Renting an Apartment for the First Time
Congratulations! It’s time to rent your first apartment. This transition into adulthood represents one of the first major decisions you’ll face in life. Renting an apartment is no small task—you need to consistently pay your rent, maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, and gather as much information as possible before signing your name on the dotted line.
Our Daffodil Storage blog is here to guide you through the process of renting your first apartment. We will provide tips on essential questions to ask, the significance of your credit score, and effective packing strategies for your move.
Questions To Ask When Renting an Apartment
Understanding what you’re signing for in a contract is crucial. Before signing the lease, you should ask the landlord or rental agent several questions. Here are our top 10 questions to ask:
- Is the apartment pet-friendly?
- Are utilities and parking included in the rent?
- How much is the security deposit?
- How long does the lease last?
- What’s the policy for renewing the lease?
- Is there a guest policy?
- How do I pay my rent?
- How’s the neighborhood?
- What maintenance services are available, and what’s the turnaround time?
- Are there early termination fees?
What Credit Score Do You Need To Rent an Apartment?
The credit score report that landlords and rental companies use gauges your ability to pay rent on time by evaluating your history of timely payments and reliability. They conduct this as a risk assessment to determine your financial responsibility. The minimum credit score for apartments usually falls between 620 and 650.
Do you need help boosting your credit score before applying for an apartment or building credit as a first-time renter? Visit our blog for useful tips and tricks.
What Can Disqualify You From Renting an Apartment?
When it comes to securing a rental, several hurdles can stand in your way. Here are some common obstacles that might derail the application:
- Certain pets
- Number of occupants
- Bad references
- Frequent moves or an eviction on rental history—this will not apply when moving into your first apartment
- Poor credit history
- Insufficient, inaccurate, unverified, or unstable income
- High debt-to-income ratio
- Criminal record
- Evidence of illegal activity
If you’ve been disqualified from renting an apartment for any of these reasons, you can address these issues directly with the rental company or landlord. Be transparent and honest—explain the circumstances surrounding the criminal record and highlight your rehabilitation efforts. If you have a poor credit history, consider adding a cosigner to the lease.
How To Pack for a Move
It may feel intimidating and overwhelming to begin packing up all your belongings to move into your first apartment, but it’s simpler than you think. Start small by decluttering your items and determining what to store, keep, donate, or sell. If you have clothes in the closet that haven’t fit in years, it could be time to drop them off at a local thrift store or try selling them online yourself.
Don’t forget to gather or buy packing and moving supplies. These can include boxes of various sizes, Bubble Wrap, tape, and all the other essential packing materials. Create a comprehensive checklist of essentials and non-essentials. First, pack non-essential items like offseason clothes, recreational equipment, and decorations. To streamline the process, label every box clearly with large, blocky letters identifying the contents and the room in which they belong.
Daffodil Storage sells all your moving supplies including boxes, bubble wrap, garment boxes, and tape.
Tips for Moving Into Your First Apartment
To make your transition to your new apartment as smooth as possible, consider these essential tips. Many apartment companies or landlords require tenants to have renter’s insurance, so take the time to review your existing insurance policy or your family’s to make sure you’re covered—if not, signing up is a smart move. Maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord or property manager can significantly benefit your overall living experience.
On the day you move in, take photographs of any existing damage in the apartment, such as nail holes, chipped paint, or warped baseboards. This will help you avoid disputes later and help you get your full deposit back. If your apartment requires organization, invest in space-saving furniture to create more usable living space when needed.
Make Your First Move Easy With Daffodil Storage
Are you planning a summer move into your new apartment? Learn how Daffodil Storage can simplify your process by offering the ideal personal storage unit to offload unnecessary furniture pieces, clothes, and decorations until you’re ready!
Find a Daffodil Storage facility near you in Washington. Our blog provides a wide range of storage tips and advice, and the frequently asked questions page can answer your questions.