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RentHolyCity.com

The day has finally come for you to move out on your own. The best and most common housing choice for college grads and young adults are apartments.

They’re typically more affordable to rent than homes, can be shared with a roommate, and even come with some perks, such as paid trash or a community center and pool.

While renting your first apartment is exciting, you should also be aware of everything this big adjustment entails. Here’s what you need to know before signing the lease.

Figure Out Your Budget

Before you start looking for an apartment, know what you can afford. Will you choose from the NYC Sublets or find someone who is looking for a roommate?

If you plan on having a roommate, be sure to find one before signing a lease if you can’t afford the entirety of the rent on its own. To be financially wise, your rent payment should not exceed 30 percent of your income.

Remember you will be paying more money than just the rent payment for your apartment. You will also have to factor in the costs of utilities – electricity, internet, cable, trash, gas, and water – if those aren’t included.

You can factor all of these into your monthly budget easily by using an app like Personal Capital.

Getting a Rental Agreement with no Credit or Rental History

Good Credit or good rental history is required to rent an apartment. However, if this is the first time you’re moving out on your own, you might not have built up enough credit yet. In this case, be prepared to show proof of income, as well as contact information for a work reference.

Showing bank statements with at least three months’ worth of rent in your account is also wise. You may also need to use a co-signer, and if your parents are willing to co-sign with you, don’t be too proud and accept their help.

Before you Sign the Lease

If you qualify for a lease agreement, congratulations! This is a legally binding document that protects you and the landlord. Be sure to ask the landlord any questions before signing the lease. If you’re still unsure about some points in the lease agreement, ask someone else, such as your parents or lawyer. You want to know exactly what you’re signing for through and through.

Also, it is best to know what fees will be required of you up front. Landlords generally charge a fee to run your credit, and they also require a security deposit, pet deposit or fee, and utility deposit.

Your Roommate

Roommates are a great way to save money, but even if you plan on living with your best friend, certain precautions should be taken. Have your roommates sign a co-tenancy agreement, which is an agreement that spells out all the responsibilities and liabilities for each person. It’s better to be safe than sorry when preventing possible legal problems.

Before you Move In

Now even though you have the keys to your apartment, don’t start moving in your furniture just yet. First, take good pictures of the apartment before you move anything inside. Make sure to capture the quality of the carpet and walls. Take photos of any damage that was present before you moved in.

If you do see problems, you should notify your landlord about them before moving in. When it comes to repair requests and complaints, put and get everything in writing, and make sure you keep copies of all written requests or complaints you made to your landlord.

Welcome to the rented-apartment living!