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Lease Smart: What to know
Moving Into Your Own Place
Moving into your own place is exciting- it also comes with real responsibilities
Whether you're renting an apartment or living in a dorm, this lesson will help you avoid expensive
mistakes and feel confident when signing your name
Renting basics
What does Renting Mean
Renting means you pay a landlord or property owner to live in their property for a set amount of time
You can rent a room or the entire place
Some leases are month to month, 6 months, or 1 year
Remember:
- You don't own it
- You agree to follow the rules
- You will sign a contact called a lease
- You pay monthly whether you stay there all month or not
Costs Associated
You will pay a monthly fixed amount called rent
But there are other expenses before you
move in and while you live there:
Before you Move In:
- Security Deposit: usually one month's rent
- First month's rent and sometimes last month too
- Application fees (from $25-$100+ per person)
- Renter's Insurance
While you Live There:
Utilities (some charge a fee to start service)
Internet
Parking Fees (if needed)
Pet fees (if allowed)
What About Dorms
Dorms are different from apartments
- You don't sign a typical lease
- You sign a housing contact through the school
- Housing is usually per semester or school year
- Utilities are usually included
- Furniture is included
- You may not be able to pick your roommates
- Meal plans may be required
- You may share a bath
- Dorms often have quiet hours, guest policies, Resident Assistants (RA), rules that impact your student record
Moving in and Out
What you Need to Know
Moving isn't just about packing boxes-
There are important steps to protect your money and your well being
Moving In
- Do this as soon as you get the keys but before you start moving your stuff:
Walk thru every room
- Check walls, floors, ceilings
- Open cabinets
- Check appliances
- Check sinks, toilets, showers
- Test lights, outlets, smoke detectors
- Check keys and key fobs
Look for:
- Scratches
- Stains
- Holes
- Broken Items
- Water Damage
Take pictures and videos-
Document EVERYTHING! Even small damage
- Email your landlord anything that needs repair or replacement
- Ask for a checklist or find one online
- Send the checklist to the landlord and keep a copy
Moving Out
Protect Your Security Deposit!
Check your notice requirements- if you don't give enough notice to move out, you may be charged
Ask for a move out checklist- or find one online
Clean like you want your money back!- Deep clean all areas including:
- Wipe down walls and baseboards
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
- Clean appliances (inside microwave, oven, fridge)
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Remove all trash
- Remove ALL BELONGINGS
Take pictures and video of all rooms
Cancel all utilities and automatic rental payments
Forward Mail
Communicate with landlord:
Any final instructions
Where to return keys
Mailing address for security deposit return
Final thoughts
Moving out is a big deal- don't rush into a situation you'll regret
Sometimes friends don't make the best roommates- be sure to room with someone who is responsible and who you trust
Dorms can be a fun but dorm living is shared- patience, respect, and communication is necessary
- Talk openly about things like noise, guests, and cleaning- if you have a situation that you cannot resolve, it's time to talk to the RA
Renting a room or apartment is a big step toward independence, but also comes with a lot of financial commitment
- Save up the required amount for move-in
- Research the state law for security deposit return- how long the landlord has and how they should notify you of damages
Moving out may feel overwhelming at first- that's normal- stay organized, ask for help when needed, and remember that learning is part of the process
