Hey ladies and gentlemen (if any guys read this)
Moving out of your parent’s house is something many people look forward too (why do we look forward to cleaning, cooking, and paying bills?) I once did myself. Don’t worry mom I still love you a lot, and of course I do miss you and homecooked meals. So when the time comes and you think you are ready to finally move out into your own apartment there are some things you have to know or ask if you do not know BEFORE you commit to an apartment, because finding out after would kind of suck.
Enjoy living on your own!
XOXO A
Moving out of your parent’s house is something many people look forward too (why do we look forward to cleaning, cooking, and paying bills?) I once did myself. Don’t worry mom I still love you a lot, and of course I do miss you and homecooked meals. So when the time comes and you think you are ready to finally move out into your own apartment there are some things you have to know or ask if you do not know BEFORE you commit to an apartment, because finding out after would kind of suck.
- Where is it located?
- Is it a reasonable distance from your school or work?
- Is is located in the worst and most dangerous parts of town? (do some research do not just trust what your potential landlord says!)
- Is it close to stores and other humans?
- How much is the rent?
- What has to be paid in order to move in? For example just first month's rent? Or first and last month's rent? Or maybe also a security deposit? Or an application fee? (Security deposit is an amount you pay, usually as much as one month's rent, that you should get back when you move out, IF you leave the apartment in the same condition as when it was rented to you. For example if you leave the place a huge mess and damaged three doors you probably will not get it back. Application fees you do not get back!
- Who is responsible for the utilities? Are they included or are you paying for them yourself? Think: Heat, electricity, (hot) water, garbage, cable, wifi, etc…
- If utilities are included how are they limited? Example: If heat is included do you have the ability to control your thermostat? If not, how warm/cold do they set the temperature?)
- If you are responsible for utilities are your choice of companies limited?
- Are there appliances in the apartment? Stove? Refrigerator? microwave? ect..
- Is maintenance available 24/7?
- Do they require a credit check?
- Do they require a background check?
- Do they require a lease?
- If so, for how long is the lease? (Is it for 6 months, a year, longer??)
- Do they rent to students?
- Do students need an adult co-signer?
- Is there an application that has to be approved?
- Do you have to provide a proof of income?
- Do you have to provide references?
- Who is responsible for lawn care?
- Who is responsible for snow removal?
- Is there a parking space? Preferably not on the street.
- Are parking spaces assigned or just park wherever you like?
- Do you have to coordinate parking patterns with your neighbors?
- Are parking spaces available for potential overnight guests?
- Where will you receive mail? Do they have a mailbox or do you need to get a P.O. box?
- Are pets allowed?
- If so, what kind and how many?
- Is there an extra fee for pets? (is this a one-time fee or monthly fee?)
- Who else lives in the building?
- Do they have pets? (dogs and kids can be VERY noise, yet so can other students)
- Most importantly: Can you afford it??
Enjoy living on your own!
XOXO A