Youve scrimped and scrounged, and finally saved up enough money to cover first, last and security.
Done well, it takes the same kind of careful attention as studying for a midterm.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
First of all, how are you going to find an apartment?
Do you know if the asking rental price is fair?
Will youlive alone, or will you have roommates?
And trust me, this is important who will those roommates be?
But luckily, weve got your back.
Study up on our ultimate guide to renting your first apartment or house before you sign that lease.
Finding an Apartment
First things first: How do you actually find a place?
Yes, Craigslist is ubiquitous, but its not the only or even necessarily the best option.
Each allows you to filter for different must-have features, as well as specify your price range.
Results are generated by algorithms and lack a real knowledge of the market, Maccora writes.
Which brings us to our next big topic…
Rule No.
1: Read the Lease!
So, how long are you gonna live in this place, anyway?
When is rent due, and whats the fee if youre late?
Can you bring Fido or paint your bathroom walls red?
Be sure to check out the clause labeled term that means the length of the lease.
Are you signing on for a full year when you really only need nine months?
Does the lease allow you to sublet the space while you pack up and head home for the summer?
If not, you might be stuck paying for an empty, faraway room.
Termination is important, too.
How much notice do you have to give before you move out?
If you forget to do so, will the lease roll over into an automatic renewal?
What will you be responsible for if you have to break the lease?
All that stuff is fairly obvious and will probably also be discussed aloud.
But keep on trudging through that fine print.
You might be surprised at how in-the-weeds some lease clauses can get.
Always, always, always ask first.
No one wants to cause a furor over their boyfriend or girlfriend spending time in the rental unit.
Yes, that might sound ridiculous.
Dont feel rushed, Cellante says.
There are plenty of units out there.
And Dont Be Afraid to Negotiate
Heres the thing: The lease isnt written in granite.
The worst thing they can say is no, in which case youll end up exactly where you started.
Even the biggest parts of the agreement are open for negotiation.
After all, landlords are taking a risk, too.
Finding good tenants can be just as difficult as finding a great apartment!
Most laws simply require the deposit be returned in a timely fashion, Cellante warns.
Chances are, youll need it… to move into your next place.
(Almost, though, I swear!)
One thing thats absolutelynotnegotiable: doing a walk-through of the premises before you agree to sign.
Insist on seeing your actual digs before you sign up to spend thousands of dollars on living there.
And while youre in there, keep your eyes open.
But you shouldalsobe playing detective, quickly and covertly judging the quality of the space.
Is the paint cracked and peeling, especially in the bathroom, kitchen or basement?
Water buildup and household leaks can lead to mold which could spell serious health problems for you.
To say nothing of the more immediate problem of, say, a ceiling caving in.
Look at a house after it has rained heavily, Easter goes on.
Another good idea: Ask your would-be landlord some questions while youre traipsing through the flat.
Some good starters:
Finally, point out and document, with photos any existing issuesbeforeyou sign the lease.
In fact, youll want to keep on documenting, even after youdosign, says Cellante.
Take special care to note any damage, leaks or rattles.
You Signed the Lease?
Fine, have at it.
Welcome to the sometimes-wacky world of having a home of your own… sort of.
You have your own home now, and youll probably start filling it with stuff you care about.
Keep those things safe so theyll survive through many more lease signings to come.
Find @JamieCattanach on Twitter to wave hello.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
