Renting your first apartment can be exciting. You finally have your own space and place to call home. Preparing to be a first-time renter, however, can be a bit stressful. Make sure you are doing the appropriate amount of research and following the following tips to keep yourself protected.
Check out these Tuesday Tips that offer great advice to you, a first-time renter.
• Your rent should make up less than 30% of your total income. Make sure you are looking at apartments that you know you can afford.
• Always ask the property owner what types of utilities are included in your rent. Make sure to ask what the average price of utilities per month is, if they are not already included in the rent.
• Bring with you all the necessary paperwork to show a landlord that you have an income (pay stub), at least one bank account, contact information for two or more character witnesses, and a co-signer agreement if necessary.
• Before moving in, take a close look at everything in your apartment and write down any concerns on a renter’s inspection sheet.
• If there are any repairs that need to be made—write them down and give them to your landlord.
• Finally, make sure you have a renter’s insurance policy through Community Insurance. Renters insurance will cover your possessions in the event that something happens to them while you are renting an apartment.
If you are moving into your first place, make sure you give your local agent at Community Insurance & Associates a call. We will be able to set you up a with a renters policy with all the coverage’s you need.