Buying and renting your first apartment is as nerve-wracking as it is rewarding when you’re a student about to go to college. When searching for essential rental tips, first-time student renters can rely on writing service by Academized to help with drafting clear rental agreements or any academic writing needs, as Academized.com offers tailored writing support for students.
How to Know Your Budget
Make sure you have an idea of your budget before you begin your apartment search. Figure out how you earn money – part-time jobs, scholarships, grants. Don’t forget rent isn’t the only cost you pay every month. But, you will also have to factor in energy, food, transportation and more. The general guide is to try to make rent no more than 30% of your income per month. This will help keep your financial sanity for the academic year.
If your budget is set in stone, be sure to account for one-time costs such as security deposits, application fees, and moving fees. These upfront costs can be costly, so save up for this ahead of time when looking for an apartment. With an accurate cost in mind, you’ll be able to narrow down your search for apartments within your means, without being stressed about going all-out.
Researching Neighborhoods
You’ll know if it fits into your budget when you start searching for neighborhoods. Find locations that offer the right balance between cost and convenience. Also take into account the distance to your campus, available public transportation, and important services such as grocery stores, laundromats and health clinics. Safety is also a big consideration. Compare neighborhood crime statistics and seek out streets with good lighting and police activity.
If you’re still on the fence, ask current students or your college housing office for student neighborhood recommendations. They can help you to get a great idea of what areas students prefer and are relatively affordable/convenient. Just keep in mind that the right location might come with a trade-off, but finding a community that does most of what you want will be great for your quality of life.
What to Know About Lease Terms
You have to read the lease completely before signing any lease agreement. The lease is a legal document that establishes your tenant’s rights and obligations and the landlord’s duties. Look carefully for items like lease length, rent rate and a start date, security deposit, and restrictions on pets or guests.
Check your maintenance and repair policies. Make sure to know who to reach out to in times of crisis and how quickly issues will be solved. Don’t forget the processes for getting out and obtaining your security deposit. If there is anything that you do not understand in the lease, please don’t hesitate to inquire. Ask questions in advance, rather than be left hanging afterwards.
Inspection of the Property
When you do stumble upon an apartment, you should be certain to check it out before committing to the lease. - Arrange a tour in daylight hours to see it all for yourself. Look for signs of damage like stains, holes in walls or ceilings, or pests. Check all appliances, faucets, light switches and locks to see that they are functioning properly.
First-time student renters can benefit from an essay writing service, making it easier to focus on the logistics of securing their first rental. Also consider the general cleanliness and upkeep of the place. The apartment you stay in is a good sign that you are a good landlord. You can ask about recent repairs or remodeling. If there is a problem, let the landlord know and inquire about how they’re going to address it before you move in. You can get pictures of your apartment when you inspect it and keep them to show how the apartment was maintained or avoid being overcharged when you check out.
Understanding Utility Prices
For a lot of renters who are not renters yet, utility expenses are overlooked as they affect their income monthly. Others may pay for the utilities in the rent and others might have the tenants install and pay everything out of pocket. Electricity, gas, water, garbage collection and the internet are some of the most common services. In the apartments, when comparing you have to know which services are part of the rent and which you will be responsible for paying.
If you want a better understanding of the utilities available, you can contact the landlord or property manager and ask them for figures that are based on previous residents. Or you can check with local utility providers to get an idea of what average rates are around there. Be aware that your actual costs will depend on your usage and the energy consumption of the apartment. Include these costs on your budget to get a better idea of what you are actually paying each month.
Shared Space and Roommates
Roommates can save you money in terms of living expenses, but they also come with some problems. The choice of your roommates is important if you are living together. Find people who live like you, study like you, and have good hygiene standards. Take into account making a roommate contract that spells out what to expect for spending, laundry, visitors, and silence.
Find out what rent and utilities will be divided and how to pay for. While some landlords ask each of your roommates to sign separately, other landlords will let you use the same lease with one responsible party. Learn your legal rights under these various scenarios. Sharing accommodation requires open communication. Set up ground rules early on and be willing to talk about anything that goes wrong.
Insuring Your Property
Students do not realize that they need renter's insurance, but it can save you from a loss of personal effects and liability coverage. Your landlord’s policy will cover the building, but it will not cover your possessions in the event of theft, fire or other incidents. The renter's insurance can be very cheap, and can allow you to have the peace of mind that something might happen to you.
When shopping for renter’s insurance, get multiple quotes from the different insurers and know what each policy covers. Some policies also have liability coverage, which is useful in the event someone gets hurt in your apartment. Students might get discounted rates at their college or university so ask about those options.
Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant
If you are a tenant, you need to know your rights. You can get tenants rights based on state and even city, so be aware of the local regulations. In most cases, you have a legitimate right to a decent place to live, your privacy and equal treatment. Your landlord usually takes care of it and fixes it in a timely manner.
Tenant Rights | Landlord Responsibilities |
Safe and habitable living conditions | Maintain the property in compliance with health and safety codes |
Privacy and quiet enjoyment | Provide proper notice before entering the apartment |
Return of security deposit (minus legitimate deductions) | Make necessary repairs in a timely manner |
Protection against discrimination | Provide essential services (heat, water, etc.) |
Right to sublease (if allowed by the lease) | Disclose any known hazards (e.g., lead paint) |
Just remember, those rights are also obligations. You must be a good tenant — you must pay your rent on time, maintain the apartment, and observe the lease agreement. If you are having a problem with your landlord, discuss them first. If that doesn’t work, you can do your legal research by contacting local tenant rights groups or hiring a lawyer.
Setting Up the Budget for Furniture and Other Basics
If this is your first apartment, you may need to prepare money for furniture and other household supplies. Begin with a short list of basics such as a bed, desk, and essential cooking equipment. Save on used furniture that you purchase from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or grad school students. All college towns have particular times of year when students are packing up and moving out, which sells off their furniture at discounted rates.
For the smaller products and things for your home, you can get student discounts in stores or online. Other shops have a renter package that will provide you with some basic cooking and bedding and bathroom amenities. Don’t feel the need to decorate your whole apartment in one go. Start small and build up over time depending on your means. Keep in mind, your tastes and needs may evolve as well, so don’t worry, you can just dive in with the first crack.
Reconciling a Good Bond with Your Landlord
Making a great impression on your landlord can make all the difference when it comes to renting. Be the good landlord, first – pay your rent on time, maintain the apartment, notify maintenance promptly. If you need to communicate with your landlord, be professional even when you are in an escalating situation.
Make a list of everything you say to your landlord, particularly about maintenance or issues with the apartment. If you must submit a repair request, submit it in writing (email is OK) and save one for future reference. The records could help should a dispute arise. Keep in mind your landlord is running a business, and being professional during your rental agreement can get you better service and maybe good references when you transition into the next apartment.
Move-Out Preparation Guide
As you move in, prepare for when you are leaving. Know how to terminate your lease – the notice deadline and what moves-out procedures are involved. During your stay, keep the apartment clean and record any existing damage so that you can get into a contract dispute over the security deposit on your move out.
So when you move out, wash the apartment clean and replace any damage that was done by you. Snap pictures of the emptied-out apartment to prove it isn’t bad. Do arrange a walk-through with your landlord if possible so that you know about anything that can mess up your security deposit refund. Know your rights on returning your security deposit – landlords in most states must return the deposit within a set period of time and offer a detailed list of all charges made.
Conclusion
It is an incredible transition to independence for you to find your first apartment as a student. If you know your budget, study the community, understand leases, and know what you are legally responsible for, you will have a positive rental experience. Keep in mind to research properties, budget for everything including utilities, and have renter's insurance. If you’re renting on your own or share a home with roommates, clear communication and good tenancy will be key. After reading these simple tips, you’ll be ready to start renting and furnishing your new home in college.
