As a first-time renter, the most important things to know before you sign a lease are: keep rent at or below 30% of your gross income, budget 2-4 months’ worth of rent for upfront move-in costs, and start your search at least 60 days before your target move-in date. Have these documents ready to go, too: credit score, proof of income (pay stubs and/or W-2), and personal or professional references.
Whether you’re moving out of your parents’ house or putting the dorm room days behind you, congrats! Renting your first place is an exciting step, but the process has more moving parts than most people expect.
This 20-step checklist covers all the questions you need to ask before renting your first apartment, and exactly what to do to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Budgeting for rent depends entirely where you live, how much you earn per month, and what your lifestyle is like. For example, what $2,000 gets you in Omaha isn’t even close to what it gets you in Los Angeles.
It’s common for first-time renters to overestimate how much they can spend on rent, mainly because rent looks reasonable until you factor in utilities, parking, groceries, and more everyday expenses.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends renters follow the 30% rule, which says that no more than 30% of your gross income should go to rent each month. So, if you’re looking at an apartment with a rent of $1,000 per month, you’d need to earn at least $3,000 per month.
That said, 30% doesn’t always stretch far enough in expensive cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco. If you’re in a pricier market, a roommate or side hustle can help close the gap. Use a rent calculator to get a real number based on your actual income and location, or plug your income into our Sample Budget sheet below:
Sample Monthly Budget (based on $5,000 gross monthly income)
| Expense | Baseline | Example Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | ≤30% gross income | $1,400 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, internet) | ~8-12% of rent | $140-$168 |
| Renter’s Insurance | ~$10-$20/month | $15 |
| Groceries | Personal | $300 |
| Transportation/gas | Personal | $150 |
| Subscriptions & misc. media | Personal | $100 |
| Emergency fund | Recommended | $200+ |
Take the time to learn more about what you should include on your first apartment budgeting checklist.
Narrow your choices down by your lifestyle, commute time, transportation options, and whether the vibe actually fits. Then check if your budget does, too.
When you’re new to renting, narrowing down your dream neighborhood can feel like one of the more daunting things to do before getting an apartment. Consider the following questions:
If rent pushes past 30% of your income, splitting rent with a roommate is often the fastest fix—but only if you’re OK with sharing your living space. Consider the pros and cons of having a roommate and whether or not you’re willing to make compromises along the way.
If you’ve decided you do want a roommate, think about what makes a compatible roommate, what kind of lifestyle you want, and what you can’t tolerate. Ask yourself the following questions:
Decide what you actually need—covered, assigned, or street parking—and factor it into your monthly rent budget. In walkable cities like downtown Seattle or Boston, a car might be optional. Suburban areas, on the other hand, require reliable parking, impacting what kind of apartment complex you choose.
Gauge your comfort level and the type of car you have when looking for an apartment. Consider whether you need a covered space, assigned parking, or if on-street parking is readily available and safe. It’s also important to look at your car insurance policy. You may find your rates could go up or down depending on your long-term parking situation.
As a first-time renter, it’s good to think about amenities that replace paid services, like on-site/in-unit laundry, fitness centers, and outdoor spaces. Think practically about what will and won’t add to your daily life.
For example, if you love to host and your apartment complex has private outdoor spaces with access to equipment like grills and lawn games, that amenity’s worth keeping. Plus, you won’t have to worry about spending money on those items yourself.
There’s no right or wrong answer regarding which floor you should live on, but you can narrow down your choices with a pros and cons list.
For example, a bottom-floor apartment may prove cheaper than others, with less legwork to get to the main door and amenities. You also don’t need to worry about a dog or children running around and disturbing neighbors below you. However, the views usually aren’t as glamorous.
Generally, getting an apartment for the first time in the winter will be the best for deals. This rule can even apply in warm-weather cities when families are reluctant to move their kids during the school year, college students are busy with exams, and people are busy with the holidays.
If you have some flexibility on when you can move, there are certain times of the year when the rental market is less competitive and less expensive. Rent prices are subject to change based on seasonality, and you can save on rent by being strategic about your search.
Learn more about renter tips, including the best time to rent an apartment.
Give yourself 60-90 days before your targeted move-in date to search for an apartment—or more if you’re moving to a new city.
