first time, I'm moving out on my own (well, with my best friend and her boyfriend) in about a month. Does anyone have any tips/hints/suggestions? Anything you didn't think about when you were getting ready to move? Just basically looking to find out what to expect! Thanks a ton for any help! :)

Thanks for all the advise so far! To clarify things, I work overnights, and they work days, i'll be sleeping while they are working, and visa versa. We've talked about the courtesy issues that will go along with being on different schedules . We're going to be splitting everything 3 ways (thats what we decided) We'll be keeping our cell phones. Cable and water cost the same every month, no matter how much is used, so it won't be an issue of one using more than the other. To start, we are going to split the grocery cost and cook/eat together, but if that doesn't work out, we'll go to a buy your own basis. we have a split room floorplan, and they will be sharing a bathroom, with mine being the "common" bathroom for visitors. Luckily they both like my boyfriend, and have agreed that he's free to stay nights whenever he likes, as long as he doesn't turn into a 4th roomie! :) cleaning/cooking will be mostly split between her and i,simply because he's a guy, and we want things to stay clean

Answer 1

Well, moving in with your friend and her boyfriend, my first instinct is to make sure they have their own space and that you don't become a "third wheel". I've been there.

Secondly, when looking for an apartment, make sure you find one that is large enough for you all to have enough space where you're not tripping over one another, but not so much that you're paying ridiculous amounts of money for it. Make sure too that you check out the landlord and make sure they're not going to rip you off, that the property is kept up and that they are willing to come and make any repairs or pay a repair man (as opposed to you paying for anything that goes wrong).

Since there's three of you, work out whether it will be a three way split for all the bills, or if it's going to be 50/50 you/them. That's usually where it gets tricky and issues come up. Find out with the apartment what utilities are included, and if at all possible to find something all inclusive, that's a best bet.

Any sort of living arrangement with more than one person is going to take a lot of understanding and work to make sure it is fair and no one is left paying too much for something another person should be taking up the slack for. Like, one person taking 45 minute showers when another takes 15 minute showers...obviously one should contribute more to the water bill, etc.

Sit down once a month if possible and go over the bills and try to make sure that everyone is paying their fair share. Don't argue over it, but it might change month to month and everyone needs to be honest with one another.

In any case, good luck with the new place and with being out on your own!

Answer 2

Well, discuss UPFRONT any cleaning issues.. Maybe make a scedule/routine that EVERYONE can follow and understand.. That way it won't be the responsibiltiy of one person.. Grocery shopping/cooking...? Are you sharing food expenses or is everyone fending for themselves? Sharing utilities/cable ! How are the bills divided and when are they due? Everyone should be responsible for some portion of the rent/utilities/cable/internet etc.. I used my cell phone INSTEAD of getting a land line... So, I wasn't responsible for ANY calls on the land line.. Pets..Do you have one? If you get one- Or should you get one? Agree on YES/NO now and not after someone gets the new puppy/kitty.... Also, get renter's insurance and keep track of your belongings.. I would highly suggest taking digital pictures and keeping them in a photo album in case something happens... I'm talking EVERYTHING cd's,DVD's, clothing, bedding, any expensive jewlery... etc.. Just to be prepared.. Also, if you can save a little from each paycheck into a seperate savings and have an EMERGENCY fund that covers auto repairs..loss of wages/job etc.. It SHOULD be about 6 months worth of expenses, but anything would help.. Since YOU are not sharing a room w/ your bf do you pay more rent? How do you feel about overnight guests and late parties? If you work early you may want to have some type of RULES or atleast a common understanding about noise levels, late guests and parties... Good luck...

Answer 3

purely in case of an emergency can a landlord enter unannounced. In maximum states a 24-hour published observe is needed. In some states the regulation is extra strict; in New Jersey, the owner is had to furnish seventy two-hour written observe. The NJ rules have been recently changed that a landlord isn't required to have a key to the home (yet ineffective to characteristic, keys must be surpassed over upon termination of the residency). If a landlord persists in unwarranted entries, which would be seen harassment. on the different hand, as long because of the fact the owner has valid reason to pass into the valuables you need to furnish get entry to.

Answer 4

JUST MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS FULLY AWARE OF THE BILLS AND THAT THEY NEED TO BE PAID ON TIME , AND GET RENTERS INSURANCE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE