Things to Know when Renting Your First Apartment

Renting your first apartment is very rewarding and at the same time can be challenging. This is a particularly true when you are renting your first apartment, which is a major decision. There will be many factors to consider before choosing the first apartment.

The following are some things to know when considering your first apartment.

· The Budget: Creating a budget is considered necessary even before starting the process of looking for an apartment. Getting more information makes easy to find the right apartment. Check with your parents or friends who are currently living in apartments to get some information or help from them.

Figure out what you can possibly afford. Include gas, loan payments, car payments or your transportation expenses, food and any hobbies or other activities that you do on a regular basis that cost money.

Make a list of your household expenses and compare it with your monthly income. Make sure that you are balancing both your income and your household expenses, like paying bills each month.

· The Location: Once you figure out how much you can afford for your household expenses per month, it is time to start the search for your first apartment. It is a good idea to depend on the Internet to get apartment information, their reviews and ratings. Be aware of the size and cost of the apartment when you are searching. Consider all of the possible factors when you are searching and make a list of them. This is a great way to compare different apartments without having to drive all over town.

· The Size: The size of an apartment is also one of the important factors to consider. Consider the size of the apartment versus your budget to see whether or not you can get a bigger apartment for your money or if you need a smaller apartment to fit your budget.

· Furnishings: When it comes to furnishing the apartment, especially if you are on a strict budget, hand-me-downs will be your life saver. Garage sales (especially in upper scale neighborhoods) can also be a good source of cheap but durable items.

· The Agreement: - Month-to-Month agreement is for an indefinite period of time, with rent payable monthly. A month- to-month agreement continues until either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice to end it.

Any oral agreement or assertion that does not make it into the final draft of the lease might as well have never existed. Oral agreements are binding, but try proving that agreement in a civil court.