Know your budget

There is a lot more that goes into renting a place then just the monthly rent, you have to take a close look at your income and expenses to see what you can afford. Save up for the up front costs and keep in mind the utilities, internet, security deposits, first months rent, amenities cost, furnishings, and groceries. 

Find out what you need

You usually need to meet a certain criteria. Little things can vary but you should always check with your landlord. Things like credit score or co-signer, references, proof of income, first month’s rent, security deposit and the application fee. 

Consider parking & commute

Location is a big factor, be sure to figure out what is important to you, whether it is better to live in a popular neighborhood or near your employment. Also ask about parking if you have a car. Some apartments have a large garage but some are first come first serve. 

Give yourself enough time 

You don't want to buy the first apartment you find. When you are shopping during the slow season you might not find your dream place right away, so it is important to give yourself enough time to find a good place so you are paying a fair price. 

Ask a lot of questions 

This gives you a chance to learn more about the apartment in general and find out what the landlord is like. Questions to include are: how long is the rental term? Do I have access to laundry facilities? Who do I call if something breaks? Are trash and recycling included in the price? How close are the nearest essentials like groceries or gas? Are there quiet hours or restrictions on guests?

Start Gathering Essentials 

If you have space currently, it is smart to collect essentials ASAP. You don’t want to get to your new home and realize you have nowhere to sit and nothing to cook with. 

Clean before moving in 

While it is the responsibility of the old tenet and the landlord to clean up before you move in, it's better to be safe than sorry. Before moving things in you should give the place a deep clean. 

Get Insurance 

Renters insurance is very affordable and protects your things in the apartment from fires and theft. It can also cover medical or legal bills if a guest gets hurt in your home.