How to Find Roommates (That You Actually Like) in 4 Easy Steps
Whether you’re getting an apartment near campus, moving into a new city, or just have a spare room, this guide will show you how to find a roommate in four easy steps!
So it’s your first time renting an apartment, huh? It’s a wild process lemme tell ya. Per usual onomy is here to save the day. Here’s everything you’re gonna want to know.
What do you have in common with Austin McBroom and a hermit crab without a shell? Presumably, you’re all looking for a new place to live. (You guys should start a band).
They say you never forget your first time renting an apartment. Maybe that’s because there’s so much crap to remember. The worst part is that if you miss something, you might get stuck in a year-long contract that you hate — and trust us, you can’t just break up with landlords over text.
So whether you just finished college or you’re moving out of your parent’s place, we’ve got you covered. This 7-minute read will teach you how to make apartment hunting exciting again. Ready? Begin!
Before you start thinking about renting your first apartment, you should understand the key terms involved. Will there be a pop quiz at the end of class? Maybe, maybe not — we like to keep things spicy.
A lease agreement is a contract between tenant and landlord that lays out all the rules and expectations for your stay. That means rent, utilities, pet regulations, and more. Lease agreements are long-term deals that last anywhere from six to twelve months.
A renters agreement covers the same things but only ensures your tenancy for a month. Don’t worry; these contracts usually renew at the end of each term. It’s a bit like signing up for the annual vs monthly plan for Disney Plus (minus the discount).
You thought you were done with scores after high school? Think again, my friend. It doesn’t matter how many degrees, books, or abs you have — this is the number to rule them all.
A credit score measures how likely you are to pay your bills on time — aka credit risk. It’s based on your payment history, how much debt you have, and how long you’ve had credit. Landlords look for tenants with good credit scores to make sure they get paid on time — it’s a bit like the first picture on your Tinder profile.
Wanna know more on how to make sure you’ve got a good credit score? You already know we’ve got a course for that.
A security deposit is a sum of money you pay your landlord in advance to cover any damages or missed payments that happen during your tenancy. The deposit size can vary depending on your state, but it’s usually based on your monthly rent. If all goes well through your residency, your deposit gets refunded at the end of your lease.
The first time you rent an apartment, there’s a good chance you won’t have the income or credit score to do it solo. If you don’t have enough credit history or your rent is more than one-third of your monthly income, you’ll probably need a co-signer. This is someone who will take financial responsibility if you can’t pay your rent on time. Your options when this happens:
Renting an apartment for the first time is a complicated process. But it can be much easier with some preparation ahead of time. Here’s how you can devise your master plan:
We can cover your selection process via three questions: how much, when, and where?
Most landlords require some kind of rental insurance within the leasing agreement. Your insurance will cover things like water damage, fire, or theft. After all, you’ve got valuable stuff: your laptop, your projector, your limited edition Baby Groot Funko Pop. Insurance can start anywhere from $15 per month depending on the value of your belongings, and it’s a good investment to make.
Throughout your application process (don’t worry, we’ll get to that soon) you’ll probably need various documents on hand. (Pro-tip: carry these files in a ridiculously cool metal briefcase so it always looks like you’re a secret agent).
So you’ve followed our tips on selecting an apartment. You’ve collected all the documents you need. The Avengers have finally assembled. All that’s left to do is three final steps:
If you have the option, you absolutely need to tour the apartment before making any decisions. The last thing you want is to be catfished by a Zillow listing. When you’re in, test everything. Pretend you’re in a Chuck E. Cheese’s for adults and pull, shake, and turn everything you can! Okay, maybe don’t go that crazy, but don’t be afraid to flush the toilets, run the taps, and test the outlets.
Now it’s your turn to be tested. (Oh, how the turntables). If you’ve found a place you like, fill out the rental application ASAP. Note: you’ll typically pay a $25 -$100 fee, so budget accordingly. Using your application and credit check, the landlord will determine if you’re a good match for the unit.
Paying for an apartment application and not getting it is a lot like responding to your crush’s IG story and getting left on read. Sometimes you shoot and miss, but it’s a part of life. No, I’m not crying. You’re crying.
Alright, you made it! All that’s left to do is pay your move-in fees and start packing. Usually, landlords require the security deposit and the first month’s rent before your lease begins. Once you’ve paid, you’re ready to enter your new home.
Along the way, try to keep these things in mind:
You did it! You’ve learned everything you need to rent your first apartment. Want to know even more? Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on real-life adulting.
When you rent an apartment for the first time, make sure you have good credit, proof of employment and income, and some form of photo identification. Select an apartment that is big enough for you, your pets, and/or your roommates with a rent below ⅓ of your monthly income.
Typically, your landlord will process your application and do a credit check. Once approved, you’ll also do an inspection to make sure everything works. Finally, you’ll need to pay a security deposit and your first or last month’s rent.
The higher the rent, the higher the credit score you’ll need. According to a survey by RENTCafe, the average renter has a score of 638 as of 2020. In practice, that number can change from city to city.
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