Renting an apartment can be exciting, but it can be stressful if you’re not ready. Whether you are a first-time renter or moving to a new location, it is important to know what to expect and what to be aware of. From understanding your lease to discovering hidden fees, this Redfin article shares tips on renting 15 apartments that will help you make wise decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re touring apartments in Austin, Texas, or narrowing down your list in Chicago, Illinois, this guide will help you rent with confidence.
Simple answer: What are the most important tips for renting an apartment?
Here are the top tips for renting an apartment:
Creating a realistic rental budget You don’t need to review your credit score and rental history, but before signing, you need to ask smart questions about utilities, policies, and prices.
Each of these is explained in more detail below.
1. Understand your budget before starting your search
Before browsing the list, know how much rent you can buy. Experts recommend spending less than 30% of your monthly total income in rent. However, don’t stop utilities, parking, Wi-Fi, renter insurance, and other monthly expenses factors. If you are moving to a new city, research the average cost of living in this area. Tools like rent calculators can help you break it down.
You can also find out if you can afford it, our complete budgeting guide: Rental Budget:
2. Check your credit score
Most landlords perform credit checks to assess whether they are reliable tenants. A good credit score (usually above 670) indicates that you pay your bills on time. If your score is low, you may be asked to pay a higher deposit or bring in a co-signer. Check your credits in advance and resolve errors and unresolved balances to improve your chances.
3. Create a list of essential items and deal breakers
Define your priorities before you get caught up in a listing. Do you need a pet-friendly policy, laundry on your unit, or a parking space? Do you prefer access to a walkable neighborhood or public transport? Separate the essential essentials from Haves from Nice to narrow down your options and avoid wasting tours of places that don’t meet your needs.
4. Start your apartment search early
Apartment hunting can take longer than expected, especially in competitive rental markets. Start watching at least 30-60 days in advance. Peak rental season (spring and summer) is often more available, but in high demand. Starting early will give you more options and time to compare lists, negotiate rent, and wait for the right units to be available.
5. Use multiple apartment list sources
Extend your search across one platform. Use a combination of the National Rental website (such as Redfin Rentals, Rent.com, ApartmentGuide), local Facebook groups, neighborhood bulletin boards, and real estate management companies sites. Some landlords only post on physical signs outside their local platforms and units, so if possible they drive through areas of interest.
6. Touring the unit in person (or essentially)
Do not sign a lease without first looking at the unit. In-person tours will help you spot potential issues such as floods, mold, pests, and noise. If you are running long distances, please request a live video tour and check out the views from the interior appliances, under the sink and through the windows. Don’t assume that the photos show the big picture – they rarely do it.
7. Ask smart questions
Please do not hesitate to ask questions like the following during the tour:
Does the rent include utility? What is the average monthly utility cost? What are your repair and emergency policies? Is there a fee for rent? What is the guest policy or parking status?
These questions will help you uncover hidden costs and ensure you know what you signed up for.
Check out our complete list of 66 questions for more ideas. Ask when renting an apartment or house.
8. Take a photo of the unit before moving in
Once you have selected a location, document its status before moving. Take photos and videos of timestamps for all rooms, including dents, scratches, dirt and appliance issues. Share them with your landlord or property manager and save your own copy. This helps to protect your security deposit when it’s time to move.
9. We will thoroughly check your lease
Don’t hurry up with the lease. Read carefully before signing. search:
Lease start and end dates Rent and due dates Regulations on delayed fines or roommate maintenance liability
If you think it is unclear or unfair, ask your landlord to clarify or adjust it in writing. Don’t rely on verbal promises.
10. Understand the requirements for security deposits
Security deposits are usually comparable to one month’s rent, but this varies from state to state and landlord. Make sure the lease explains:
The exact amount of deposits is the reason why you lose a portion of it, the time the landlord has to return it after eviction
Document everything with move-in and move-out to avoid conflict.
11. Consider taking out tenant insurance
Many landlords now need rental insurance. If not, it’s a wise move. This low-cost policy protects your belongings from belongings, theft, or water damage, and even covers temporary homes if the unit is disabled. Most policies are less than $20 a month, providing peace of mind.
12. Collect documents early
Landlords often rent it to the first qualified applicant. Prepare and prepare:
Rental reference or contact information for government-issued ID income certificate (payment stub, W-2, or offering) credit report (optional)
Preparing these can give you an advantage. Want a better understanding of the application process? Read the guide: Apartment Application: What to expect and how to land the perfect pad.
13. Know the rights and local rules of tenants
Tenant rights vary widely from state to state. Some states limit the number of notifications required for landlords to charge their deposits, whether they must promptly perform repairs, or evictions. Check out your state or city tenant handbook or fair housing agent to understand your legal protections.
14. Complete inspection before moving
Schedule a mobile inspection with your landlord. Use the checklist to explore floors, windows, doors, appliances, plumbing and outlets. If anything is broken or damaged, request a written repair and keep a copy. Signing off the unit’s status in advance will help prevent any deposit issues later.
15. Everything will be obtained in writing
Oral promises cannot withstand conflict. If your landlord agrees to repaint, waive any fees or fix something before moving, ask to include it in your lease or check by email. Clear communication will help protect both you and the landlord and avoid disruption in the line.
