You’ve finally done it! You have landed a great job and have spent time saving up by living at your parents, friends or relatives house. Now it’s time for the tough part - finding an awesome apartment rental property. Before you do, though, it is important to understand that moving out on your own means signing a lease agreement and paying rent and bills. Every first-time renter should take the time to understand the important details before you sign anything. Read ahead to learn more.

Budgeting

Creating a budget is very important when beginning your search for a apartment rental property. Know what amount of rent you can afford and be sure to factor in bills, groceries and other monthly payments you may be making. Ideally, rent should take up less than 30% of your income. It may be good to sit down with someone good with numbers or find an online budget calculator to find out what amount works best for you.

Read Your Lease Agreement Carefully

It is crucial that before you sign anything, you read your lease agreement very carefully. It is important to know everything you are paying for so that nothing surprises you later on. Are you paying for lawn care or is the landlord? If you have a pet, is there a monthly fee? What about maintenance problems? These are just a few of the things that need to be considered when reading a lease. Landlords may not offer any negotiating. What you see is what you get. So, ask questions and get to know your landlord. Make sure you are both on the same page. 

Moving In

Move-in day is finally here! When you first move in, inspect your apartment. Write down any concerns or repairs for your landlord. This allows these issues to get fixed right away. They may provide you with a specific form on paper or online. Be sure to ask your landlord which they prefer. Telling your landlord ahead of time will protect you from liability when you move out. 

Moving into a new apartment and being on your own is an exciting time. Don’t let anything stress you out. Just be sure to budget, read all the details of your lease agreement, and get to know your landlord. You may be able to extend your lease timeframe, so it is a good idea to be a good tenant for your landlord. Use these tips next time you are apartment hunting so that you can have a smooth and easy process.

To find Great Apartments in Shreveport use the Bossier / Shrevport Apartments Guide