Renting your first apartment is a big, exciting milestone—but if you’re not sure where to start, the process can be overwhelming. Whether you’re just moving out of your parents’ house, graduating from college, or starting a job in a new city, there’s a lot you’ll need to consider before signing the dotted line. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to find and secure an apartment that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Know Your Budget!
Before you’re ready to scroll through rental viewings or schedule any walk-in tours, you’ll need to assess your financial situation. For your first time renting an apartment, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a rent payment that doesn’t exceed 30% of your monthly income, though this isn’t absolute. Most landlords will require that your income must meet or exceed two to three times the rent payment.
Associated Costs Not Included in Rent
Keep in mind, your monthly rent isn’t the bottom line. You’ll also need to budget for all the other potential associated fees, which can include:
- Application and administrative fees
- Security deposit
- Pet deposit(s) and/or pet rent
- Laundry service fees, if the apartment offers on-site laundry
- Garage or parking fees
- Utilities like electricity, water, and internet, if not included in the rent
- Heating and air conditioning, as needed
- Maintenance and pest control expenses (as a renter, you likely won’t be expected to foot the bill for large repairs or exterminations, but your landlord may ask for a small monthly fee)
- Renters’ insurance
Start by calculating your monthly take-home pay and listing out your fixed expenses, like groceries, car payments, or student loans. From there, you can figure out what you can reasonably afford to spend on rent without stretching yourself too thin. It’s also a good idea to set aside a buffer for unexpected costs in case of emergencies, like car repair or an unexpected hospital visit.
Don’t forget the upfront costs, either. Some landlords will require first and last month’s rent on top of a security deposit prior to move-in, especially if you don’t have a robust rental history. There are also application fees, which can quickly add up if you’re sending in a lot of applications. Having a clear picture of these expenses from the start will help you narrow your apartment options and avoid falling in love with a place that’s out of reach financially.
Extra Considerations
- How long of a daily commute are you willing to make for work? You may find cheaper rent prices outside of city limits, but it will increase the money spent on gas, bus fare, or rideshare services.
- Do you have pets? Most apartments require a pet deposit or monthly “pet rent” on top of your regular deposit, and many do not allow pets at all. If it’s your first time renting an apartment, having to narrow your options to pet-friendly listings may be limiting.
- How will you take care of your laundry? Does your apartment have hook-ups for a washer and dryer, or are these appliances on the property? If not, you’ll have to plan for laundromat expenses.
- Will you need to hire movers? If you have a lot of furniture and heavy appliances making the move with you, it might be necessary to enlist additional help.
- Will you have a roommate? Having someone to split expenses with can make renting cheaper and more accessible, but it isn’t ideal for all lifestyles.
Where to Apply
Once you’ve determined your budget and assessed your particular needs, you’ll need to find an apartment to match. A good place to start would be websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, HotPads, or Rent.com. These platforms will let you filter by price, location, number of bedrooms, and pet policy. This makes it easier to compare listings and contact landlords or property managers directly.
Another option is joining city-specific subreddits or local Facebook housing groups where renters can share listings and give honest feedback about particular locations or property managers. You’ll want to be especially wary about potential scams posted to these forums, though.
If you’re moving to a city with a more competitive rental market, you might have better luck partnering with a local real estate agent or rental broker. They can help you access listings not yet up on rental websites and work directly with property managers.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth! Ask friends or coworkers in the area about any listings they’re aware of and their experiences renting from them.
How to Avoid Scams
Rental scams are all too common, especially for first-time renters who may not know what to look out for. Some red flags to look out for are:
- Does the listing seem too good to be true? Such as a spacious apartment in a great neighborhood for far below market value.
- Scammers may also pressure you to act fast, asking for a deposit or personal information before you’ve seen the unit.
- Be wary of landlords who only communicate by email or text, refuse to meet in person, and won’t allow a tour of the property.
- Are they asking for an unusual method of payment? Gift cards, cryptocurrency, PayPal? This could point to a scam, as typically renters will be presented with a dedicated payment portal.
- Often, scam listings will use a real listing but change the address information. Even before sending in an application or scheduling your tour, it’s smart to take a Google Maps vacation to the property and make sure everything is as it seems.
To protect yourself, never send money or share sensitive information until you’ve verified the legitimacy of the listing, met the landlord, and toured the property—in person or virtually—and use trusted platforms to send in applications, avoiding sites with low moderation like Craigslist.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, it’s best to act quickly! Report the fraud to your local police department, the Federal Trade Commission, and the rental site where the scam was posted.
If you sent money, contact your bank or payment service provider immediately—they may be able to reverse the transaction, especially if you used a credit card. Unfortunately, you won’t always be able to recover your money, but taking these steps is a good way to prevent more scams from cropping up in the future.
What Landlords Look For
In competitive markets, there could be dozens of applicants responding to a single listing. The landlord’s primary concern is determining who will be the most reliable tenant. If this is your first time renting an apartment, you may be at a disadvantage compared to experienced tenants with an extensive rental history. However, rental history isn’t the only thing they’re considering.
Your employment history and income are often factors. You will likely be required to supply pay stubs during the application process, proving you have enough money each month to comfortably afford the rent. A credit score is another consideration. A higher credit score suggests you’re financially responsible and less likely to miss rent payments. If your credit score is low or you have little credit history, a landlord may require you to find a co-signer. That is, likely a parent or guardian to sign a document taking financial responsibility if you do not pay.
