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Moving into a new place after graduation can be one of the most daunting parts of your “Real World” transition, especially if the apartment is your first, in a new and unfamiliar place or if you’re moving in with a girlfriend or boyfriend for the first time (but dealing with that is a subject for another post). But, when you come prepared, renting is far more manageable. Here are ten things to consider when you begin looking for a place on your own:

1. Bring your paperwork. Showing up prepared is the single best way to impress a new (or would-be) landlord. Showing up with a completed rental application; written references from landlords, employers, and colleagues; and a current copy of your credit report (which landlords have the right to see) all show enthusiasm and preparedness, which goes a long way.
2. Review the lease. Carefully review all of the conditions of the tenancy before you sign on the dotted line. This may sound obvious but make sure you go over your lease with a fine tooth comb and ask questions. Never agree to anything you don’t understand and, if there is a caveat of the lease you’re unhappy with, try and (politely) negotiate a compromise.
3. Get everything in writing. This one cannot be stressed enough. To avoid disputes or misunderstanding down the road, make sure you get all correspondence with your landlord in writing and follow up any oral agreements with a letter, setting out your understandings. If you ask your landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing. If the landlord agrees orally, send a letter confirming this. And don’t forget, always make a copy of the letter for yourself!
4. Know and respect your right to privacy. Be fully aware of the rules for landlord entry into your apartment as stated in your lease and remember that a landlord is only allowed entry into your apartment to make needed repairs (or in some states, just to determine whether repairs are necessary); in cases of emergency; or to show the property to prospective new tenants or purchasers. And remember, with the exception of a case of emergency, landlords are required to provide advance notice (usually 24 hours) before entering a rental unit (to see the laws for your state, check out: Notice Requirements to Enter Rental Property, State by State).
5. Demand repairs. If your building isn’t up to your standards, demand they be fixed. Your landlord is required to offer you livable premises - including adequate weatherproofing, heat, water, and electricity; and clean, sanitary, and structurally safe premises. If your building is not up to snuff in any of those categories, your options range from paying for repairs and deducting the cost from your rent, to calling a building inspector yourself, and even breaking your lease without any risk of an early termination fee.
6. Talk to your landlord. This is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure a smooth living experience. Tell your landlord about the good things as well as the bad, and create a mutual trusting and open relationship. This way, if a problem does arise, it can be brought up and discussed calmly and rationally before anything gets out of hand.
7. Buy Renters’ Insurance. Your landlord’s insurance policy will cover the building but it won’t cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renters’ insurance also covers you if you’re sued by someone who claims to have been injured in your rental due to your stupidity. Renters’ Insurance is very inexpensive — I think mine costs me a whopping $80/year — and while you may never need it, if you do, you’ll be thankful you spent the few extra dollars.
8. Protect your security deposit. One month’s rent (the usual sum of the security deposit) is a lot of money and you’ll want to ensure you’ll get it all back at the end of your lease. So make sure you (and your lease) are clear on what will happen to that money when the lease is up, including any allowable deductions. When you move in, do a walk-through with the landlord and record existing damage to the premises on a checklist and include it with each copy of the lease.
9. Protect your safety. Learn about the building and the neighborhood you’re moving into. Are they safe? What can you expect your landlord to do about it if they’re not? Find out if there are state or local laws that require safety devices such as deadbolts and window locks in your apartment; see if you can discover any venerabilities or weaknesses to your building; and ask if any problems have occurred in your building in the past.
10. Deal with an eviction properly. This would be, of course, one of the worst things that could happen to you after you move into your new place, but it could happen. If it does, be sure and know when to fight an eviction notice and when to move. If you feel the landlord is clearly is the wrong (for example, you haven’t received proper notice of your eviction or if your apartment is uninhabitable), you may want to fight the eviction. But you’ll get nowhere in that fight without the proper documentation to back it up, so once again - get everything in writing and make copies!

If you follow these simple but important steps, moving into your own place — either with a roommate, a girlfriend, or by yourself — after graduation can be one of the most rewarding & liberating experiences along the journey to the “Real World”

[image by benprks]

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