I need information on renting a house or apartment. I have never rented before, fresh out mom and dads.?

Question

I am currently looking for a place to live with a roommate. I don't know the first thing i would need to get an apartment or house (for rent), what paperwork, money, information. Basically i need the 411 of getting my own place. Can you help me?

Answer 1

You will fill out an application for the place you want. You may need a co-signer if they're worried about you not being able to pay the rent. Also, they usually want the first month's rent right away, plus that amount again as a security deposit. So if the rent is $675 a month, you and your roommate should be ready to pay $1350 up front. Of course, this policy differs from landlord to landlord.

Before all that, though, make several appointments to see apartments in your price range. Check out the condition of the apartments and the neighborhoods they're in. Talk to current renters if you can to see how they like the landlord - does he/she respond quickly for repairs? Around too much/not enough? Picky about noise/pets/smoking? Also find out if anything is included in your rent - some places include heat, electricity, water, parking, etc. and some do not.

Good Luck! I think it's always exciting to look at places and imagine what it would be like to live there - just make sure you don't get over your head in a place that's too expensive, or go super cheap and end up living in a dangerous neighborhood.

Answer 2

It depends on the landlord or rental agency. Many require a credit check. It's not unusual to pay first and last month's rent and a cleaning/security deposit and if you have a pet, a pet deposit. If you have a job and a bank account and your credit rating is ok you shouldn't have a problem. Sometimes the owner wants references from previous landlords. Basically, especially if you're dealing directly with the owner, it's kind of like a job interview: if you can impress him/her with your maturity and stability you have a good shot at the place. Mostly the owner just wants to make sure the rent is paid on time, the place isn't trashed and the neighbors don't complain about loud parties.

Answer 3

paperwork: you will need proof of ID (driver's license or passport works fine) and proof of ability to pay, which is usually your last 2 paycheck stubs but could be a statement from your parents if they will be paying the rent. Money... you will need minimum first month's rent and an equal sum in security deposit but some landlords want first AND last month's rent plus the security deposit. There could also be deposits for the various utilities like electric, depending on the utility company and what is included in your lease. Make sure you budget for renter's insurance, too--- it's usually pretty cheap, around $200 a year, but without it, if there's a fire or robbery or other loss/damage to your own personal property, you have no insurance and get no money to start over.

Answer 4

You need a job and you need to be sure you can afford the rent if your room mate bails (it happens). Most places will ask for first months rent and a security deposit and if you talk to a building manager they are really more than glad to fill you i on all the particulars on how to complete and application and so on. There is no reason to think that just because you are on your own for the first time that managers aren't willing to help. To keep things simple try to find an apartment close to your job or close to a college those close to colleges are used to younger tenants and are usually more liberal with assisting. Good Luck!

Answer 5

1. you find a place you can afford and a reliable roommate.
2. you put in an application to rent, providing personal and financial info. owners want the rent paid on time every month and they want to maintain the quality of life in their apt building
3. to move in you'll need at least two months' rent. one would go towards the first months' rent, the other would be a security deposit, to be applied to whatever damage you may cause to the apt when you move out
4. when you sign the lease, try to get both yourself and the roommate on the lease and make that person pay their share directly to the owner/agent. that way, you're not on the hook in case they flake out.
5. very best of luck. I suggest you don't get in over your head. your rent payment should not exceed 40% of your take-home pay, absolutely maximum. that means if you earn, say $2,000 per month and are in the 25% tax bracket ($500 in taxes), you can afford to pay $600 in rent. another $600 from a room-mate who earns same amount would get you a $1,200/apt. (these are numbers I pulled out of a hat obviously and in dollars, but you catch my drift, yes?)