RENTING AN APARTMENT

(LORI SLOUP’S PRESENTATION)Independent Living

ORDER OF EVENTS

Research apartments Find a few you like Call and schedule a tour

Meet apartment manager for tour, make mental notes about what you like/don’t like Be early! Come with questions Check security/how secure, etc.

If you like it, fill out application + fee, get on waiting list Good idea to go to apt. at night…is it secure?

Wait for a call on an open apartment If open apartment, sign a lease, get keys,

move in

KEY POINTS:

Need to be 18 to rent You have to have a job to rent an apartment-

show you can pay rent ¼ of your income goes to housing Need to save up for moving in (first/last

months rent, deposit, etc)

When you apply to an apartment you’re interested in renting they will run a credit check-$20-$35 fee If bad credit, denied

Be sure to ask what utilities you have to pay (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc)

Studies show people don’t usually use pool/weight room, etc

KEY POINTS

If you break lease or trash the apartment you can be taken to small claims court

Pets are soo risky to have in apartment Extra rent, extra deposit, fees, etc.

Best time to look: Early Spring/late Fall, get on waiting list

June and July are the busiest times because people are moving out

Usually need 30 notice before you move out Get renters insurance

Landlord has to give you 24 hours notice before they come in

APARTMENT HUNTING TIPSIndependent Living

MAKE A SHOPPING LIST.

Are you looking for hardwood floors, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fireplace etc.? You may not find everything but it doesn't hurt to set priorities.

BE PREPARED!

Collect some information to present to landlords/leasing agents - they'll probably ask for it, anyway. This should include:- Credit check.- Resume.- Pay stubs/tax returns.

COVER THE BASES.

Many landlords will want to verify your references. Phone ahead to alert possible references, including your former landlord, that they may receive a call.

DURING THE SEARCH:

Try to see the units in the daytime. You'll want to know how much natural light an apartment gets. It's helpful to see what shape the place is in and whether more work is needed to make it habitable.

Do a careful walk-through of any unit you're serious about. The best time to ask about repairs and improvements is before you commit. Attach a list of any damage to the lease, and have it initialed by your landlord so you're not held responsible later.

DURING THE SEARCH:

Some questions to ask:How's the water pressure?How many electrical outlets and where are they placed?How big is the water heater?Is there enough closet space or will you need extra storage?

Meet the neighbors! Will you live above or below someone; do you share walls? Knock on doors and introduce yourself. Find out if neighbors are friendly, how they feel about noise, what they like about the neighborhood.

DURING THE SEARCH:

Take measurements of your larger furnishings (and take along a tape measure) to see how your things will fit...or what things you'll need to buy.

Visit as many places as you can, so you'll have a good idea of what your money buys. Use our Apartment Checklist as a guide to inspecting and comparing choices. Then be prepared to ACT QUICKLY when you find something you like!