your first apartment make a list of everything you would want in an apartment…. cost is not a...
TRANSCRIPT
Your First Apartment
Make a list of everything you would want in an apartment…. cost is NOT a factor.
Look online to find an apartment that closely matches your list.
Print a picture and the information (amenities) about the apartment. Be sure to include the monthly cost.
Include a reflection in writing of how you feel about this apartment selection.
Landlords and Tenants
Landlords are owners of property. They expect the tenant to: Pay rent on time Keep property in reasonable condition
Tenants are renters. They expect the landlord to: Make necessary repairs to the
property Give written notice to enter the unit Not increase rent until the lease ends.
Lease
The legal document signed by landlord and tenant
Includes: Length of agreement Amount of deposits, rent,
fees, when rent amount can be changed
Address of unit Who pays utilities Number of people that can
live in the unit Pets (types and sizes).
The Rental Process
Application and Application Fee Fee for filling out the
application Landlord knows you are
serious Usually $25-$100 or higher
Credit Check Tells if the tenant is pays
bills on time Checked through a credit
agency and is confidential.
Security Deposit: Covers cost for any
future damage to the property other than normal “wear and tear”
May equal 1 or more month’s rent
Can be returned partially or in full
Pet Deposit Covers damage made
by pets.
Advance on Rent Landlord requires one or
more month’s rent in addition to the security deposit
Renter’s Insurance Insurance to cover the
renter in the event of flood, fire, theft or any other hazard
VERY inexpensive.
Utilities Water, gas, sewer,
electricity, phone, cable, trash collection
Sometimes the landlord will pay some or all utilities, BUT usually the tenant pays all.
How Much Rent Can I Afford? In general your housing should not
exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
Calculating Rent if Paid by the Hour Hourly wage x # of hours worked
weekly x weeks in year = gross pay yearly / 12 months = gross monthly wage x 28% = maximum rent
Example: $6.00 x 40hours = $240 $240 x 52 weeks = $12,480 $12,480 /12 = $1040 $1040 x 28% = $291.20
Weekly Income = $240
If paid by week: $240 x 52 weeks = $12,480/12 = $1040 x 28% = $291.20
If paid by the month: $1040 x 28% = $291.20
If paid by the year: $12,480/12 = $1040 x 28% = $291.20
Ending a Lease
Suppose you need to move earlier than expected. What are your options?1. Continue to pay the rent until the
end of the lease2. Assign the lease3. Sublet the lease.
Assigning the Lease
This means to transfer the remainder of the lease to another person
The original tenant is NO LONGER responsible for any rent or damages.
Subletting a Lease
Tenant leases the property to another person
BOTH tenants are responsible to the landlord
EX: college student leaving for semester abroad and lets friend rent apartment.
Results of Violating the Lease Breach of Contract
Failure to meet the terms of a lease
Both tenants and landlords can be in breach of a contract
Eviction Legally removing tenants from
the property before the lease expires
May only start proceedings after the tenant has failed to meet the terms of the lease
Tenant must receive written legal notice of eviction.
So, how much can you really afford?
Calculate your monthly salary needed for you to be able to afford the apartment you chose
Rent / .28 = monthly salary What is the average monthly salary in the area
you have chosen to live? Can you afford to live there if you earn an
average salary? Do you need to make changes?
Reflect in writing the changes you will make and how you feel about making these changes to your selection.