When new renters think about the process of moving into a new apartment, they might wonder: “How long does it take to find an apartment?” Finding the right fit varies from renter to renter, so start your search early. First-time renters can also use these tips on how to find an apartment fast. If you’re moving from out of state, renting an apartment sight unseen is also completely possible thanks to virtual and video tours.
One thing to note: finding an apartment with a pet can make things a little more challenging. Learn the ins and outs of finding a pet-friendly apartment with our apartment rental guide.
Before signing a lease agreement for your first apartment, ask as many questions as you can about costs, utilities, noise, and how hot and cold it gets there in summer and winter. Be specific regarding your concerns, and if anything needs fixing, ask before signing the lease.
Grab our full guide of questions to ask when renting an apartment, or refer to our question checklist below:
Touring Question Checklist
If the price seems too good, the landlord won’t meet in person, or you’re asked to pay before seeing the unit in-person, it’s probably a scam.
Knowing how to identify rental scams comes with experience, and first-time apartment renters will be more susceptible than others. The FBI reported a 64% increase in real estate and rental scams in 2021 from the previous year.
These are the most common red flags of rental scams:
Want more? Check out our resource on how to spot and avoid rental scams.
Ideally, you want to operate under a “two yeses or no” premise for everything from furnishings to rent prices and neighborhood choices. If you don’t agree on a major decision, avoid confrontation and resentment by considering other options until you can find something you both like.
Bottom line: if you’re moving in with a roommate or significant other, don’t assume you’re on the same page about your living situation. Keep the lines of communication open. These tips for apartment hunting with a significant other are a great place to start.
You’ll need to budget for a security deposit—typically the first and last months’ rent—and an apartment application fee. If you’re moving in with a pet, you may have to pay a pet deposit or fee, as well as the first and last months’ pet rent. Make sure to study your lease agreement to determine how you get your security deposit back and any conditions for reimbursements.
Additional upfront costs to keep an eye out for:
| Cost | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | Typically first + last month’s rent |
| Application fee(s) | $25-$100 per applicant |
| Pet deposit | $200+ |
| Movers or truck rental | $300-$1,000 |
| Renters insurance | $100-$200 (first year) |
| Furniture & essentials | Varies |
How you approach these costs depends largely on your overall budget strategy. Here’s how high-cost and low-cost approaches compare:
| Budget Category | Low Cost Strategy | High Cost Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Live with a roommate to split costs; target 20-25% of gross income | Rent solo; follow 30% rule |
| Utilities | Use LED bulbs, limit AC/heat usage, bundle internet plans | Keep devices on full settings; opt for premium cable/internet packages |
| Moving | Rent a truck and DIY with friends; find free boxes | Hire full-service movers; buy all new packing supplies |
| Renters insurance | Shop for a basic policy (~$10-$15/month) | Choose comprehensive coverage with high personal property limits (~$20–$30/month) |
| Furniture | Buy secondhand online or from thrift stores, or take hand-me-downs | Buy new from retail stores; hire an interior decorator |
Study your lease regarding conditions for reimbursements and terms to get your security deposit back. You can also learn more about how much an apartment really costs by spotlighting hidden rental costs.
Other ongoing expenses you may need to plan for include utilities, parking, repairs, and new furniture. If you’re not sure what to expect, this guide covers how much the average utility bill costs for renters.
It’s common for renters to pay for gas, electricity, internet, and cable. You should also factor in any subscriptions and the cost of transportation or gas, food, gym memberships, and other ongoing expenses.
Most landlords and property managers will require your credit score, rental history, proof of income (pay stubs and/or W-2), and personal references and contact information for past landlords. These are the most common forms needed to rent an apartment:
| Document required | Example(s) |
|---|---|
| Govt-issued photo ID | Driver’s license, state ID, or passport |
| Proof of income | Pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, or job offer letter |
| Social security number | Note:you can refuse to share your SSN if using a separate credit report |
| Rental history | Prior lease agreement(s) |
| References | Letters of recommendation, either from previous landlords or non-family personal contacts |
| Co-signer information | Provide only if leasing with a co-signer |
Other documents required include your completed apartment application and proof of vehicle insurance and registration. If you’re completing a credit check, you don’t need to provide your Social Security number.
Once you have your paperwork gathered, it’s time to prepare your apartment rental checklist.
Walk through every inch of your new apartment before you sign (if you can), document everything in writing, and be prepared for repairs and touch-ups after you move-in.
