Basic Renting an Apartment & Room
Hustle 101
Roommates – How many? Students? Couples? Children?
Anyone pregnant?
Transit – Is it close to buses & trains?
Laundry – Is there a w/d on premise? Is there
one nearby?
Lease - Is there a lease? Can we create a
housing agreement?
Deposits - Any deposits (last month rent)?
Security - Any security deposit (damages)?
Pets – Do they allow pets? Any insurance?
Rent - Does rent include utilities or anything
else?
Utilities – What do they offer?
Wifi/water/gas/cable/phone
Is it in the rent or does the bill get
divided?
Guest policy – Are there any guest allowed? Overnight
guests allowed?
Payment – How do I pay my rent? Check? Paypal? Direct
deposit?
Maintenance - Is the house taken care of? Does
the owner take care of repairs quickly?
Lock on door – Can I have a lock? Is it the owners
lock or your lock? Spare keys?
Parking situation – Is it garage, street, paid,
free?
Domestic needs – How close is it to the
supermarket/stores/library/Walgreens?
Quiet hours – Is there a cut off time for noise?
Is there a senior or small baby?
Long or short term living – Can I live here for
a few months or a few years?
Emergency funds –Who can you call on if you need
your rent covered?
Things to consider when moving out on
your own
Do you have enough in savings (it is ideal to
have at least 3 months of salary saved, in case, you lose your job or something
else)?
What kind of environment do you want to live in?
Do you have or want a pet?
Do you need a bank account?
Need to hire a moving van or need to rent one?
Be wary of Scams
They are out of town in another city.
You have to drive by the house and not see inside.
You can mail them the money and haven't met them in person.
Get receipts for all payments.