{"id":75022,"date":"2025-06-27T11:02:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T18:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=75022"},"modified":"2025-11-19T13:08:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T21:08:05","slug":"tips-for-first-time-apartment-renter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-apartment-renter\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Essential Tips for Renting an Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renting an apartment can be exciting, but also stressful if you&#8217;re not prepared. Whether you&#8217;re a first-time renter or moving into a new place, it\u2019s important to know what to expect and what to watch out for. From understanding your lease to spotting hidden fees, this Redfin article shares 15 apartment renting tips to help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you&#8217;re touring <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30818\/TX\/Austin\/rentals\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartments in Austin, TX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or narrowing down <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29470\/IL\/Chicago\/rentals\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">listings in Chicago, IL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this guide will help you rent with confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74950\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo.jpg\" alt=\"condo or apartment complex where you should ask questions before signing a lease\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Condo-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick answer: What are the most important tips for renting an apartment?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tips for renting an apartment include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a realistic rental budget<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your credit score and rental history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make a list of must-haves and deal-breakers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask smart questions about utilities, policies, and fees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read the lease in full before signing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below, we\u2019ll walk through each one of these and more in more detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Renting as a college student? Check out our <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/off-campus-living-guide\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>off-campus living guide<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Know your budget before you start searching<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before browsing listings, figure out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/how-much-rent-can-i-afford\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how much rent you can afford<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. But don\u2019t stop there\u2014factor in utilities, parking, Wi-Fi, renter\u2019s insurance, and other monthly expenses. If you&#8217;re relocating to a new city, research the average costs of living in the area. Tools like rent calculators can help break it down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also explore our full budgeting guide: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/budgeting-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budgeting for Rent: Know How Much Rent You Can Afford<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Check your credit score<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most landlords run <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/minimum-credit-score-needed-to-rent-apartment\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit checks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to assess whether you&#8217;re a reliable tenant. A good credit score (usually 670 or above) shows you pay bills on time. If your score is lower, you may be asked to pay a higher deposit or bring on a co-signer. Check your credit ahead of time and resolve any errors or outstanding balances to improve your chances.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Make a list of must-haves and deal-breakers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Define your priorities before you get swept up in listings. Do you need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/pet-friendly-apartment-guide\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pet-friendly policies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in-unit laundry, or a parking space? Would you prefer a walkable neighborhood or access to public transit? Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves to narrow your options and avoid wasting time touring places that don\u2019t meet your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Start your apartment search early<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apartment hunting can take longer than expected\u2014especially in competitive rental markets. Begin looking at least 30\u201360 days in advance. Peak rental seasons (spring and summer) often have more availability but higher demand. Starting early gives you more options and time to compare listings, negotiate rent, or wait for the right unit to become available.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Use multiple apartment listing sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand your search beyond just one platform. Use a mix of national rental websites (like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/rentals\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redfin Rentals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/rent.com\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/apartmentguide.com\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ApartmentGuide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), local Facebook groups, neighborhood bulletin boards, and property management company sites. Some landlords only post on local platforms or physical signs outside the unit\u2014so drive around areas you\u2019re interested in if possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Tour the unit in person (or virtually)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never sign a lease without seeing the unit first. In-person tours let you spot potential issues like water damage, mold, pests, or noise. If you\u2019re moving long-distance, ask for a live video tour and request to see inside appliances, under sinks, and the view from the windows. Don\u2019t assume the photos show the full picture\u2014they rarely do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-86900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870.jpg\" alt=\"young student unpacking first apartment _ getty\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1429158870-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Ask smart questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your tour, don\u2019t hesitate to ask questions like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are any utilities included in rent?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the average monthly utility cost?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the policy for repairs or emergencies?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there move-in or admin fees?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the guest policy or parking situation?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These questions help uncover hidden costs and ensure you know what you\u2019re signing up for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more ideas, check out our full list of <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/questions-to-ask-when-renting-an-apartment-or-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">66 Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment or House<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Take photos of the unit before move-in<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve chosen a place, document its condition before moving in. Take timestamped photos or videos of every room, including any dents, scratches, stains, or appliance issues. Share them with the landlord or property manager and save copies for yourself. This can help protect your security deposit when it\u2019s time to move out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Review the lease thoroughly<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t rush through your lease\u2014read it carefully before signing. Look for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lease start and end dates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rent amount and due date<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Late payment penalties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rules about subletting or roommates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If anything seems unclear or unfair, ask the landlord to clarify or adjust it in writing. Never rely on verbal promises.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Understand the security deposit terms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security deposits usually equal one month\u2019s rent, but this varies by state and landlord. Make sure the lease explains:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact amount of the deposit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What could cause you to lose part of it<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long the landlord has to return it after move-out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Document everything at move-in and move-out to avoid disputes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Consider getting renters insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many landlords now require <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/what-is-renters-insurance\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">renters insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014and even if they don\u2019t, it\u2019s a smart move. This low-cost policy protects your belongings from fire, theft, or water damage, and may even cover temporary housing if your unit becomes unlivable. Most policies cost less than $20\/month and offer peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Gather your documents early<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Landlords often rent to the first qualified applicant. Be ready by preparing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government-issued ID<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, or offer letter)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit report (optional)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rental references or contact info from past landlords<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Co-signer details (if needed)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having these ready to go can give you an edge. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to better understand the application process? Read our guide: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/apartment-applications\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apartment Applications: What to Expect and How to Land the Perfect Pad<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-76710\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes.jpg\" alt=\"moving boxes on living room floor\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/writ-of-possession-moving-boxes-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Know your renter rights and local laws<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tenant rights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vary widely by state. Some states limit how much a landlord can charge for deposits, how quickly they must make repairs, or what notice is required for eviction. Look up your state or city\u2019s tenant handbook or fair housing agency to understand your legal protections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Do a full inspection before moving in<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/move-in-checklist\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">move-in inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the landlord. Use a checklist to examine floors, windows, doors, appliances, plumbing, and outlets. If something is broken or damaged, request repairs in writing and keep a copy. Signing off on the unit\u2019s condition upfront can prevent deposit issues later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. Get everything in writing<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Verbal promises don\u2019t hold up in disputes. If the landlord agrees to repaint, waive a fee, or fix something before move-in, ask them to include it in the lease or confirm it in an email. Clear communication protects both you and the landlord and helps avoid confusion down the line.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From budgeting to reading the lease, these 15 essential apartment renting tips will help you avoid mistakes and feel confident in your next move.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":562,"featured_media":74950,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34343],"tags":[34458],"coauthors":[34346],"class_list":["post-75022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renting-a-home","tag-apartment-faqs-and-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>15 Must-Know Apartment Renting Tips | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From budgeting to reading the lease, these 15 essential apartment renting tips will help you avoid mistakes and feel confident in your next move.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-apartment-renter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"15 Essential Tips for Renting an Apartment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From budgeting to reading the lease, these 15 essential apartment renting tips will help you avoid mistakes and feel confident in your next move.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-apartment-renter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; 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