15 guides
First apartment guides
Plain-English guides to renting your first apartment. General information, not legal advice; renting laws vary by state and city.
Finding a place
Budget, tours, applications and scams.
- How much rent can you afford?
The 30% guideline, and its limits.
- What to check on a tour
Look past the fresh paint.
- Rental applications
What landlords usually ask for.
- Avoid rental scams
See it in person before you pay.
Lease and move-in
Leases, deposits, inspections and insurance.
- Read your lease
Before you sign, not after.
- Security deposits
Limits and deadlines vary by state.
- The move-in inspection
Your best protection for your deposit.
- Renters insurance
Your landlord's policy doesn't cover your things.
Setting up
Utilities, furniture, kitchen and cleaning.
- Set up your utilities
Start a week before you move.
- Furnish on a budget
Start with the essentials.
- First kitchen basics
Cook simple meals from day one.
- A simple cleaning kit
Clean before you unpack.
Living there
Neighbors, repairs and moving out.
- Being a good neighbor
Small courtesies, fewer problems.
- Requesting repairs
In writing, with photos.
- Get your deposit back
Clean, document and give notice.