Taking one’s first steps into the world can leave young people stumbling over minute cracks underfoot. Among these potential struggles, renting a first apartment may seem insurmountable. In reality, once a fresh adult knows where he or she wants to live, he or she will find apartment-hunting among the easier tasks on his or her to-do list.
When looking for an apartment, checking online can open hundreds of doors — literally and figuratively — but asking friends if they need a roommate or know of openings in their buildings can help as well. Apartment hunters should ensure that whatever space they do choose fits their budget and includes any necessities, such as pet-friendliness. When they do select a place, roommates may become essential. While universities may offer websites to connect, people not in college or living off-campus may find it easier to find roommates via websites such as Roomster or even through social media posts. Asking friends and family if they know anyone, however, may yield comparatively comfortable results.
The final, intimidating step to renting involves signing a lease. This document acts as an agreement between landlord and renter; it covers how long a renter agrees to stay, the cost of rent, what services a landlord must provide and any circumstances in which the document becomes void.
Renters must note that they can negotiate these terms. Whether they wish to shorten the time they stay in an apartment, decrease rent or require that the landlord fixes every leaky faucet within 24 hours of them reporting the issue, asking for the change might just work out. Renters who can connect with their potential landlords in real life may find asking for these changes in person successful next to the easy no uttered over email or text.
“One key warning sign is if you go to sign your lease papers and you ask for a copy ahead of time. If they won’t give it to you, walk. You have to just be able to advocate for yourself in a diplomatic way. Don’t be rude, and don’t issue ultimatums; ask, inquire. ‘Why is this,’ ‘Could you explain,’ are phrases you can use to start a conversation,” Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics teacher Dr. Pamela Roach said.
For renters who may view the lease as undesirable after a shorter time than agreed upon, circumstances where they can leave early exist. Should the landlord breach part of the lease, the renter law or even endanger the tenant, he or she can leave. This also applies to military deployment. Regardless, renters should consider renter’s insurance when moving, these plans will protect any belongings that might face damage while living in a leased space.
Ultimately, lease agreements should benefit both parties, and the moment they do not, one should seek a change. While renting for the first time can terrify people, tackling it confidently will lead to a warm, comfortable roof over a soundly sleeping head.
