Reality of first apartment?

Question

I want to know the average monthly cost of renting an apartment, and all the other things to go with it. I would also be in college 5 days a week on a regular basis along with working to pay for all this. Please inform me of pros and cons. I'd also be sharing apt. with boyfriend.

Answer 1

Make sure you are both on the lease agreement and ensure that you have a written and signed agreement between each other that you will split all utilities 50/50. Also consider joint account for renter's insurance. This is super important!!
Consider:

Rent
Electric
Water
Gas
Telephone
Cable
Garbage/Waste
Renter's Insurance
Food

Many of the utilities can be part of the rent, but make sure you kmow what your landlord covers before you sign the contract. In addition, consider renting a unit with a washer / dryer, as you don't want to deal with a laundry mat and the addl costs in weekly laundry.

More than anything, be certain you guys are clearly 50/50 responsible with signed agreements that have been witnessed and notorized. You should protect yourself for the worst case scenario. You guys break up, he leaves, you are stuck with everything. If his name is jointly on every bill, then he is jointly responsible for the full year of that agreeement, whether he lives there or not! Good luck...enjoy your first apt, it can be so much fun getting out on your own.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Leasing-Planning-for-First-time-Apartment-Rental-Expenses&id=625503

Answer 2

First of all renting an apartment costs a different amount depending upon where you live. Every state, city, or even neighborhood for that matter costs something different. So you are going to have do some research and find out what apartments cost in your area.

You might be able to get help from the government if your income is low, perhaps you can qualify for food stamps, etc. Which can help while you are going to school. Check with your local Department of Economic security to see what kind of help you would qualify for. Don't be afraid to ask for help, right now getting your education is important. Even if you qualify for food stamps it will not cover your entire food costs. But it will help.

You of course will have utilities (electric, gas, water, etc) there will be cable, Internet, etc. Some apartments include utilities you are going to have to ask when you look for an apartment.

Make sure it's financially feasible before you move out. Make out a budget and stick to it. Do not give up classes just so you can live with your boyfriend.

I highly recommend the book by Suze Orman "The young, the fabulous and the broke" It's a great book for those starting out in life on their own. It's a MUST read.

Be cautious, double check everything to ensure this is a good financially sound decision. Good luck!

Answer 3

That's a hard question, it depends on where you live. The cost of living is a lot higher in certain places, like California, and less in places in the South. It really depends. Just make sure you stay responsible, moving in with each other DOES make you skip school (I did it.) Food is expensive and cable and internet and don't forget about the rent. The only way to know for sure is to make a budget.

Answer 4

screw that last comment, thats not true kate... average monthly payment for a one bedroom apt (depending on what state you're in) is about 500/month for a one bedroom one bath... working part time, and going to school is completely manageable, as I've done it.... living with my now husband, then boyfriend who works fulltime. good luck

Answer 5

We need to know where you live. Prices are different all over the country, even within the same state prices can vary greatly.

Answer 6

If bf will be there , let him sweat the bills .
He will let you do ALL the cleaning and cooking .

And odds are , with bf there , you'll end up a drop-out .
Sorry , but that's the norm . . .

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