As you walk through, test the following:
Then, once you’ve tested everything in the unit, check the following:
As a first-time apartment renter, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the micro-details. Use our apartment inspection checklist as your go-to guide during your apartment walk-through.
We recommend it, yes. Renters insurance protects renters who live in an apartment, condo, or home and typically covers unexpected personal property damage from specific, pre-approved emergencies and mishaps.
Renters insurance covers personal property damage from fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, water damage, and more. It also typically covers liability if someone gets hurt in your apartment. For what it costs, the peace of mind is a no-brainer. A solid policy can also help you stand out to a landlord in a competitive market.
Common covered events include: fire, wind and hail, smoke damage, lightning, vandalism, theft, falling objects, water damage, explosions, snow and ice collapse, and in some cases, mold.
Read your entire lease agreement and ensure the rent amount, lease length, security deposit terms, pet and guest policies, and notice requirements align with everything you and your future landlord discussed.
We get it: renters don’t love reading lease agreements. But skipping it is how you get hit with unexpected fees or lose your deposit over something you didn't know was a rule. Study your lease to set yourself up for a smooth transition.
Key things to look out for:
Understanding your costs, such as utilities and security deposit, will help you plan for your budget. Fortunately, you can also furnish your apartment on a budget with a little creativity.
You don’t have to break the bank to furnish your apartment on a budget. Start with the essentials, buy secondhand where you can, and resist the urge to furnish everything at once.
Online shopping that sells bulk or overstock items is a win for saving money. You can also scour local discount retailers or secondhand stores for inexpensive hand towels, cleaners, and sponges. Remember to personalize your new apartment with plenty of decor and unique artwork. Check out our guide on how to buy cheap furniture for your apartment.
Set a move-in date, line up help (or movers) early, pack ahead of time, and handle utilities at your new address before you move in.
Here’s how to organize your move, step-by-step:
Once you’ve gotten your move organized, prep your apartment before you arrive for a seamless move-in experience.
If possible, schedule a deep cleaning of your apartment before you move in. A cleaning company can take care of everything for you, though they may charge a premium for the service. You can also do it yourself with this ultimate apartment cleaning checklist.
When you’re a first-time apartment renter, the key is to have a proactive, organized approach. This apartment rental checklist will keep you focused on what matters, prepared for what it really costs, and help you stay one step ahead of the things most new renters miss.
If you’re ready to make your move toward your first apartment, take the Apartment List quiz to discover places you’ll love. With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.
Before renting your first apartment, nail down your budget and neighborhood, gather your documents (ID, pay stubs, references), factor in upfront costs like a security deposit and first/last month's rent, give yourself at least 60-90 days to search, ask questions on every tour, and read your lease thoroughly before you sign anything.
The 30% rule says that no more than 30% of your gross income should go to rent each month. Using this rule, you should make at least $3,000 net each month to afford an apartment that is $1,000 per month.
Use our Rent Calculator to determine how much you can afford to spend on rent.
Have your credit score, rental history, proof of income, references, and social security number organized and ready to share with your future landlord or property manager. Give the landlord a call to ensure you’re not missing any important documents.
Depending on the apartment complex, you may be responsible for certain utilities. These utilities should be outlined in your lease agreement. When touring an apartment, make sure to ask your future landlord or property managers which utilities they’ll be covering and which ones you’ll have to pay for.
Before you move into your first place, you should have at least 3 months’ worth of rent saved.
In most U.S. states, you must be 18 years old to legally sign a lease and rent an apartment. However, there are exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska set the age at 19, while Mississippi requires renters to be 21.
Landlords will typically ask for the following items when renting:
Most landlords will conduct a credit check during the rental application process. A credit score of 650 or higher is typically ideal for a first-time renter.
Leave the apartment in the same condition you found it (normal wear and tear aside), document everything with photos on move-in and move-out day, and give proper written notice before you leave.
Your lease agreement will spell these terms and conditions out clearly, so make sure you understand them before signing.
Most leases include an early termination fee, often one to two months’ rent. Some states have tenant protection laws that limit these penalties. Read your lease before signing so you know what you’re agreeing to.
Month-to-month leases offer flexibility, but typically cost more per month than a fixed-term lease. If you’re unsure about the city, the apartment, or your plans, month-to-month can be worth the premium—just make sure you budget for it.
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more