If you have references from employers or former roommates, that can typically also improve your odds of impressing your potential landlord and scoring your first apartment.
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What You Should Look For
The cheapest rent and a convenient location are important, but not the end-all be-all. There are many other considerations to keep in mind while you’re touring apartments:
- How is the cell service? Does your current provider come in well at this location, or will you have to switch providers?
- How is the water pressure in the sinks and showers? How quickly does the water drain? Turn on the faucets, flush the toilets, and check for leaky plumbing.
- What appliances are included? Which will you need to buy, and is there enough space to install them? Do the ones in the apartment work? Test electrical outlets by bringing a small phone charger with you for your tour!
- How much storage and counter space is there? Enough cabinet space for your usual grocery haul? Enough room to put all your cherished knick-knacks?
- Do all the doors and windows open, close, and lock properly?
- How is the neighborhood? What’s the noise level like? Are you decently close to your place of work, a grocery store, a gym, or any other amenities you might need?
- What’s the general condition of the apartment? Does it appear to be well-maintained?
Signing the Lease
Signing the lease is one of the final steps of your apartment-hunting journey. It’s a legally binding agreement between you and your landlord, so it’s essential to read it over carefully. The lease outlines the rent amount, due dates, and grace periods for late payment, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, rules about guests or pets, and what happens if you break the lease early.
If anything seems unclear or unfair, don’t be afraid to ask questions or request clarification. It’s important that you fully understand what you’re agreeing to, and you’re entitled to some negotiation.
Never sign a lease before touring the apartment in person, if at all possible. The pictures in listings may be old or deceptive. If you’re moving long-distance and can’t visit in person, you may be able to schedule a live, virtual tour with the property manager. Avoid any listings that won’t let you view the unit at all—this is a major red flag and could indicate a scam.
“I have seen hundreds of renters take their first leap into apartment living—often with some regrets, but also with wins that come from thinking ahead in ways most people don’t. From my own moves and managing dozens of units, my #1 tip: when you tour a place, test everything yourself, from water pressure to cell reception inside the unit. Bad WiFi or a weak shower gets old fast, no matter how good the photos look. For your peace of mind, check out the building’s safety features firsthand—not just locks, but smoke detectors, security cameras in common spaces, and whether exits are easy to find in an emergency. One of my best guests was a traveling nurse who literally chose my loft because I showed her live video from all common area cameras so she could see late-night activity herself before booking. Bring a friend or snap a video on your phone as you walk through—catching scuffed floors, wall marks, or missing light bulbs protects your security deposit. I once had to return a guest’s full deposit even after a dog accident, because the check-in pics proved that scratch on the door was there before move-in.”
Sean Swain, Company Owner, Detroit Furnished Rentals LLC
Moving In
After your lease is signed and the move-in date is set, you’re ready to move into your first apartment! If you’re on a budget, a labor-only moving service like UniMovers could be a good option for you. UniMovers’ professional movers handle the heavy lifting while you take care of the driving or rental truck. This is ideal for first-time renters who might be moving out of a dorm, shared house, or family home and just need a hand getting everything into place.
Protecting Your Security Deposit
Usually, your security deposit is worth at least one month’s rent, which can go a long way. To get it back, leave the apartment in the same condition it was when you first moved in, aside from what is considered “normal wear and tear.” Start by documenting the condition of the apartment when you first move in—take clear photos or video of every room, including any existing damage like scuffs, stains, or chipped paint.
Abide by your lease for the duration of your stay, remaining in communication with your landlord about any maintenance needs. Notify your landlord promptly if anything breaks!
When it’s time to move out, clean the apartment thoroughly, patch small holes, and take photos again to prove you left it in good condition. Being a good tenant and keeping your apartment clean isn’t always enough to guarantee your security deposit will be returned—you’ll also want to leave a paper trail, proving you were responsible for the duration of your lease.
Conclusion
Renting your first apartment is a huge step towards independence. Though the process can be intimidating, especially when it’s your first time renting an apartment, doing your research and knowing what to expect makes all the difference. From planning your budget to moving in, each step of the journey is an opportunity to set yourself up for success in the rental market! By carefully assessing your needs, reviewing your options, asking questions, and planning ahead, you’ll avoid the most common pitfalls of apartment-hunting for first-time renters!
FAQs
What you need to rent your first apartment will vary from landlord to landlord. As a baseline, you’ll likely need identification (a driver’s license or state ID will do), proof of income like bank statements or pay stubs, and a credit and background check. Usually, this will be included in the application fee.
Many landlords require it. Even if they don’t, it’s relatively cheap and covers your belongings in the event of theft, water, or fire damage. Lemonade is a good option for a first-time renter with plans as low as $5/month for small apartments.
Watch out for landlords who refuse to let you view the property or ask for money up front without any agreement. Also, carefully review the terms of your lease. As a renter, you’re entitled to certain rights, but shady landlords may take advantage of a first-time renter not familiar with these workings. Be wary of any landlord who does not provide a written lease agreement or offers too many vague details. Make sure to review tenant rights in your state.
Some apartments include utilities like heating, water, electricity, and even Internet in the monthly rent, but many do not. Refer to the individual lease agreement for specifics.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
