Moving into your first apartment is a big step. It is different from the dorms and a step toward real adulthood. However, there are a few questions that need to be asked before jumping into a lease. These should give you an easy intro into the things you need to know.
1. How is rent paid?
Cash? Check? Money order? Do you and your roommates pay all in one or can you pay seperately? You don't want to show up on the day that rent is due with your half of the rent check when all they take is a full payment in 6th century Chinese coins.
2. Are dogs allowed? Cats?
If you have a furry friend, you want to make sure that they can come with you to your new place. Most apartments have a monthly "pet rent" on top of your regular rent, so you might want to consider that before heading out to adopt. Apartments might also have breed restrictions on what kind of dog you can have.
3. What utilities are included with rent?
This all depends from apartment to apartment. The utilities might be added directly to your rent, or you might have to pay your bill through the company itself. Ask what all is included so you don't find yourself without WiFi on the first night.
4. Can we paint/wallpaper/use nails?
Getting an apartment means being (somewhat) free from those harsh dorm restrictions. However, you might want to ask your landlord before you start doing your whole living room in chalkboard paint. Some apartments are more strict while others just want you to restore it before you move out.
5. Who is responsible for broken appliances?
Some apartments are charged based on how recently the appliances were updated. So, if you're in a vintage apartment and your 50's oven stops working, who pays for it? And then do you have to pay for an updated apartment since your oven is new?
6. How long is the lease for?
Leases vary in length, so you need to know when to renew or find a new place. Whether it's month-to-month or year-to-year, you want to figure it out before you end up past the renewal date and have a week to move out.
7. How is the parking situation?
Is there a parking garage? Does everyone have to park on the street? Some apartments have garages with each unit or you can add a fee to your rent for a specific parking space.
8. What security features are in place?
You have to feel safe in your home. Make sure that the security features are up to your standards and suit your needs before you sign on the dotted line. Also, be sure that you know how they work before you're locked out because you forgot the key code.
9. What are the noise policies?
Whether you're the loud one or it's your upstairs neighbor, you should know if there are quiet hours. That way you can keep your noise to a minimum and be able to complain if others don't do the same.
10. What kind of people live here?
This may be important in picking your future apartment. You don't want to live in a building of new parents if you're trying to meet other college students.
11. Do they allow cosigners?
This is extremely important depending on your financial situation. If you've got a steady income to where you know rent won't be an issue, then you're good. However, you might want to have mom and dad as a backup in case you have a bad month.
